Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

In Dubai, only 25% of the population are Emirati. The rest are expats. There are construction sites and huge cranes everywhere with the promise of more and more opulence to come. Phrases like, “penthouse collection” or “new level of luxury coming soon” are broadcasted on building-sized posters. One sign even read, “Super yacht owner? You’ll fit right in.”

At the airport when we landed was the first time I’d ever seen in real life a man wearing a thobe, which is a term I also never knew before Googling, “Arab mens robe.” Even so, it’s the place that felt most American to us, I suppose due to the worship of material things and the ability to satiate any desire at any time of day. Anything you want to eat or buy or do, you can, whenever you want.

Also, I loved sitting down to Buffalo Wild Wings for buffalo chicken and french fries with Heinz ketchup, especially after 2 1/2 weeks in India.

Even after cashing in credit card points, we went over our $100/night hotel budget for accommodation, but the Grand Cosmopolitan Hotel breakfast buffet alone was worth it. It sure was fun to feel fancy for a few days.

Dubai was something like Vegas + NYC + Disney Land, a playland for rich grown-ups to feel rich together. And just like Vegas, it’s fun for a few days, but I can’t imagine living there.

When we reach Kenya we will have visited 6 continents, each of us, in our lifetimes. That’s fun to say and I feel proud of it. There are things to revere and things to rebuke in every person and every place, including in me and in my country. I hope having been to many different places helps us connect with both the good and the undesirable in everyone.