Visa run to Dubai

Dubai. A city with a heart but not much of a soul. At least everything works here, but the city chuckles fatly under a carapace of wealth and privilege. Polite natives but everyone's out to make a fast buck. Don't think I'd like to live here, but OK for a visit. Biggest indoor snow slope in the world, and the most luxurious hotels. But, see later....

BURJ AL ARAB

'Built in the shape of an Arabian dhow sail and dominating the Dubai coastline, this is one of the world’s most spectacular and incomparably luxurious hotels. It offers unparalleled standards of comfort and service in a unique and unforgettably lavish setting.....'

H'm.. Nice, innit...Drove past it in a Mercedes cab, which stops if requested for the poor and unwashed to gawp at the admittedly impressive structure. All suites - the Sultan of Brunei keeps a $24,000 penthouse here all year round, visiting perhaps twice a year. H'm