The laments of an unfinished wish perhaps made it a reality !!!
Trying to be a little poetic which is so not me. My earlier stint for a day in Dubai had kept me yearning for more. But never knew it would be coming my way in such a weird way.
Here goes a snap… Any guesses ??
Here goes the story –
New York was supposedly being bashed by a winter storm with 2 feet of snow expected and severe weather alert warnings being issued.
Thus I landed in Dubai only to know that our flight has been cancelled and will can depart after 18 hours later. The silver lining was:
- I got a visa to explore the city.
- Decent hotel to stay with breakfast and lunch included.
and …. my leave automatically got extended for a day with none of my managers complaining !!
Though very tired due to lack of sleep, I perhaps could not waste this opportunity I got. Quickly I chalked out a tour which would take me through a trip of the old city of Dubai. Had 3 hotspots in my mind….
- The old city along with the museum
- Gold market
- Shops in the spice market
Have had always seen the old city of Dubai in travel channels and had dreamt of exploring the beauties myself – now was my time. Finally the chance of making that dream of mine, a reality.
Tried to capture some moments during my tour through the city..
Time for some yellow metal sparkle now… Gold … kilos and tons of gold.. It was a crazy place. Gold everywhere !!
As we exited the Gold souk – as it is called in Dubai, we headed for the Spice souk. Oh wait ! We went the local way – crossed the Dubai creek by means of the ferry boats.
Never had the chance of cooking much, so my idea and knowledge of spices and their varieties is pretty limited. But as you enter the souk the spicy smell strikes you hard. It is a wonderful experience !! Let the snaps speak my thoughts…
The tour dropped me back to hotel – we were rushing for the lunch. Practically famished we were, and ended up gorging on the elaborate platters – yummy food it was, wide variety it had.
But my quest to explore the city was not over yet, and I ventured out yet again. I always believed having a walk through the city is a best way to feel the inherent vibes which is not offered by any conducted tours. Every nook and corner holds a surprise for you. Its a strange city – two very opposing and contradicting cultures co-exists here – finely balanced. I was amazed as well as perplexed. Such an existence could perhaps only be though of in an utopian dream, but here I was seeing it in reality.
And then I had to hail the cab to drive me to the airport, the unplanned detour comes to an end. I was happy – I could complete my unfinished business. I could finish my exploration of Dubai to my content. Though, a lot was left. I mean it, it is an awesome city, which would attract you back, time and over !!
Till then…
Cheers,
-AM
Anupam writes... 
Great photos of the colourful food.
Thank you so very much !!