Tallest Building in the World

View from the top
Shadow of the world's tallest building hovers over the world's largest mall
multicultural

Every detail has been incorporated into the design

at the bottom

day burj

on the way up

Like something out of Gotham City, the world's tallest building - the Burj Khalifa that is - rises like a triumphant force in the area know as Downtown Burj Dubai. It is truly the most amazing building I have ever seen and I look out my window in awe everyday at its magnificence; this shiny landmark is crazily modern yet completely elegant and i love it. In an effort to spread the love, below are some fun facts you should know about the Burj (as it is known locally):

• it is over 160 stories high or 2,716.50 feet tall
• it was designed by a Chicago architecture firm
• the design was inspired by a desert flower known as hymenocallis
• the observation deck (named "At the Top" ) is located on level 124
• the top stories of the building are owned by the royal family
• the building hosts the world's first and only Armani hotel
• it has 57 elevators, 8 escalators and more than 26,000 panes of glass
• the elevator leading to the Observation Deck travels at 10 meters per second
• the Observation Deck hosts a 360 degree view, a portion of which is outside
• the building also hosts luxury private residences, gyms, pools, a resident's library, cigar club, gourmet grocery store and gourmet convenience store, as well as offices.

If you are really, really intrigued, here's the link to the official website:
http://www.burjkhalifa.ae/

I'm not sure what the status is here in Dubai...I'm still trying to figure it out. This city hosts the most amazing architecture I've seen and construction sites, cranes, and men in little blue uniforms with hard hats are everywhere. It literally is a city that is being built overnight, only partially finished. However, it is apparent that the grand vision of the government to turn Dubai into the most modern city in the world has been slowed at the very least in the aftermath of the economic crisis. It'll be interesting to see how the economy, the culture, and the city unfold in the next couple of years. This guy seems to have a pretty negative view but it's definitely a good read. Will keep you posted!

http://burj-khalifa.eu/business-jobs/burj-khalifa-%e2%80%93-a-bleak-symbol-of-dubais-era-of-bling

Ramadan

Ramadan starts tomorrow, so for the next month I won't be able to do a lot of the things I take for granted as part of my daily routine including:

• getting my beloved lattes during daylight hours
• wearing shorts
• chewing gum outside of my house.

Although it sounds completely insanse to a Westerner, the foundations of Ramadan are lovely, reflecting ideals of religion and spirituality that ring familiar. Maybe this is something we should all experience at some point???

Below is an excerpt from an email sent around Jay's office yesterday which gives a concise background and some helpful tips:

Dear All,

As you are aware, Ramadan is due to begin shortly. Please find below some information and do's and don'ts as an introduction for those of you experiencing Ramadan for the first time or as a refresher for those of you already familiar with the etiquette.

The holy month of Ramadan is an important period of religious significance for Muslims who observe the period with worship, spiritual contemplation and by fasting during daylight hours. Muslims refrain from smoking, eating, drinking and indulging in anything that is in excess or ill-natured from dawn to sunset. Fasting helps Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity. During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from temptations, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.

At sunset, the fast is broken with an Iftar meal, traditionally a light snack of dates and water, although today many hotels in Dubai offer huge Iftar buffets. Ramadan is a time to be charitable and help those in need and visiting friends and family members, often into the early hours of the morning.

Eid Al Fitr, meaning "the festival of breaking the fast" is a holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, and the start of the next month on the Islamic calander. This is a time of celebration, visiting family and friends, feasting, as well as donation of food to the less fortunate.

Do's and Don'ts

• It is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours (including inside your car). If you get caught you will likely get a lecture from the police or possibly a fine. In some instances a jail term of 1-2 months is given. Note that chewing gum is classed as eating and considered offensive. Most workplaces will have a dedicated area where non-Muslims can eat, drink and possibly smoke without causing offence.


• If you are out and your children are hungry, they are permitted to eat/drink in public but it is important to be discreet.


• Don't swear in public. Blasphemy is frowned upon at the best of times but is particulary offensive during the holy month.


• It is respectful and polite to dress more conservatively during Ramadan - shoulders and legs should be covered.


• Don't play loud music at anytime in your car, home, at the beach, etc.


• Don't sing or dance in public at anytime during Ramadan. Nightclubs will be closed, however bars will open after 7pm. There will be no live music in bars, but quiet background music is permissable.


• Do be tolerant of others during this period and show patience and understanding.


• Do get into the charitable spirit, small gestures go a long way.

Many Thanks. Ramadam Kareem in advance.

Wish me luck!

Not in Kansas Anymore

It's been almost three weeks since I disembarked in the middle east and sometimes it does feel like I've entered the Land of Oz.

Gold and jewels are abundant.

Insense hangs in the air.

Women and men walk in robes like spirits amongst us.

And the call to prayer rings through the mall.

I'm not sure that if I click the rubber heels of my bejewled flip flops three times I will be wisked away to Lawrence, but at least I have skype.