there's something compelling about high buildings
in this case it's the burj kaleifa - tallest in the world
6 years to build, completed in 2010 - 800 metres straight up
bookings essential for the trip up and our t.a. has it sorted
up we go - also the fastest lifts in the world = fastest ear-popping
we're only at the 124th floor complete with outdoor viewing deck
would be easy to scramble over the handrail and base-jump
that thought parked for a future visit in a future life
the views of course are stunning - we can pick out landmarks
our hotel, the burj al-arab, metro line, the world (project), etc
the mandatory top-of-the-tower souvenirs bypassed and back on earth
this building arises out of the simply titled dubai mall
the biggest shopping centre in the world (of course)
and so a few hours spent wandering with the usual conclusion
seen one shopping centre and you've seen them all
westfield in bondi junction seems the model for the dubai mall
homogenised shopping and very high rents = very high pricing
sadly though they also have a souk that must challenge the real deal
the sparseness of customers here suggesting this town ain't big enough
and one or other (or both) may not last - hope it's the real one
we wait for and watch the highly regarded fountain display
choreographed water cannons set to opera or middle east dance music
not too bad really and set in front of the burj adds to the appeal
next - we're in the mode so it's off to the emirates mall
you can't have too much shopping (ahem) but ulterior motive here
this place is home to dubai ski - an indoor ski slope - yep
will we do it - yes, no, yes, no - yes - no hesitation really
haven't managed to get on the slopes in nz so let's do it in dubai
all gear provided so within 30 minutes we are on the slopes
some caution taken on the first couple of runs (it's been a while)
but then we're ripping up and down the finely prepared runs
a genuine chair-lift, real snow, and lodges looking as genuine as
not too many people indulging either so no delays in lift queues
admittedly a good run down takes 1-2 minutes and a lift up 5-ish
time spent on the lift discussing this most unlikey scenrio
we live in nz but come to dubai to go skiing - go figure
our allotted 2 hours rolls around at about the right time
as per the real world the slopes get chilly at day's end
so we unload skis and clothing and head back into the mall
a 10 minute turnaround between a skier and a shopper
amazing experience - but again - is fake the new reality?
there will be generations who think indoor is all there is
shame really - nothing beats the real thing - this year!
another very fulfilling day in this enticing place
next stop copenhagen - looking forward to some culture...
