Tim,

I understand your impression of Dubai. Many people would agree with you.

My previous employer (US Navy) forced me to visit Dubai several times. So, I asked myself how I could experience the place. I didn't want to sit around the mall watching the sailors and rich foreigners. So, I went out and found as much of the underbelly as I could.

If you avoid the 7 star hotel and the huge malls, you might just find the old Dubai. I really enjoyed wandering the souks and alleyways. I ate in restaurants serving traditional local food. It was a great time. Of course, when the ship pulled out, every other sailor I spoke to didn't make it out of the malls. None had even tried the local food.

Maybe I just enjoy the challenge. Before I went to Las Vegas for the first time, I had a similar opinion about that city. Then I decided to find the parts of Vegas that I enjoyed.

Disclaimer: Dubai might be more appealing if you have spent the last four months in the engine room of an aircraft carrier - never seeing land and rarely seeing sunlight!

Dubai a favorite place? I'd love to know why - to me it seems like a Tower of Babel - all money, no soul.

Loving your articles -

Tim