The view from Neil and Karen’s apartment in Dubai
Arrived Dubai at 7.30 this morning.
I enjoyed my time in Europe more than I thought I would. Visiting Europe has always been a lesser priority for me because I have always considered it too modern, too ordered, too comfortable. But the parts of Europe I visited had plenty of character and the people were great. My time in both Germany and France was very memorable and I could easily return for more.
Neil and Karen meet me at the Dubai airport. They are long-time great friends from University days who have been living and working in Dubai for the past three years.
First thing on the agenda is a quick look around Dubai. Visually this place is amazing. The tallest building in the world lives here and all around are high rises that are architecturally fascinating. Architects seem to have been given free reign here to do what they like and they have. Some of the shapes are irregular and far from the standard straight up and down. One high rise currently under construction twists around in a clockwise direction so that by the time it is completed, it will have done a 90 degree twist. It must be hard to utilise fully the internal space in such oddly shaped buildings. They certainly are visually entertaining. Dubai has a modern sky metro rail system. The trains are pilotless! Even the metro stations are beautifully designed.
Some of the ideas here are bigger than big and a bit bizarre. The tallest building is evidence if that. You may be familiar with the man-made islands made to various shapes and home to hotel resorts and mansions. Some of the islands are completely surrounded by water but accessible by tunnel roads. It is possible to purchase your space at huge cost on some of these islands but then you have to pay for essential utilities to be brought to your block and connected.
The GFC has hit Dubai hard. There are many big constructions that have come to a standstill with the cranes still in place. There is a huge oversupply of shopping space and accommodation. It is a good time to be renting. Neil and Karen live in a high rise outside of the main centre and balcony views take in the busy airport (planes are moving constantly), the busier through-city highway, and the city centre.
angusmccoll 
Hi Angus,
Looks amazing – very jealous of your fantastic travels. Just don’t say or do the wrong thing in Dubai and you will be fine. Let us know when you are scheduled to hit Rainbow and we will tie in a camping trip up the Coast.
Cheers,
Liz Tuckett
Hey Liz, great to hear from you. I have been thinking of you guys and wondering how you are going. Thanks for the tip and yes I will behave. And yes I will let you know when I head down to Rainbow. I would love to catch up. Take care.