The most memorable part of our visit to Dubai was the dhow dinner cruise. Gliding along the colourful shimmering creek under a moonlit sky while dining to the mesmerizing sound of Arabic music was an enchanting experience.

Dhow - A traditional Arab sailing vessel with one or more masts. The Burj Al Arab was built to resemble the sail of a dhow.
Inside the dhow
Glimpses of the glittering Dubai skyline
From futuristic to .......

ancient.

The Sheikh Saeed Heritage Village

At night the colourful reflections from the bling of the dhows and buildings transformed the creek into a sea of glitter.

The 2 hour cruise included a Tanoura dance and henna painting

The tanoura is a dance performed by men twirling in long, colourful skirts.The dance originates from whirling dervishes.
So what is a dervish, and why do they whirl? A dervish is a Muslim religious man who spins around in circles until he reaches a trance-like state. Stripping layers of their clothes as they spin represents the different stages of ridding themselves from earthly needs and reaching a state of spiritual surrender to God.
Our performer here was like a human top. He spun continously for a good 30 minutes without faltering. I got dizzy just watching him!
Henna Painting
Getting my first henna tattoo

Applying the henna paste

It was a little ticklish!

The paste left a cooling sensation

Rodney wanted one too!

His was a scorpion

The longer the henna stays on the skin, the darker and longer the stain will be. The paste is scraped off when it is dried.
What wonderful mementos of our visit!!