O

ur daily lifestyle is one that needs breaks periodically. Out of the many ways of giving a deserved break to your body, one is definitely packing up and sailing off to a new holiday destination. For me, a tiring five-month-long school term was finally halted by a rewarding four-day holiday in one of the emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): Dubai.

That holiday was one that pierced my soul and showed me a place that is very different from the rest. Truly, it was much more fun than I had expected and my family went bonkers on the trip! The aura that emanated from the magical city was well-received and made for a heavenly trip.

We started off from Bandung airport (traveling from there for the first time). Although a bit inconvenient, we enjoyed the change of scene from traveling through Soekarno-Hatta. We changed planes in Singapore and finally reached the sparkling city at night. With plans and a well-structured schedule ready for the next three days, we decided to call it a day.

The next morning we took a city tour in a hired cab. The amiable driver took us to all corners of the enticing city. We visited the palace of the emperor, Burj Al Arab, the Palm islands, the man-made Dubai Creek and the Embassy-road. We were startled by the greenery present in the city. Despite its dry terrain, the people of Dubai have created pipe irrigation and drip irrigation that helps so many vivid flowers and plants thrive, prettier than anywhere else on Earth.

This is something they should be credited for. Even the telephone network towers were shaped like palm trees so that their culture is widely dissipated and visible to tourists.

That evening, we all stood agape as we saw the Burj Khalifa'€™s grandeur as it stood in front of us. We had purchased tickets for each of us in advance to the attraction at the top, which is the highest observation deck in the world placed on the staggering 124th floor of the building, which is 828 meters tall and has more than 200 floors.

The next two days went in a flurry as well. On the second day, we experienced the cuisine of this Arab state by exploring nearby restaurants and then having a sumptuous meal. We then ordered an SUV and set off on the most awaited excursion: Desert Safari.

The three of us were accompanied by three Spaniards. We surely did have a bumpy ride on the sandy vistas. I still remember the way the six of us pled the driver to go a bit slower and how he responded by only giving a mischievous smile!

We finally reached the camp where we saw Tamboura dancing and belly dancing before proceeding for a multicourse dinner.

We then immediately rushed to the iconic airport (known for its duty-free shopping) and then continued our journey to New Delhi. I must tell every one of you very sincerely that I loved every bit of the welcoming city '€” the beaches, the buildings, the longest driver-less metro in the world and the hospitality of this remarkable city.

Sahil Nandal
Jakarta