The Atlantis in Dubai

The hubby and I had the most wonderful time in Dubai.  We were so busy trying to do everything that I had to come back to home to Kuwait and take a vacation from my vacation.  We stayed at the Atlantis and flew in using Emeriates.  Let me just say that I love the purple colors on the plane.  The seats and aisles were more roomy and  I enjoyed the personal video monitor at my seat.  

It was so cool to watch the the front view (what the captain was seeing) and the belly aerial view of the flight.  We even got a meal even though the flight was just a little over an hour.  The flight was indeed more pricey than the other airlines, about $100 more per person.   But we wanted to ride in style and it certainly was an upgrade. 

The hotel entrance was classy looking, filled with sea shell and ocean themed pieces. 

 The first thing that grabs your attention is the enormous geyser fountain in the middle of the lobby. 

The decor and finish in every part of the hotel was grand.   With the sound of  the water fountains, to the aroma of essential oils and softly playing music;  the experience of strolling through the hotel was utterly relaxing.  

The outside views were just as amazing.  It was truly a five star experience as far as the overall appearance and upkeep of the hotel.  And the staff worked tirelessly and with a smile to keep every guest satisfied.

 The views outside were just as amazing and very well kept.  It was a royal experience.

The panoramic view from our room was a joy to see from the terrace.  It's hard to believe that this massive oasis was man-made.

We took a stroll at night on the walkway and discovered where the water park was located.  With a quick trip from the regularly running shuttles (about 5 or 10 minutes) we were off to our water world adventure.

 As a warning, the water park will cause you to have severe laughing spells.  Those with serious sticks up their butts should avoid this experience as you will be sure to have a good time.

I am happy to say that I took "The Leap of Faith".  This slide was awesome and scary and breathtaking fun.  I highly recommend it.

After feeling like a kid and lazing around a couple of days, we swam with the dolphins... err, actually, waded with a dolphin named Cathy in shallow water since I couldn't tread water for a half an hour in the deep end. We got to kiss, hug, play, pet and dance with Cathy.  This was a highlight for me as I truly love dolphins and their playful nature.

Although we only stayed for four days, we dined at a couple of restaurants in the hotel which were divine.  And even went out for a night on the town to dine at the Emirates Towers Vu restaurant which was truly a 5 star meal.   We also managed to visit the Burj Khalifa Tower which is 2,217 feet tall (828 meters). The tallest building in the world that was just completed this year.  The observation deck was way up there with clouds... literally!  I was so in awe of the towering height that my feet were tingling.  

Our short trip felt longer because we had so much fun.  I'm looking forward to going back soon.

In Dubai Beeooch!

Finally!  I'm in Dubai for more than just a quick visa extension.  Staying at the Atlantis hotel and LOVING it so far.  Time to get off line and live life...

Driving Me Crazy

Before I came to this country, I read that Kuwait has one of highest car accident  fatality rates. Now living here, I see how it's true.  I am often terrified when riding in a car or taxi.  The ride usually consists of me holding the overhead grip at least once because of some insane driver in a rush or not paying attention.  I've also noticed an alarming number of people who don't wear seat belts.  And children playing on the dashboard.

Keeping all of that in mind, today, the hubby and I  spent a couple of hours at the Kuwait Scientific Center in the Aquarium.  Just some good old fashioned family time.  The aquarium is much smaller than the massive ones like the Georgia and Tennessee Aquariums in the U.S. but I still found it to be filled with unique and interesting specimens like bats, penguins and killer sharks.  The video touch-screens describing each exhibit were a nice touch as well.

On the way home my cheerful mood was grossly violated when not 2 minutes away from the Scientific Center, we drove past flashing lights and an apparent car accident.  An SUV's front end was run up on the curb and 3 police cars were on the scene.  I was thinking, "Oh, not another accident.  I hope no one was..."  And then I saw him.  A man was lying on his left side in the fetal position.  I thought maybe he was in pain, waiting for an ambulance.  He wasn't moving.  Then I saw the top of his head.  There was a gigantic hole in it and his brain was spilling out from his skull.  I squeezed my eyes shut and wished that I had not looked.  Other than a funeral, I have never seen  a dead body.  After feeling very scared, shocked and very sorry for the man, I began to get very angry.

First of all, I should never have seen that, no one should.  I started thinking that I had just come from a place where there were hundreds of children, and that many of their families were probably right behind us in their cars.  What if I child saw that?  There were enough police cars on the scene for one of them to have covered that body.  Police officers are often the first responders and they should have survival kits with a blanket in their trunks.

How can this culture cover up a woman's body in an advertorial photo by blacking out too much leg or photo shopping a fake shirt on a woman because it exposed too much cleavage but no one rushes to cover a man's brains spilling out on the street? Censorship is so strong in this country.  OK I get it.  But what about real life?  It just seems backwards to me.  Speaking of backwards, on the WAY to the Scientific Center, we saw a local driving an SUV with a sun visor on the front driver's side.  It covered the entire window!  I know he couldn't see the side view mirror.  I guess he thought he wouldn't need it since most of the drivers here just lane jump with out looking anyway.  I just keep thinking about that poor, unfortunate man.  Was he trying to cross the street?  Did the car just jump the curb?  Or did someone like the dumb ass I saw earlier ( that couldn't see properly from the drivers side because he was driving with a sun visor at night) decide to not slow down because everyone here seems to think they have the right of way?  What happened to pedestrians having the right of way?  Is that even a law here?  It should be.  But then again... the traffic laws don't seem to be enforced here.