Bur Dubai: Textile Souk

Typically when I travel, I tend to stay away from places and experiences that I can get here in the United States. However, Dubai which is mainly known for its tall fancy building and luxurious lifestyle, offered very little of a unique experience. Also being an international/expatriate city, it was hard to get a true taste of the indigenous Arab culture.

However, a trip to the Textile Souk in Bur (old) Dubai provided a bit of the local culture I was yearning for. To get to the Textile souk, we had to get on an Abra boat ride (which only cost 1 dirham). The boat which had no railings offered no security whatsoever! Despite my safety concerns, I enjoyed the boat ride, and my buddy and I even made friends with one of the locals.

My time at the Textile Souk was awesome. The market was filled with so many gorgeous fabrics (definitely a fashionista’s haven). Haggling with the traders reminded me so much of the markets back in my hometown of Lagos. After strolling down hallways of the sand-colored buildings, and copping a few items, we called it a day and headed back to the glamorous parts of Dubai.

Below are pictures, I hope you enjoy them.

Ankara Pants& Bangle by Chic Therapy| Tee:Old Navy|Sandals:Target

An Abra boat (Water taxi)

Our boat driver was such a sport

Our new friend

Hello new friend

It was such a beautiful day in Dubai

Checking out the traditional beaded flats

Coconut drink for a beautiful day

We checked out some spices, and the chicken masala spice smelled so gooood!

So many Jalabiyas to choose from

How gorgeous are these throw pillows

Should I get this pink? (I ended up with the blue one in this post)

This shop attendant was a riot! We had so much fun in his shop--good times!

                    That's all folks. Have a great week!

Maxi at the mosque

This post is a continuation of my Dubai trip and it features my visit to the Jumeirah Mosque. The mosque was one of the top sights on my to-do list and I had also planned to take the mosque tour and learn about the religion and customs of the UAE. However, my friend and I arrived late for the tour and were not allowed access into the mosque. Not one to waste an outfit, I figured we might as well make most of the time and take pictures in the beaded jalabiya we had purchased the night before. Here goes...

Desert Safari, Dubai

When my friend and I started planning our trip to Dubai, I immediately added a desert safari tour to our list of activities. I had seen so many cool desert pictures on Instagram and I could not wait to join the fun.

 The tour started with a sand dune bashing. I had never heard of sand dune bashing, and if I had looked up what the activity entailed, I would have probably stayed away. I did get a bit dizzy, but fortunately, I did not throw up. After the exciting dune bashing, it was time to ride the camel. It was a fun ride albeit short. The rest of the evening on the desert was relaxing, I got the henna tattoo on my hand, smoked some shisha aka hookah (first time), stuffed my face with the buffet food that was provided in the desert camp and watched a belly dance performance. The desert tour was amazing and was the best experience I had in Dubai. 

Over the next few weeks, I will be posting picture from my other Dubai adventures. For now, enjoy my Arabian desert tour.

Impromptu photoshoot

Selfie with the Camel

The fun camel ride

Waiting for dinner

First time doing Hookah/Shisha. 

I look like a pro..lol

Our freshly done henna tattoo

Belly dancer

Another entertainer

Giving Naomi Campbell a run for her money 

That slit! (hides face)

That's all folks, have an amazing Tuesday.