Dubai - the best surprise ever

The purpose of this holiday to Dubai was not for the destination but more for the people I was joining at the destination. This was the very first time I gave someone a surprise and it was simply amazing. I have never felt so happy about making others happy until I saw my grand parents faces at the Dubai International Airport. Me waiting with baited breath behind my sisters (who were already stunned to see me there) and then suddenly popping my head out to see my Dadima completely taken off guard by my presence and then the situation sinking in and her face lighting up with a broad crazy happy smile. This was a very special trip for them and till the very last moment I wasn't going to go. Luckily my cousin drilled some sense into me and in a split second (yes that is all it took) I decided no matter what I had to make it to this trip and believe me, just to see that face, was worth it all.

Well once the surprise settled in we got down to having an amazing time. From skiing, to sand boarding, to camel rides, to quad bikes, we did it all in the seven sands of Dubai. That is I guess the brilliance of this place, you can be skiing one day in -6 degrees celcius and the very next your on a safari in the scorching desert heat of -40. Oh and how can I forget the shopping, the crazy unlimited amount of shopping. There is no end to the brands, malls, stores, boutiques this city has, you name the brand and they've got it in a large mall in a small corner with an elaborate entrance. You could begin anywhere The Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates, BurJuman, Wafi Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall, they all are huge and cannot be covered in one day. Specially not when you head up there during the Shopping Festival and are constantly distracted by the crazy discounts, one for two offers, gift packs - it is literally a shopaholic's paradise - it's where I finally got my dslr camera from. Yes everyone, finally have my very own Cannon 1000D two lens kit; so one part of the new year resolution is complete, now stay tuned for regular updates and well better watch out for those amazing shots on flicker :)

Apart from all of the above the stay was a hit, a lot of family drama obviously came into play, ties became stronger, became clearer and others were simply perfect to begin with. All eleven of us stayed together between three apartments at the London Crown Apartments 2 and had a crazy fun time. All you need to do is imagine a North Indian family of 11 people which includes 4 very noisy girls running around a floor organising things. Trust me you did not want to be a guest on that floor...we were insane

I do however have to say, having visited Dubai now for the third time, sadly I come to the conclusion that there isn't really much to it apart from excellent engineering and well now the tallest building in the world. To some this might be just what they want from a city, but unlike most others that have natural beauty to compliment them, Dubai covers it's only natural landscape, the desert, in order to create a magnificent but economically and environmentally challenging artificial haven in the Middle East. Yes the Burj Khalifa is a piece of engineering but when you get to the top of such buildings you do want to see a beautiful sight and for me that ins't a land simply covered with tall building and crazy structures.

Anyhooo this holiday will remain one of the most memorable ones for me and will be dear and close to my heart.