Sandstorm in Dubai

Christine and I spent a quick weekend in Dubai. Unfortunately, we didn't see much Friday because of a sandstorm. My first view of the famous seven-star hotel in the shape of a ship's mast (the Burj al-Arab) came when I was standing outside--in a sandstorm--in an hour-long wait at a taxi stand outside the Mall of the Emirates (that complex, congested cave of copious, crass commercialism). We did see the indoor ski slope at the Mall of the Emirates; we also spent some time along Dubai Creek (Khor Dubai), which is a fascinating place with its little boats (abras) criss-crossing the creek between Bur Dubai and Deira. We walked through several souqs as well. Oh yes, we also saw the Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building (at least until the next skyscraper goes up in Dubai!). You can check out this cool building at www.burjdubai.com.