So Dubai. It is my birthday and we have gone in search of some sun. A long weekend, during which the sun seemed to slip to the other side of the world and our shorts and T's remained in the bags. Still it was warm enough at around 23 celsius in the day and cooler at night.

I had always thought Dubai would be full of bling, as culturally deep as a pot of slimmers yoghurt and fun for a short break, but that's about it. So I was pleased to be proven wrong. Even in these recessed times, Dubai is impressive; it is chic and culturally rich. Yes, it is indeed the land of chic sheiks! The nice thing about Dubai is you simply blend into its cultural tapestry. The calls from Mosques throughout the city, the dazzling white of robes and contrasting black of burkas, blend nicely with city buzz, fueled by chic bars in every hotel, the drift of grape shisha and the abundance of coffee and pastries is a heady mix and gives a relaxing contrast from what was left back home.

As a tourist you don't stand out (well, unless you walk around with the bum bag/fanny pack, bad silky shirt, chinos and boat shoes of some!)...simply because the expat community is the majority. So while you are a westerner, you could easily be a local expat, or a tourist. Either way its pretty hassle free.

With the world's biggest shopping mall, world's longest indoor ski fields, world's biggest man made island, world's tallest building next to the world's highest performing fountain, world's largest aquarium, world's highest hotel and no doubt the world's largest bleedin' tea pot too (but we didn't see that one)...there is no shortage of being impressed with this visual symphony, even if you pause to consider the backs of the low waged and almost indentured labour on which it has reportedly been built.

Oh, and if you do go, make sure you seek out the Angsana Spa for a Thai/Swedish fusion massage - then let the holiday begin. Pure bliss.

Would we go back? Yes, I might even consider working there someday.