We set off for Old Dubai in the morning, having read about the more rudimentary parts of the city untainted by the modernisation plague.

 

We walked through the Spice Souq and Gold Souq where the narrow lanes are lined with stores proudly displaying their wares.

 

 

It was a long trek to the Al Ras metro station. We navigated to the border of the Dubai creek where water taxis (abras) sail along.

 

 

Entering the metro station was like stepping through Doraemon’s “anywhere door”; there was a drastic transit from the old rustic setting to the lavish and modern interiors of the station.

 

 

The metro actually has a gold class carriage, just like the first class cabins in airplanes. We settled down in the adjacent carriage which offered sneak peeks of the gold class setting when the dividing doors opened.

 

 

We had lunch at Deira City Centre Mall foodcourt. The missus decided on KFC while I opted for McDonalds. As usual, I ended up with the better food. I had the Grand Chicken meal which offered a larger and spicier (more shiok!) version of McSpicy.

 

 

Late afternoon was Safari tour time. Boarding a 4×4 wheel drive, we were shuttled to the Dubai Desert. At a shelter in the desert, we were given a toilet break while the vehicle proceeded for tire pressure deflation in preparation for dune bashing.

 

 

There was a stall selling desert sand bottles where desertscapes complete with camels and setting sun is created using coloured sand. I was in awe watching the seller create the art piece; a few delicate prods and deft swirls, and the camels figures appeared from the mesh of sand.

 

 

For the dune bashing, we requested for the driver to go easy for we had an elderly on board. But the driver playfully defied us and brought us on a nauseating drive. Swinging the steering wheel back and forth caused the vehicle to sway violently, throwing us about as we climbed and descended the dunes.

 

 

After what seemed like forever, we stopped for photos on a high dune. It was magical standing in the midst of the vast and endless sand stretch tinted golden by the setting sun. I felt like Santiago in the Alchemist.

 

 

We then retired to a tent camp for dinner. Outside, guests could go on a short camel ride. It was a little disturbing seeing the creatures being covered at the mouth with a muzzle and letting a muted shriek when they bent their legs and drop to the ground for people to get up and down their backs. It was probably psychological but when I looked into their large eyes, I could sensed sadness in them.

 

Before dinner, the ladies got their Henna tattoos done while the men chilled to the free flow of Coke and popcorn.

 

 

Next was a barbeque buffet spread of Arab cuisine. We dined under the desert skies to the Egyptian dance and belly dance performances.