A second visit to Dubai: Balancing the new and old

My apologies ya'll - I've been slackin' for sure on my blogging/writing/photo posting responsibilities. Now that I'm back visiting Seattle for a few days, I'm getting a bit more breathing time (literally - the chilly air is nice and refreshing on the lungs!)

If I remember right, the last Evan in AD post was about the adventure to Oman. Since that memorable (for better or worse) trip two weeks ago, I managed to squeeze in another trip up to Dubai. Visit #2 to Dubai was quite in different. In place of the motoracing, indoor ski slopes and world's tallest building (we actually saw the Burj Khalifa again b/c you CAN'T not see it) was a refreshing replacement of some real culture down in the older area of Dubai. We had a chance to explore the souk markets and stroll along the waterfront. Sticking with my theme of pictures being better than (my) words, I'll let the pixelated action take it from here:
A fortress-like structure a block or so from the river. Wish I knew more of the significance/history, but I'm guessing it was important in protecting the waterwater trade routes. I could be way off though...

Me and a couple co-workers strolling through Dubai textile market area. Can you guess which one is me? I'll give you a hint - I didn't wear a skirt that day.

Two of the locals having a Saturday afternoon discussion

An impromtu game of cricket in the alley...moments like these are what make traveling so great.

More wandering through the souks



Daily life on the river through Dubai

My co-workers - a mix of nationalities: India, US and Syria. Getting the opportunity to meet, interact, and learn from so many people of different parts of the world and of different cultures is one my favorite aspects of working/living abroad.

Speaking of new cultures and areas of the world, any chance that I could rock this look back in Seattle? I'm thinking it could work for sure, especially if I tracked down a rainproof one...

Speaking of rain, I'll be living it up back in Seattle for the next few days, so I won't bother ya'll with any posts (I'm loving the fresh air and cool rain so far, but I doubt that'd make for an interesting blog post). So, I'll check ya on the flip side when I'm back in the heat in UAE next week.