My FIFTH visit to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) was really supposed to only be a layover to and from my ten week stay in South Africa. I timed my visit to arrive in Dubai for an open jaw return on Nov 29 so I could experience UAE National Day on December 2.
Well, I didn’t feel as warm and fuzzy about Cape Town and Johannesburg as I did Durban, so those stays were only two weeks each instead of four. Once I changed my flight to depart Johannesburg on November 9 instead of November 28 I was left with four weeks to burn in Dubai instead of a few days. If I had it to do again I would have done some travel research and explored more African countries close by, but I was mentally exhausted and I just wanted something familiar.
My first week back in Dubai I went to my HAPPY place and looked at all the pretty flowers. The beauty of the flowers pushed down all the dark feelings that surfaced after I consumed the painful history of South Africa. I was happy to have a five minute walk to mass transit that gave me access to anything I wanted without having to spend an arm and a leg on transportation.
The main reason why most people are afraid to visit Dubai is RULES but the RULES are the main reason why I LOVE it. Most people in Dubai do not want to suffer the consequences of breaking the rules, so the crime rate is low. I never ever fear being mugged or harassed. I’m not saying this can never happen in Dubai because I know ANYTHING is possible, but the chances are very slim. Dubai is a place where I can simply just be without having to worry about my safety or being hustled. I can say without a shadow of a doubt this still will NOT be the last time you see me in Dubai. LOL