Journeying

For us it's quite a journey to travel from home to the Aegean.  It's worth it, though. Our usual route is via Dubai and Athens.  There is always something of interest to see and do in Dubai, and we'd never miss the opportunity for a few days in Athens.

Dubai gave us two new experiences this trip; Ramadan and a visit to the top of mega-tall Burj Khalifa.  Dubai also gave us a familiar experience; 43 degrees each day!

We took a 'pink lady' taxi from DBX to the city.  For years now Dubai is one of the Gulf states that offers Muslim women (who prefer not to ride in taxis with male drivers) pink taxis with female drivers wearing pink headscarfs.  There's obviously a need for this gender-stereotyping service because at 7.00am when we exit Dubai airport there are dozens of pink lady taxis awaiting customers.

A couple of hours sleep was all we needed to recover from our overnight flight, then it was a short taxi ride to the Burj Khalifa.  To travel to the top of the Burj Khalifa the entry is actually inside the Dubai Mall.  At 11.00am the Dubai Mall was like a ghost mall.  Every shop is open, but the number of shoppers is few.  It's the holy month of Ramadan, Dubai slows down, and the Dubai Mall doesn't come alive until the evening.  The cafes are open only for takeaway.  That is, take the food and drinks home to consume in the privacy of your own home or hotel.  Not anywhere in public.  Eating or drinking in public is not allowed during fasting hours.  Restaurants open at 7.00pm.

The super fast lifts take us to the top of the Burj seemingly in seconds.  The only sensation that I'm hurtling towards the 124th floor is a distinct popping of both ears.  The walls of the elevator display moving images of some of the world's iconic buildings as you pass their individual heights; the Eiffel Tower,  Empire State, CN Tower, Petronas.  As we spill out of the elevator we're immediately drawn to the massive glass windows and the Burj-eye view of Dubai, the Persian Gulf and the surrounding desert. The view in front of us is incredible!

We observed Ramadan that day and as the sun set we joined the city's Muslims at an Iftar restaurant.  At precisely 7.06pm breaking the day's fast began with dates, a traditional Iftar milk drink, and karkadeh - a sweet, dark red hibiscus drink.  This was followed by a lavish banquet. It was quite the feast and a perfect end to a very hot Ramadan day.

Megatall Burj Khalifa from 124th floor

Ramadan Kareem ('generous Ramadan for you') from the  Burj Khalifa

Burj-eye view of Dubai's dancing fountains

Risk being fined if you eat or drink in public during this holy month

Iftar begins with dates and traditional drinks before the sunset feast.

Tallest girl in the world in the blazing sun!

Fun fact:  The weight of concrete in the Burj Khalifa is equal to the weight of 100,000 elephants!