Teddy Bears Around the World

Hi! It is Jose the Bear again. I am currently traveling in Dubai, UAE. If you are looking at a map, try to find the Persian Gulf and look south. Dubai is on the south shore of the Persian Gulf. It has both desert and beach so there is lots and lots of sand. It is already hot here, even in April. It is in the 90’s during the day. In the summer it will get up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It is hot in Jacksonville, but not that hot. I have spent the day driving around trying to see as much as I could.

Let’s start with Dubai Creek. The Creek is a natural sea-water inlet which cuts through the center of the city. It is the historic focal point of life in Dubai. A stroll along its banks evokes the city’s centuries-old trading traditions. I was captivated by the color and bustle of the loading and unloading of dhows (these are the small boats in the picture) which still ply ancient trade routes to places as distant as India and East Africa.

Next we went to find the tallest building in the world.

Next we found the Burj Al Arab Hotel. I am not staying here but it is really fancy. They have a fleet of Rolls Royces that will pick you up at the airport. At night the lights on the outside of the hotel change color. It is amazing to watch.

Look close at the back ground of this next picture. It is the Mall of the Emerates. I thought a UFO had landed on the mall, but no, that is Ski Dubai! Can you imagine skiing in the middle of the dessert? It’s true. Look through the windows in the next picture. You can see the ski lift and the snow. Amazing! We had lunch in the mall and then continued our drive.

Then next picture shows how much construction is going on in Dubai. The city is booming. Every where you look there are new high rise buildings going up. I have never seen so many cranes in one place.

One of the biggest projects is the Palm Jumeirah. Have you heard of the islands that are being built in the shape of a palm tree? Those are here in Dubai! Here is a picture from outer space that shows what the islands look like.

I have really enjoyed my visit here in Dubai, but I am looking forward to coming home to SJEDS. I will fly from Dubai to New York; it is a 16 hour flight. From there I will continue on to Jacksonville. I send all my love to SJEDS! I miss you lots! Love, Jose