Writing this from somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, after having finished watching my second movie on a 16+ hour flight. All in all, this trip proved to be exhilarating and exhausting at the same time. I might sum it up as a once in a lifetime experience. Meaning that for me, Dubai feels less like a “Top Ten” and more like an “Over the Top” destination.

I happened to run across Laura Meyers’ travel blog, called Laure Wanders, and I agree with her assessment of Dubai’s over the top materialism. No doubt I met many kind and super friendly people working in Dubai, but often the focus felt insubstantial. Last night at bed time the lights in my fancy hotel room wouldn’t turn off. There isn’t an on/off switch. I had to call a technician to come to the room at midnight to install the second lighting automation controller in three days. Earlier that day I needed to return an adapter to the Apple Store in the Dubai Mall and while there I noticed a group of tourists following a woman with a flag. I cracked up when I realized it was a guided tour of the shopping mall. Who would pay to go on a tour inside a shopping mall? Why?

During my stay I asked a cab driver what he felt was the attraction for so many people around the world to visit Dubai. His answer was, “It is safe.” I agree the city feels safe and sanitized. I never saw a cigarette butt nor loose piece of litter during many miles of walking the city streets. When “Sanitized for Your Safety” becomes the main reason to choose a travel destination, perhaps it’s time to hang it up and book a Carnival Cruise. Give me a little litter with some tasty Asian food, a cold glass of beer, and a smile any day.

Cheers to you and thanks for coming along on the ride.-Rambling Gar ✈️