Ever since I flew through Abu Dhabi on my way to Nepal last November, I have been absolutely fascinated by the Middle East.
Dubai was an easy choice- my father was already planning to be here for a week and I’m fortunate enough to have friends here whom I met at my best friend Claire’s wedding in August.
Thanks to them, my first two days in Dubai have been everything that my Emirate dreams were made of.
(Sans the crippling hangover I have right now and running on three hours of sleep. I really could have done without that.)
My trip started in the most on brand way. I got off my 13 hour flight, put on a dress and went dancing with my fabulous friend Stavros.
The next morning, my friend Charlie scooped me up bright and early to go dune bashing in his Jeep Wrangler.
Yes, dune bashing.
This is a real thing.
I had no idea what I was getting myself into, and was immediately (and naturally) concerned when I heard the phrase, “if the car flips, just hold on tight.”
But hey, I love a good thrill, and I’ll try anything once.
Twice if I’m into it.
I spent all morning roller coaster screaming and laughing as Charlie whipped over sand dunes in the desert, impressively maneuvering over every curve, while another car lost a tire and another one flipped over.
My ultimate 24 hour welcome continued with poolside rosé at one of Dubai’s newest day clubs, dinner with views of the majestic Burj Khalifa, and an aggressive night out clubbing.
Basically, the most PK itinerary there ever was.
Stay tuned for more, because while I have enough photos on my Instagram stories to make it seem like I’ve been here for weeks- I’m only just getting started.
Yalla.
