Still here

So, if you thought the last lapse in postings was long, what'd you think of this one? A lot has happened in the last 6 or so weeks. I went on Safari (twice), went to Madinat Jumeirah, the Dubai Marina, the Jumana- Queen of the Desert show, Abu Dhabi several times, and the natural hot springs in Al Ain. It's been a busy time. The safaris were probably my favorite experience, and I highly recommend for everyone to do it at least once. You ride in an SUV caravan off the road to the edge of the desert, all of the drivers get out and partially deflate the tires for what I can only assume is more traction, and off you go. You climb up and over sand dunes as tall as houses feeling like you're on a small roller coaster, like the Scooby-Doo at King's Dominion. But, it's much more exhilarating because you watch the sand crumble and slide beside and beneath you, and you watch the other SUV's in front of you climb up, up, up, and go hurtling down and you know your turn is coming next. This goes on for a while, and then all of the vehicles stop and all the passengers climb out and you realize you're in the middle of nowhere with only sand and camel pens as far as the eye can see. Those who want to sand-board do, and then everyone climbs back in and drives out to an encampment that looks like some Bedouin camp that time forgot. There a buffet dinner, sheesha, and dancer waits for you. You come back home feeling like you were on a different planet, all rejuvenated and with a fresh perspective.