Trip To The Desert- Sunday, April 19

The Arabian Desert

After going to Ski Dubai, we decided to take a trip to the desert. We went from 1 extreme to the other! But I think that is what Dubai is all about!

We were picked up at our hotel by a Tahoe for a sand dune excursion! Our drive to the desert was about an hour. Once we left the hussle and bussle of Dubai, it quickly became quiet desert.

We met up with about 40 other Tahoes full of people ready to ride the dunes of the Arabian Desert. (our driver said business is down-normally there would be 60 plus Tahoes every day)

Riding the sand dunes was fun! We followed a convoy of cars up and down each dune. Luckily dinner was served after the ride! Our driver could not have been more friendly. In fact, everyone has been so friendly!

Before the sand dune adventure was over, we stopped to watch the sun set on the Arabian desert. The colors of the sky and sand were beautiful. Unlike Tucson desert, there are no cacti. In fact, very little plants at all. So when you do look out, you see NOTHING except miles and miles of sand.

After the sunset watch, they set up a camp for a traditional Arabian night. We ate food, watched a belly dancing performance, henna tattoos and camel riding. See videos....

Last but not least, they turned out all the lights at the camp so we could see the stars. It was a clear night-the sky was full of stars.

What a day...Ski Dubai to Arabian Desert! Dad and I are exhausted!

Riding the Sand Dunes

Belly Dancing

Camel Riding

Henna Tattoos- Coming Soon

Shishas

Shishas are "in vogue" in the UAE. A Shisha is essentially a water pipe used for smoking purposes, originating about 500 years ago. The tobacco is heated by coals and the smoke is purified and cooled through the water after which it emerges through the the suction tube, from where it is smoked. In the video above, a man demonstrates this. The cost to smoke one in the UAE ranges, in general, from about 35-50 Dirhams (USD10-20) depending on whether you are in a trendy 'to be seen' place or not, though some exclusive joints can charge upward of a thousand Dirhams! Flavors vary from apple, mint, strawberry, apricot and grape.