Note the local UAE man walking into the store, traditional dress in PB is a strange combination and was visually confusing. However, for all the cash that sits in Dubai, PB is bound to see some serious profits-brilliant.
The fun thing was walking into the stores. The atmosphere easily tricked me into thinking I was home--in America. Yet, there were many signs to tell me otherwise ie. the abaya'ed woman examining the Caroline bedroom collection, the Indian security guard who can't speak English at the door, or the Filipino store clerk trying to explain the PB brand to Russian women.
The 45 minute flight to Dubai was far too short for Xavier. Traveling is a free ticket for playing his Game Boy and he felt entirely cheated when we landed, 'That's it?' Since it was his party trip I let him indulge in Game Boy fun for the whole time. I am amazed that he still cares about the lame games on that cheap electronic. Don't tell him PlayStation 3 exists, I am milking this one for the whooping $60. I paid for it. 
Here are some lovely scenes from the plane window. As you will notice, if you are rich, you can pretend you don't live in a desert. For the rest of us, you are painfully aware-everyday, every minute, every second. 
Our first point of fun was the Rain Forest Cafe--brilliantly located directly behind the Dubai Mall Aquarium. The food was mediocre, but the atmosphere made up for it. What pleased me the most was how much Xavier thought about the other kids on this trip. 'Asa, would LOVE this', 'Awe, I miss Diddly Dona', 'I miss Heavah more than my friends'. A heart of gold, he has. 
During our trip, our diet consisted of fast food and jelly beans. Candylicious (the most calorie-fill store I have ever encountered) had the real Jelly Bellies. I ate so many jelly beans I swore they were all the same flavor after 10 minutes of constant eating. I must also note that Xavier dropped two $20. filled bags while taking it to be weighed. He was lucky he was the star of the week, otherwise the punishment would have been grave.
Unfortunately for Xavier, Dubai insists that we must shop. We visited the Outlet Mall, the Dubai Mall, City Center, Emirates Mall and Dubai Mall again. Never has one child been dragged to more stores than Xavier did during his trip. Again, Game Boy saved our butts. He could have been locked in a cellar and been happy as long as his batteries held out. 
Another one of my mistakes was making Xavier join me on a wee excursion to my old beauty salon. We stopped at the Mirdif Mall and surely it was just a short walk down the road. Not so. Xavier and I climbed dunes, crossed major roads, and even explored an abandoned neighborhood in search of M & A Salon. The fun part was visiting our old haunts. Xavier remembered it all, and even noticed it wasn't quite the same as it used to be, "Mom, before were were so many people, now, there is no one around.' Thanks to the grand exodus of Dubai. 
The shopping wasn't all for my pleasure. Xavier enjoyed all the 'toy stores on steroids' and I sadly explained to him why we have no such fun in Qatar. All the fun is in Dubai, Doha has little to offer. 
One of our funnest experiences was bowling at the Magic Planet in the Emirates Mall. Xavier show us he has his father's skillz by mistakenly taking his father's turn and getting him a strike. Yes, that is 4 strikes in a row. Don't look at my score, I suck.
What would a trip to Dubai be without a ride on the Metro and a mandatory photo in front of the Burj Khalifa? That is the only possible way to prove you have actually been there. Otherwise, you might as well have been in Doha.
Obviously, the game playing comes from his father. I might as well get a manicure. How long would it be before they both realized I was gone?
Wild Wadi was a fun excursion for Xavier and I, but I must admit, it was dang cold. Yes, that is right, I said that the Middle East was cold. It will be the first and last time I say that, and I wished I could have bottled up the chill, it would have come in handy this past week.
Another activity that Xavier thoroughly enjoyed was going to the Mac Man and testing out various eye shadow colors. Xavier got to have free reign of the camera and even documented his excitement:
Our last stop was the Children's City museum. I feel like it is the most underrated place in all of Dubai. No one goes there and I can't figure out why. It is like a Please Touch Museum and has all the fun any child could hope for. I delight in going because they have lovely places for parents to sit, and the children are always tried when they are done. If you live in Dubai or visit often, spend the 5 buck entry fee and go before they close it down. 
The trip was a blast and we shared some super fun experiences together. Xavier was a fine companion. He wins the prize for the easiest traveler. Good thing, it makes me excited to bring him again. Soon. 
A few days ago I was lucky enough to watch my daughter and some of the neighborhood girls do a dance performance to 'All the Single Ladies'. The interpretive dance involved a lot of jumping, clapping and twirling, with a mix of sass and strut. 
The movements were graceful and abrupt all at the same time. The hand gestures were clearly displaying the conflict most single ladies feel: 'Come, come...now... go away, go away.' There was a lot of angst and expression in each pose. 
The whole production was dance fusion with a little ballet, jazz, and contemporary all mixed into one. It effectively displayed how women are not one dimensional--especially single ones. It shared with the audience a sense of joyful play and solemn seriousness: 'If you like it you should'a put'a ring on it.' The meaning was deep and emotional at times. 
(R to L) Megan-spunky and fun mother of two adorable twins, Amber- Texan beauty queen and mother of 3, me, and Afton-culinary master and mother of 3
I can't tell you how great my girl excursion was for the soul. The atmosphere was grand and the resort was luxurious, but the best part didn't have anything to do with location. It had everything to do with girl power. Every woman must take in a girl vacation. My friend described the deliciousness of the trip here. I second everything and add my simplified 10 reasons why you should plan a girlcation today:
1. You can get to know women aside from where they buy their kids' clothing or shop for diapers.
2. You can go to sleep at 3am and wake up at 11am.
3. You can shop until your legs collapse, and never hear a word of complaint.
4. You can share make up tips and borrow clothing from each other. The result maybe a little hoochie, but extremely fun nonetheless.
5. You can talk about seex, and share in your confusion why men love their anatomy so.
6. You can do a yoga session and do the goddess pose and really mean it.
Strong like the trees
7. You can explore waterfalls together and swim with the fishes. PLUS, you can make fun of all the Europeans in thongs and Speedos.
8. You can eat 3 times the number of calories than normal because everyone knows if the food came from someone else's plate, it is calorie free.
9. You can share a glitter filled tub together and talk about Hollywood gossip and pretend you know everything.
10. You can talk about the pains of motherhood, but also know deep down inside we all can't wait to wrap our arms around our little boogers again.
My staple diet on this trip: anise seed covered in sugar. Luckily, my friends didn't care for it so within a day and a half, I downed the whole bag. It is good for digestion and adds an extra ring of cellulite on the thighs, why would you ever refuse?
The food is slightly different in Goa than most of India. Like the rest of Goa, it is Mediterranean/Indian fusion, with plenty of seafood and spices. I had the tastiest naan (butter, garic, and cheese-the guiltiest pleasure ever) and butter chicken I have ever had in my life in Goa.
Fresh catches for the day. I wanted it ALL. There is nothing like watching the creature move only 10 minutes before it makes it to your table. Dee-ish.
Various hunks of sugar. The black chunks are molasses sugar. I found a small sample while walking around the market. I bushed off the bug that was crawling on it and took a bite. Sooo yummy.
A heap of chilli. We bought vanilla beans from the owner of this chilli mountain. 100 beans for 20 bucks. I don't know what to do with it, but all my culinary friends had a plethora of fancy ideas. We can't buy vanilla extract in Doha because of the high alcohol content (alcohol is strictly prohibited here). Guess what I used in my coconut cookies yesterday? I am sure it is blasphemous to those who know the true value of a vanilla bean, but the cookies were extra tasty.
A happy visual
We ate at a traditional Goan Restaurant one evening. It was magical. We put on smokey eyes and were serenaded by some instrumentals. The atmosphere was as good as the food and the only thing it lacked was a Jason Mraz song, which we fruitlessly requested.
To make you drool...
The other appeal of Goa are the Catholic churches. It is strange to be in India where Christianity is so strong. Truthfully, I missed the strong Hinduism vibe there, but I was able to find a few temples to feel like home. Nothing like a good Kali idol to bring peace to your heart.
There were definitely fewer temples than there were churches.
Old Goa Church is one of the older churches that houses the remains of the famous St. Francis Xavier. St. Xavier was sent to Goa by the Portuguese king and it is believed that he converted over 30,000 Goans in the 1500s. You can't see much but Xavier's skull from where we stood. I saw some red, and some brown, and grey linen. Care for me to go into more detail? I could if you want.
I don't care much for the canonized remains, but the structure itself was impressive. It all adds to the Goan charm. It isn't as spicy as the food, but unique and interesting just the same.
