Bad Day in Bur Dubai

Spouse unexpectedly went on work trip for three weeks. One week gone, two to go. I think these are going to be the longest two weeks of my life. Am sitting here feeling very sorry for myself... so I'd stop reading now if I were you!

It's not just the heat. I am not finding Dubai comfortable in any way at the moment. It is difficult to get particularly inspired by such rapid consumer development, mega construction, biggest this, that and the other and a stratospheric level of hyperbole. The futuristic architecture and design is definitely amazing, the vast themed areas and malls are phenomenal but I just can't quite get into it although I do understand the various levels of achievement it represents.

I think part of my problem is that I'm just too enamoured of long cultural histories. In that respect Japan was obviously a winner and Iran. Other parts of Asia and the Middle East also fit the bill of course, most of Europe and the Americas too but nothing on this side of the Gulf is remotely interesting until you get to Yemen! Sorry... that is a bit harsh!

I'm just finding it hard to get excited about this new history in the making and it is hard to get a handle on the past when it seems that little existed before the 70s (except pearls, dhows and the spice souk) and the whole emphasis is on the future! Of course this is compounded by the fact that I'm spending most of my time alone in the house so I'm not even part of the present.

My general mood is not being helped by watching too much news either. Having lived in Palestine and still having friends in both Gaza and the West Bank, it is all quite profoundly depressing.

I am sure it will get better (for me at least) once the summer's over and I've got some work but today was just shite! Still someone did warn me that it takes 3 months to get your bearings and another 3 months to feel part of it ..... roll on October!