Ski Week Persian Gulf Style

We've had a mild winter in Vienna compared to the USA, but it is a winter none the less.  February school break is called "Ski Week".  Austrians head to the slopes, most ex-pats head to the slopes.  Combined with the Winter Olympics, it is a winter sport frenzy here.  However, sixteen years of living in Arizona has thinned the blood.  We decided on Dubai.  Sun and sand are just a short 6 hour plane ride away and exactly what we needed in order to face what is left of old man winter.

Joyful Beach Bum

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina

Happy Hour

Midnight at the Oasis

We stayed at Fairmont The Palm, my Trip Advisor review and some pictures are here.  Made 2 trips to the Dubai Mall, largest in the world, in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa.  It is the one without the ski slope, but with a full size ice skating rink. And more than 1200 brand boutiques and stores, restaurants and jewelers.  From Bvlgari  to Harry Winston.  Temperley London to Tom Ford.  Laduree Paris to Outback Steakhouse.  Oh and yes, Bloomingdales, Banana Republic and Pottery Barn.  Some scenes from the Mall:

Gems

Paris in Dubai

Lanvin, Givenchy and Tom Ford

Time to Channel Randy Gardner and Tai Babilonia

Dive into Shopping

Of Course, The Souk in the Mall

Burj Khalifa 

Even the Candy Stores are Gorgeous

Hello Friends!

What Our Budget Allowed

Maybe you are expecting some insights into Dubai's history, culture or arts here.  Fact is, we were complete pool and beach bums and I was a Dubai Mall rat.  Imagine a city that is a marriage between Beverly Hills and Las Vegas.  Throw in a dash of traditional Islamic culture, a pinch of Donald Trump and the Moguls of Mumbai and you've got Dubai.  I'm ready for another go next Ski Week.  Or maybe Spring Break.  But before it hits 120 degrees.  My blood's not that thin.

History of Dubai for Mall Rats