Dazzling Lights, Starry nights

You’ve heard all the stories, seen all the pictures, but with a place like Dubai, it has to be seen in person rather than reading a brief description from an amateur blogger. The skyline is second to none, the wealth unsurpassed, the vibe unparallel and the fashion needs to be experienced to be appreciated. It's people watching on steroids and life bigger than life itself. The city does not exist without millions of foreign workers catering to the needs of the UAE elite. A tax-free haven and a very liberal visa policy, lead to about 9 million expats residing in a country of only 10 million. We weren’t there long enough to truly get a real grip on reality, but our one dinner out near the spectacular water fountain show at the base of the highest building on earth, the 163 story Burj Khalifa, set us back about $650, but it was money well spent for a once-in-a lifetime experience. There are just not enough superlatives to describe what we experienced but our front row seat, to both a culinary and unique light and water show, has certainly left a lifelong memory.

One of the principle reasons for visiting the Musandam Peninsula is to see one of my favorite natural wonders of the world, fjords. I was not disappointed but there was a certain edge added to this adventure which made for a little more of an enticing experience. We are on the shores of the Strait of Hormuz and only a 20-mile passage of water separates us from Iran. With the uneasy political situation and the 7th fleet anchored out there somewhere, kept speculation rampant and sightings of Iranian traders intriguing. Scores of small, yellow and blue motor-powered boats bring fruits, vegetables, rugs and who knows whatever else over from Iran during the day while returning with electronics and every other day necessary products such as tires by night. At one point this practice was illegal smuggling but completely legal now and still intriguing despite the police boat enforcing that the necessary permits are in order. The fjords did not disappoint. Towering rock faces with little to no vegetation and the occasional goat somehow managing to survive, clinging to the cliffs. The real treat and star attraction however were the many dolphins playing in the waters. They would catch the wake of our Dowd boat and slide along the side of us, rolling over and playing with their young while showing off their swimming skills.

Snorkeling and swimming were also part of the itinerary along with a BBQ of fresh fish. We had gone fishing the previous evening and I had been successful in catching three fish but not being a fisherman, I have no idea what kind of fish I was providing for someone else’s dinner table. A trip into the mountains and a scary 4 x 4 ride up to 1800 meters on a narrow gravel road was another eerie journey. Passing fully armed military jeeps and being told not to take pictures on our way up to what I would say was a military radar station was just another reminder of the fragile political situation. However I still managed to secretly take a couple undercover shots and since I am now safely boarded and on our return trip, I guess it is safe now to share some of my clandestine activity with you. Well it was Valentine's Day and since I didn't get a card before leaving and cosidering this is a Muslim country where I don't suppose they celebrate too many Saints, I had to do the cheesy thing and take the tourist pic with the Oman heart. I better get home and get my act in order. Well, this post will conclude my most recent blog and I thank you for tagging along with me. Our next travel date will be mid-March when we venture back to the Antarctic so perhaps, we will get together for some more travel reviews and experiences in the not-too-distant future. Allahu Akbar الله أكبر