I got to Dubai yesterday morning. After a very uneventful journey, which I appreciated, I arrived at 3 am. Getting my Visa, my luggage, and money exchanged were probably the easiest tasks I have ever done overseas. The airport is beautiful and very traveler-friendly, with free wireless internet and lots of places to sit and relax. I sat around for two hours and then decided to make my way to the condo. Even though I couldn't technically check-in for another seven hours, I decided to try to get in early. I grabbed a taxi, another effortless task, and sat in wonder as we made our way to the Palm Jumeirah.
This looked incredibly like America. With the exception of the Arabic writing on all of the storefronts and billboards, I felt as if I had journeyed to a vacation destination in Florida. I was amazed at the real estate developments and the economic prosperity. There were countless American restaurants that we passed, which is bittersweet to me. On the one hand I felt comfort knowing that I can visit these restaurants that I have missed eating at for the past 2 1/2 months. Restaurants like Chili's, Applebee's, Subway, McDonalds, KFC, Burger King, Pizza Hut. On the other hand, I don't like them being here because it shows how much Dubai (and other parts of the world) has become like America and lost its individuality and uniqueness.
As I noted in my previous blog, I wondered how I would feel coming to Dubai, after coming from Rwanda, one of the poorest countries in the world. I feel a sadness and a motivation. If only Rwanda (well, Africa) could have the same development success as the UAE has had. I realize the economic success in UAE is largely geographic, as it has the oil and so many wealthy folks, which help to create the interest from other parts of the world. Yet, what if there was also the same interest in Africa? What if this high rate of development started there too and there wasn't such a stark delineation of the rich and the poor?
Even though I have not yet been here for two full days, I can say that I miss life in Africa. Sure, it has been so nice to get away and relax here in Dubai. I have been able to go to a coffee shop and sip on a large soy mocha and read the newspaper and listen to my iPod. I have a beautiful, air-conditioned three bedroom condo with three large, flat-screen TVs and cable. And I have free, high-speed wireless internet. I have taken three baths so far, a luxury I haven't had since I left America. I have a refrigerator, a freezer, a toaster, a dishwasher, and a washing machine, all appliances that I don't have in Rwanda. Still, in spite of all these things, which are relatively commonplace and everyday in America, I have realized that I can survive without them. After all, most of the world does. Having lived without them for almost three months, I know what human beings need in order to survive. And none of these things is on that list. Sure, they come in handy and provide ease and comfort and when I get back to America I will use them again. I just hope that when I return I don't take them for granted and live like I need them. I know that I don't and can do life without them. So, although it is probably cliche, being on the trip so far has taught me this.
In the days to come I will be seeing much more of Dubai. My good friend Mayo flies in tonight, and we will be exploring more. I will keep you posted.
This looked incredibly like America. With the exception of the Arabic writing on all of the storefronts and billboards, I felt as if I had journeyed to a vacation destination in Florida. I was amazed at the real estate developments and the economic prosperity. There were countless American restaurants that we passed, which is bittersweet to me. On the one hand I felt comfort knowing that I can visit these restaurants that I have missed eating at for the past 2 1/2 months. Restaurants like Chili's, Applebee's, Subway, McDonalds, KFC, Burger King, Pizza Hut. On the other hand, I don't like them being here because it shows how much Dubai (and other parts of the world) has become like America and lost its individuality and uniqueness.
As I noted in my previous blog, I wondered how I would feel coming to Dubai, after coming from Rwanda, one of the poorest countries in the world. I feel a sadness and a motivation. If only Rwanda (well, Africa) could have the same development success as the UAE has had. I realize the economic success in UAE is largely geographic, as it has the oil and so many wealthy folks, which help to create the interest from other parts of the world. Yet, what if there was also the same interest in Africa? What if this high rate of development started there too and there wasn't such a stark delineation of the rich and the poor?
Even though I have not yet been here for two full days, I can say that I miss life in Africa. Sure, it has been so nice to get away and relax here in Dubai. I have been able to go to a coffee shop and sip on a large soy mocha and read the newspaper and listen to my iPod. I have a beautiful, air-conditioned three bedroom condo with three large, flat-screen TVs and cable. And I have free, high-speed wireless internet. I have taken three baths so far, a luxury I haven't had since I left America. I have a refrigerator, a freezer, a toaster, a dishwasher, and a washing machine, all appliances that I don't have in Rwanda. Still, in spite of all these things, which are relatively commonplace and everyday in America, I have realized that I can survive without them. After all, most of the world does. Having lived without them for almost three months, I know what human beings need in order to survive. And none of these things is on that list. Sure, they come in handy and provide ease and comfort and when I get back to America I will use them again. I just hope that when I return I don't take them for granted and live like I need them. I know that I don't and can do life without them. So, although it is probably cliche, being on the trip so far has taught me this.
In the days to come I will be seeing much more of Dubai. My good friend Mayo flies in tonight, and we will be exploring more. I will keep you posted.
1 comment:
don't get too hung up on american food, make sure you get the chance to explore dubai's native food too!
i bet it is pretty hard to go from rwanda to dubai. but take the time to relax and enjoy rwanda all over again. =)
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