Ten years ago, we visited the unique city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
After an unforgettable trip to India, the hubby and I made a stop in Dubai on our way back to Canada.
We made wonderful memories in our short four-day visit.
We stayed near Jumeirah Beach.
The white sandy beach is located along the coast of the Persian Gulf and we swam in its soothing saltwater every day.
It was nice to be reminded of Canadian comforts, like Tim Horton’s…
… which sells potato chips!
We did a bus tour, which allowed us to get a quick snapshot of the city highlights.
There was a lot of construction and I can only imagine what the skyline looks like now.
I loved the futuristic turtle shell design of the subway stations. We later tried riding the automated driverless trains.
The bus tour took us to Palm Island, a man-made island built off the coast of Dubai.
The homes on the island were beautiful and I loved the Middle Eastern architecture.
We walked by Burj Al Arab, reputed to be the world’s only 7-star hotel, with its own helipad.
The days were very hot and humid and we cooled off at Dubai Mall, which had…
… a skating rink …
… a massive aquarium with shark tanks …
… and an indoor ski hill with ski lifts!
The hubby went snowboarding while I sipped a cold drink at the food court.
It’s tradition to scope out unique offerings at McDonald’s in other countries. The McArabia Chicken and Chicken Big Mac were yum!
We visited Dubai’s most well-known attraction, Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building at 2,722 feet.
You may have seen Tom Cruise hanging out on top of it in Mission Impossible 4.
The night views of the city was awesome.
Do you see a cross and a heart below like I did?
This message below, posted on one of the exhibit spaces inside the building, still resonates:
“The word impossible is not in the leader’s dictionaries. No matter how big the challenges, strong faith, determination and resolve will overcome them.”
The highlight of the trip was the sunset desert safari on our last day.
We rode a camel…
… saw a falcon up close…
… enjoyed a barbecue in a Bedouin camp …
… with amazing music and dancing.
Sometimes, when I look back at photos from life before T, it was so carefree.
These days, the sand we get pour out of T’s shoes from overzealous play in the school sandpit.
But I have nothing but gratitude for what came before T and what is in front and ahead of us.
I am thankful the hubby and I explored some of the world before starting a family.
Every sight, sound, taste and smell shaped us into the people that are now T’s parents.
We draw from every memory to inspire and inform us through the successes and setbacks.
What always stuck with me about Dubai was how this city’s ambitions were built on shifting sands.
As with everything in our life with T, I continue to see the parallels and metaphors.
Fabulous adventure – you covered a lot of great experiences, getting so close to that beautiful falcon and those desert safaris look fun (like a rollercoaster on those steep dips lol) 😊
Thanks Cherryl. Dubai is highly recommended and much closer for you to get to than me! 😊
Looks like you made the most of your time in Dubai! If you ever revisit, should check out some of the beautiful hiking spots they have and do a brunch! 🙈
Thank you for visiting the post! Do you have a link to recommended trails? I’d love to take a look.
It’ll probably be many years before I visit again but it’s always good to dream of the possibilities. I definitely want to see the Future Museum and the Dubai Eye next time I visit!
Such a fascinating city!
WOW! on so many levels! and Tim Horton’s in Dubai? Who knew?
Thanks Vickie. It’s an out of this world city. They recently added a giant version of the London Eye that looks pretty cool too.
Dubai is an interesting place – the food is amazing! I’ve done one of those safari tours too. They’re great fun. The reason I love traveling is for the memories. The more memories – the more beautiful and interesting the life I rek. You’ll have to take T one day. Wishing you and the family the very best! 🙏
Thanks AP. I can only imagine all the adventures and places you’ve visited, including through your work! And I hope you’ll share them on your blog so I can live vicariously! 😊
What a beautiful and memorable trip Ab, 10 years goes so fast!
Thank you Diane! Time really does fly. 😊
Fantastic photos and I love the parallels you made to your current life. Those trips together, not only help you grow as people and parents, but strengthen your bond as a couple, which helps too.
Thank you! The moments to bond as a couple are so important too! I look forward to when we can do RV trips with and without our T. 😊
I think there was a time when Beyoncé was on Oprah (I believe this was more than a decade ago) and said something like women should live their lives first before bringing a new life to the world. I couldn’t agree more with this as, unfortunately, I’ve seen examples of how parents who had their first kid when they were still very young struggled with things more mature parents who are happier with their lives never have to deal with. I’m glad you and your husband have done all those travels in the past.
Thank you, Bama! Queen Bey knows it all! 👍😊 I do miss travel without a kid sometimes but it’s great to experience the world with a little one. I can’t wait till he’s older and we can visit places overseas. One of these days! 🤞🏻
These are such beautiful photos Ab. I love the parallels and metaphors in your life with T. <3
Thank you, LaDonna. Life is truly a circle filled with memories and route markers. 😊
What a great travel post! I really like how you go back and revisit those memories (and let us go with you) and then draw parallels to life today with T. Such a wonderful way to get full circle perspective!
Thank you, Wynne! My phone album memories reminded me of this trip recently. It was a nice walk down memory lane. Hard to believe it’s only 10 years ago but also feels like a complete lifetime ago.
A lifetime ago indeed – we have been completely changed by having kids!