2008 June – Dubai, UAE & Trivandrum, Kerala (India)

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DUBAI:

I was an on an official trip to India and got a chance to stop in Dubai for a couple of days on the way in. It was my first trip there and did not realize how diverse Dubai was - there is an old-City Dubai that reminded me of back home (India) - the streets of Delhi. And there is a brand spanking new part of Dubai that was ultra-modern.

Besides roaming around both areas of Dubai (my hotel was located somewhere in between), I took day trips to two important spots:

- The famous Jeep Safari over the sand dunes - an absolutely exhilarating experience!! The sit-down on the floor traditional dinner with Belly Dancers was the icing on the cake

- A city tour to Jumeirah Beach to see the tallest building, most expensive hotel (Burj Khalifa - they charged $120 for "High Tea" - entrance fees).

If I had more time, would have definitely seen the biggest mall in there, the largest runways, and of course the indoor skating rinks. Even found some time for shopping in the local souks (markets) there for some gold, spices, and nuts, etc. The two days were packed but very well spent!! 

INDIA:

Who knew Trivandrum was sooooo beautiful? Having lived half my life in India, I never got a chance to visit this beautiful area until I moved to the US and visited Trivandrum, Kerala on business. Beautiful sunsets there is something to die for. Trivandrum lies almost at the Southernmost tip of India, in the beautiful and lush green state of Kerala, otherwise known as God’s country.

We had the privilege of staying at the Taj Kovalam Resort right on Kovalam Beach. This has been one of the best stays of my life – awesome service, awesome location, and the food was to die for!! The breakfast buffet has like a million items on the menu – okay, I exaggerate a bit – but you get the point, right? After a hard day at work, the hotel swimming pool was such a welcome dip.