We managed to get a pleasant looking apartment-style room with 7 beds (for seven travelers). It looked amazing for only $33 dollars per person per night.
After our arrival, we dropped our luggage off and set off on a self-guided tour, which revealed two sides of the city. First, we visited the Golden Sok, or gold market, in the older part of town. The streets were full of small shops filled with crafts, jewelry, tea, and men who were eager to make a sale—at whatever price necessary. I regret not buying a silk shawl, which would have cost around 30-35 Durbon (so about 10 bucks).
After a long cab ride, we decided to return the Burj Khalifa’s initial greeting with a visit of our own to it's mall right below. The city’s aurora changed completely. Small independent shops were replaced with Bloomingdales, Prada, Starbucks, California Pizza Kitchen, etc. The prices were the same as in a New York or Las Vegas mall, except for the electronics, which was much more expensive.
Some friends of mine traveled to the to the top of the tower. Here's part of the view:
I was especially intrigued by the advertisements. Everything was in English and Arabic, including this Bulgari ad that was all over New York, now with Arabic writing.
With the financial crisis of 2007-2010, Dubai was in danger. As companies failed and people lost their jobs, construction projects have been suspended and foreigners have been fleeing the country to escape debtor’s prison. (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/world/middleeast/12dubai.html)
Who knows if Dubai will continue to boom economically again—now, I just want to be in Africa.
More articles:
(http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/28/business/global/28dubai.html?_r=1)
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