Training in Dubai

When my company told me that I needed to be sent to Dubai for training, I pretty much booked my flight immediately. Since I had a full week of training scheduled, I decided to spend more time in Dubai to see my brother by staying there the weekend before and after my training. 

I had a really fun time out there but it's kind of funny because I still can't quite make a decision on how I feel about Dubai. I liked it, a lot, yes. It was more expensive than Jordan in rent, eating out and taxis. But I really liked that there were so many activities that you could do. In Amman, for entertainment, L and usually eat out, see friends, go to parties, go to the cinema or go for a coffee. But we only like a few coffee shops. And we are pretty limited in our choice of cuisine when we eat out. In Dubai, you can go spend time at the beach or enjoy the musical and visual spectacle that is the Dubai Fountain (my favourite place in Dubai) or walk along The Walk (although I didn't get a chance to do that) and all for free. Then you have literally hundreds of restaurants and cafes to choose from to eat and drink at at any price range. And you can easily find a nice cafe where you can sit with your book and enjoy a coffee without being bothered. And most of all, there is practically none of the harassment you get here in Jordan when you step out of your door. So in that sense, I prefer it over Amman.

I know that there is an underground world of exploitation in Dubai, which is saddening and frustrating. This is one of the things that makes me hesitate when I consider whether I'll ever want to live there. 

I've been back to Dubai for a short stop-over since then and found that I felt quite relaxed in Dubai. Although that may just be because I was in holiday mode! L and I are planning to stop-over early next year and I'm intrigued to find out what he thinks of it.

Sx

The Aquarium in Dubai Mall.

Dessert after one of the best salads ever at Jones the Grocer.

Found Magnolia Cupcakes. They.Are.Divine.

The "Waterfall" in Dubai Mall. Even more gorgeous in real life.

Not my normal blogging spot

Thursday, September 26: Go to a coffee shop. Order a favorite drink. Write about what makes you happy and what makes you sad. Or write about anything you'd like! Bonus points for including a photo from the coffee shop. *if you can't make it to a coffee shop, at least leave your usual space and write someplace new.

Coffee, pastries, 30Rock.

Ok, yes, perhaps I' m a tad late in writing this post. And perhaps I am not in a coffee shop. But I wanted to wait until the perfect location. I think I have. I am currently sitting in Dubai airport, waiting for my flight back to Yemen. And, that ties in nicely with things that make me happy: travelling and family. Louis isn't travelling back with me though because we were just that little bit unsure about the current situation in Yemen :( Although there are many foreigners living in Yemen and some of my foreign friends visited Sana'a recently, I just really don't like taking risks. So anyway, that is something that makes me sad - not being with Louis. But it's been over 3 and a half years since I was last in Yemen, and the trip is grossly overdue. The tickets were booked, the bags were packed and my credit card prepared for further damage!

I must admit, I am quite overwhelmed about going back "home". For the past two days, I've had to focus on "I'm just going to Dubai, la la la la" rather than really think about getting back to where I grew up. I'm not sure why. Definitely because I am incredibly excited. But I think it's also because, not only does my heart beat for the love of the city, it also beats because of the crazy jets that I know will continue to freak me out. For most people who live in Yemen, they have become used to the sounds of fighter jets coming and going as they please. But I break into cold sweats when a plane flies low over the city, reminding me of the Civil War in the mid-90s. So I'm sure that anxiety is hiding somewhere in the back of my mind. 

Let's dig deeper still. I think I'm scared of how the people I love have changed in the past 4ish years. I find dealing with age and losing people very distressing. Several family members have sadly passed away since I was last in Yemen. Seeing my family aging is not easy. And I know that change is most apparent when it is sudden, so I'm bracing myself for that. I know that I am to blame for part of it - shouldn't have stayed away so long! Regardless, I literally can't describe how excited I am at seeing everyone! 

I have another 4 hours to kill before my flight...30Rock it is! 

Sx