At the Creek side

I was discovering the Dubai Creek again, this time with one of my dearest friends who was about to purchase the silkiest textiles there along with the exotic spices the flavour of which would lead us to the most exquisite arcades. The reality, however, took her by surprise as soon as she felt the odour instead of alluring aromas and ordinary sinthetics in place of the luxurious textiles. Well, I guess, in general, it's better for you not to have any expectations so that you can be positively surprised rather than bitterly disappointed. I'm leaving you with some views you'd think you wouldn't see in Dubai. Me, I'd rather explore the whole thing, indulging in an exquisite experience and, thanks to my intrinsic nature, sticking my nose where others wouldn't even glimpse.

Reminiscence

1. Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah

2. Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah - sunset

3. Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah - light bulbs

4. Dubai, Burj Khalifa - at the top

5. Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah

6. Bangkok, Thailand - Hindu temple

7. Dubai, Jumeirah beach - sunset

How do we remember things? In one movie, the name of which I am not able to recall right now, I've heard that what lasts in our memory is not the whole image but just some trivia, peculiarities, silliness. This theory appeales to me a lot as my memories would usually consist of these seemingly insignificant details. That being so, I would memorise the sound of somebody drinking and swallowing water as well as I would be able to identify a family member by them inserting the keys in a keyhole while I'm at home (I wonder what my insertion sounds like). Also, I would recollect the feeling of love and gratitude when, paradoxically, I went down on my knees on a desert while being sick. The solicitous calmness at the top of Burj Khalifa - world's tallest building, the aroma of Dubai's airport, the five-a-day reminders to pray in any Islamic country and the accompanying goosebumps every time I hear them. It seems senses are much involved, aren't they? And sometimes you just desist from taking photos in favour of seizing the moment, making it a sole memory of yours...

When it feels right

Even on this sluggish morning after a night spent dancing on the beach it still felt right on the tip of the world. Burj Khalifa, so far the tallest building in the world offers unforgettable views, though this is not exclusively the views I climbed there for. The main goal was to share the moment with one of my best friends, the grand finale of their staying in Dubai. We got there just in time to see people sustaining respiration not to chase the rising sun away. The moment Helios showed its rays on the horizon the photographers (including me though I am definitely not a photographer) started to shoot. I still cannot digest how serene this place was in the morning and how hectic it became in the evening the very same day. Definitely worth waking up, or not going to sleep at all...

The connection

If someone had told me a year ago that I would be living my dream in Dubai and that I would feel there at home like never before I would probably just smile and immediately distract the interlocutor with some random topic. Today, however, I am based in Dubai and although I travel like monkey jumping from one continent to another on a daily basis I'm always happy to eventually go back home. Nothing extraordinary about that home, believe me, yet I feel blessed and thankful for whatever life brings me. Despite the fact that I got a little bit sick for the last few days my default answer to 'how are ya' is: never better. Home is where your heart is, they say. Interpretations may vary, though for me it means that home is wherever you feel in place and connected. And I do feel connected here. Although I left family and great friends in Poland, as long as I know they are safe and sound, I am not worried. I am with them anyways as there is bonds nothing can break, bonds of love that is. In Dubai, however, I feel there is new bonds being created which I couldn't be more thankful for. You see, the probability of meeting people you love is higher when you meet so many of them daily. I love who I am, I love where I am and I love the great people around me. Thank you!