Dubai

This was our first time in the Middle East and Dubai seemed like a logical place to start. It is one of the more liberal and tolerant places in the area and a lot of expats live there. Dubai is one of seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and occupies a strip of land off the coast of the Persian Gulf. Starting on the northeast end next to the emirate of Sharjah is the old Dubai. The Deira area is full of souks and abras—traditional boats that take you across the Dubai Creek. Across the creek is Bur Dubai and this is where we saw the historical buildings and narrow streets of Al Bastakiya village. Perisan merchants used to live here and it is now a restored and preserved area with boutique shops and cafes. 

As you head south, you enter new Dubai—beaches, malls, the Palm islands and tall skyscrapers. Burj Khalifa is the tallest one, not just in Dubai but in the world. It has held this title since 2008. We booked tickets to go to the top and went up as soon as we landed in the city.

Another iconic structure is the Burj Al Arab, the "seven-star" hotel, that is shaped like a ship sail. We didn't stay here but we had afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar on the 27th floor. We sat by the window and had an amazing view of Dubai. Having a reservation at one of its restaurants is the only way to see the hotel without staying the night. 

The Dubai that I think most people think of is the new modern Dubai so it was interesting for us to see both the old and the new in the short time that we had. 

STAY & EAT  

XVA Gallery and Hotel
Burj Al Arab
Arabian Tea House

Vejer de la Frontera

One of the most unique aspects of the Cadiz and Malaga provinces in Spain are the pueblos blancos—white villages of Andalusia. The distinctive style of the towns originated when the Moors settled in the hilltops after the Spanish began their reconquest. Many of these towns have de la Frontera after their names to signify being the border or frontier between the Muslim and Christian territories at the time. What was left after the Spanish reclaimed Andalusia were these charming little whitewashed towns. There are several of these towns scattered throughout the region and after careful consideration we settled on Vejer de la Frontera as our base.

STAY

Hotel La Casa del Califa

Hotel La Casa del Califa is located conveniently in the town square of Vejer. We stayed in Room 12, one of the best rooms of the hotel. It has its own terrace with views overlooking the white houses of the old town. A full spread for breakfast is included and is held at the restaurant in the garden which serves Moroccan cuisine at night. 

Day Trips

Jerez de la Frontera: Another frontier city, Jerez is famous for Sherry. We visited the Sandeman bodega for the tour and tasting and highly recommend it.

Gibraltar: Crossing the border to the tip of the Iberian peninsula was like stepping back into the U.K. for us. Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and is most notable for the Rock and its monkeys, or Barbary macaques to be exact. They are quite sneaky and have no problem jumping on you or your car and grabbing your things. 

Thank you Hotel La Casa del Califa for providing support on our visit to Vejer de la Frontera.  All opinions expressed are our own.