Lost in "Scary Town"!

Lost in "Scary Town" while Mr. Big tries to fix the
navigation system

Grand City Mall

Skyscraper construction is everywhere!

Monday, Mr. Big decided that he wanted to get some curved top flags printed for a couple of falconry hunts/competitions that he is putting together. After a couple of hours calling several banner shops trying to get a bid (I swear, when I hear an Indian accent, I cannot concentrate on what is being said) I was able to get a general location of such a shop. Now something interesting in Dubai, they never list actual addresses on websites, ads, etc. Instead, they list PO Box #'s. When you ask for street names, no one seems to know them. Now, Mr. Big has a navigation system that he brought along which has been very helpful on several occasions...except for today. Naturally, we thought we would drive right to the front door of this little banner shop. Hours later, driving around we ended up in Industrial Park #4 (aka Scary Town). We called the salesman at the banner shop (which shall remain unnamed) for better directions. He asked if we were by the "Grand City Mall". Why yes, we just so happened to be right by this very strange mall. Notice that there are only men hanging around. Turns out that these Industrial Parks are full of Pakistani and Indian laborers living in these one bedroom shacks (no women in site if you know what I mean). After awhile of driving around the same streets and taking the same round-a-bouts several times, we finally gave up (it was getting dark and I was ready to get the heck out of dodge!). No banners today.

Looking back, "Scary Town" was not all bad as I look at the photos that I took during the adventure. Along the way I was able to get a snapshot of several buildings with cranes on the top of each. Over here in Dubai, there is construction everywhere! (Something to note, at the end of each day, the cranes are turned and left in the direction of Qiblah. Qiblah is the direction that should be faced when a Muslim prays to the holy mosque in Mecca.).

Skyline in sandstorm

A sand storm blew in while we were driving around, and I was able to get this really beautiful shot of the Dubai Skyline peering out of the storm.  Now, we have never really experienced a sand storm like this (feels like sandpaper in the eyes). Cars are covered in sand and dirt all the time over here. I could tell that Mr. Big was itching for a drive through car wash. If you want to be rich in Dubai, either own shares in oil, or a drive through car wash! :)

Power lines as far as the eye can see.

When your not looking at skyscrapers, it seems you are looking at power lines over here...as far as the eye can see. Something else interesting, is that the homes over here are typically two story and stucco surrounded by a wall. They can very in size depending on your status. The larger ones have a guard stationed outside the gate with a machine gun (I wonder how much one of these guys cost?).

Lesson learned...stay away from "Scary Town"!

Typical Arab home here in Dubai.