I moved on a whim, thinly disguised as a job. I came for some sun, I came to see the shiny buildings, I came because I’ve never been to the Middle East aside from a midnight layover in the Abu Dhabi airport, which rather resembles a spaceship dressed as a Las Vegas peacock.
Dubai is an odd place. Modern, bustling, incredibly exciting, and yet somehow hollow. No heart, no soul. I guess this is the Tin Man of cities. More on that in another post… For now: let’s talk about the weather. 75’ and sunny everyday, not a cloud in sight. Apparently it rains here 3 days a year. This is likely to drive me insane eventually (I live for thunderstorms), but it’s OK as a novelty for the moment.
We had one of our three days of rain earlier this week. It sprinkled for a few hours and, amidst panicked cries of “it’s raining cats and dogs!,” I watched from my glass office tower as the city streets transformed into accident-clogged canals. There are no sewage or gutter systems here! Traffic fatalities (already the highest per capita in the world) quadrupled that day and the camels looked confused.
People keep asking me if I’m going to stay. I’m not sure yet. I’ve met some brilliant people, including my long-lost twin brother, but it lacks the quirky, historic, and cosy elements of a city which I usually gravitate towards.
I certainly COULD live here. It’s full of interesting things to look at…
… but I COULD get along pretty much anywhere, and that includes most cardboard boxes.
(though not a box with one of these in it.)
The question is not COULD I make it work here, but should I? Or should I shove off in favour of a city with a wardrobe broader than business suits and evening glitter?
Answers would be most appreciated.
7 comments:
well, it's packed, that's for sure. it's like the L train at rush hour. last time i was in there, i got elbowed in the face by a puerto rican and some homeless guy squirted toothpaste on my shoe.
thanks for the offer, but i think i'll seek more tranquil accomodation than your ass.
Definitely more talk of ass around here than in Dubai - which makes this blog better entertainment than Legoland where you live, and your friend's ass itself.
I think that finding a twin brother makes a place worth while, especially in a town where incest is prevalent and totally acceptable. Is he cute at least?
Quirky history is all over Dubai i find, however, buried in governtment-conspired face lifts. Look under the contruction sites and you might find gorgeous old arabian houses that rival Lima's. But sadly you might find the old tenants locked down there too ( you have to be between 18-48 to join the public scene here and not be deported; i bet u noticed)
Defying make overs and high-maintenance trends is the greatest fun in Dubai believe me. I say go for Friday brunch with your twin brother without any make up or a suit on, and point at people who look unlike you the way they would ;)
I say it depends on the burritos. If they've got good burritos, stick it out for a while. If it's worse than London, run.
-Eric
ps Blockhead's Music by Cavelight album is amazing--check it.
Eric
Don't know who u r but Blockhead kicks ass. Just got my hands on Downtown Science, their new album.Wicked! Also includes dvd of all music videos of Music by Cavelight.
wow, dude. dubai is far away.
hey, i still have your t. raumschmiere cd if you want it.
NICK!! rumour has it you moved to queens and got married or something. do you have any idea how devoid my life has been of toweringly tall fans of dope electronic shit? WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN AND HOW CAN I EMAIL YOU???
dear picture-less, blog-less cocorosie,
first of all, you shouldn`t assume that ANYTHING is more entertaining than poor daniel`s ass. he hosts parties there that rival the fabled fetes of f. scott.
secondly, PLEASE show me some gorgeous old arabian houses. that would make me mabsoota ktirrrrr, as would friday brunch, with or without make-up and/or thai massage oil.
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