Burj Khalifa-because I told Alec I would go to the top of the tallest building in the world.
Back in late December when I had dinner at their house (thanks again, Carole and Roger for the hospitality) I mentioned the possibility of snowboarding in Dubai and Alec told me Dubai was also home to the tallest building in the world. It is. You can read about it here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burj_Khalifa
I’m never going to see any of these people again so I had no qualms about asking a stranger to take my photo (and instructing him on HOW to do it. “I’m gonna need you to kind of lay on the ground and shoot up towards the sky… thaaaaaanks. No, down a bit more. Can you see the top of the tower? Uh, ok. There you go.”)
I’d heard someone mention buying tickets in advance but didn’t pay it any mind. Until I arrived and the sign said ‘sold out.’
I grimaced as I paid four times the price of the NORMAL entry ticket (purchased in advance, of course) so I could ride to the top of the tower. When I entered the queue the sign said ‘Wednesday tickets on sale.’ When I reached the counter they were selling tickets for Friday. I asked her if the trip was worth the inflated cost of an ‘immediate entry’ ticket. Her response? “It’s cheaper than a return flight to Dubai…”
Thank you. Here are my 400 Dhs. This makes my trip to ‘the top’ the single mot expensive thing (dental aside) I did while I was in Dubai. Hence the numerous photos…
This hologram kept me engaged for a few minutes while I tried to grab the photo I wanted. Grrr… point and shoot camera. Pfffft!
This shot has NOTHING to do with the tower. Except that it was a picture INSIDE the tower.
This is the line for the elevator ride to the observation deck on the 124th floor.
The ride to the top was unbelievably fast. I was deep in conversation with a fellow passenger when she pointed out we’d gone 100 floors and her ears hadn’t popped. Nice! Mine either.
See?
Other than the view I did a bit of people watching. I’m struck, as is often the case, how remarkably similar we all are despite the cultural differences.
Please don’t any of you hold your breath… I DID NOT plug $50-$1,000 into this tourist trap to buy a souvenir piece of gold. Shoes for a two year old, maybe. Camels for everyone I know under the age of 12? Sure. But a piece of gold from an ATM? Hunh uh…
There you have it. I spent my last afternoon/evening in Dubai being a tourist. Dentist is done and I’m headed back to Kabul tomorrow. Insha’Allah, the flight is on time and all goes well.
It’s 0200 here and I’m packed and going to catch a few hours sleep while most of you prep to watch the Superbowl. I hope you eat too much, have a great time with friends and family, stay warm and may the best Pack win! (That’s for you, AnitaRae!)
~jh~
Alec appreciates the shout out AND attention to accuracy. A chuckle from a 15 year old is rare and you rated one.
okay so we finally all looked at it! Alec too; he wants you to know it was him that told you about the tallest building so you should change the blog title. We have all chuckled over all of the comments and shots. We love the blog–bringing the world right here. You rock. Alec pointed out that he would have stayed to see the lights if he’d paid that much money too.
Alec, I changed the title. Apologies, dude. I remembered the discussion about snowboarding but forgot about Burj… There was a lot going on that night. Glad you guys liked the photos. It was alot of fun and if you hadn’t told me about it I’d have missed it. Can’t wait to see you guys again. ~jh~
me TOO, meg (and jenn)! though I SNARFLED at the “i only took a picture of this picture of a falcon to show….” BAHAHAHHA. um, it is still, um, funny.
has your fan club said thanks for the blog, yet? THANKS FOR THE BLOG, lovie! 😉
Loved the parting shot 🙂