Every time I travel to a foreign country, I try to learn the culture and assimilate myself in it. I love to learn about different ideals, traditions, food, clothing, everything that sums up a cultural atmosphere. But where is Dubai's culture? In the skyscrapers? Seven star resorts? Or perhaps in the one of the world's biggest mall? Dubai has been stripped of its culture in order to make room for the incredible, and at times outrageous landmarks. Everything has become a tourist attraction, impressive, but not the experience I was hoping for.
However, not all hope was lost. We took a boat ride (through a man-made canal) to a marketplace. We saw spices, jewelry, clothing, and other items such as Hookahs.
While visiting a "heritage culture center" that was clearly all for show (many tourists bought into it) we saw old building that had been renovated and expanded. While walking around, something caught my eye. I saw a building that said "Journalists Association." I asked someone what it was and was surprised to say the least. The "Journalists Association" is a meeting place for all journalists in the UAE. The Royal family of Dubai meets with all journalists to tell them the "rules" of reporting. They are not allowed to report any stories that may make Dubai or the Royal family look bad. This is why we are having so much difficulty getting "real" interviews, however, that is not going to stop me from being a journalist. I am prepared to ask difficult questions...but maybe I'll just wait until my last day to ask those!
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