kashish mittal
Sacred Heart Convent School, Ludhiana
Getting an approval for the Dubai Trip put me into ripples of joy and my mind flew to the land- Abu-Dhabi and Dubai, the names suggestive of heat, deserts and sand dunes. All the Geography read so far was fresh in mind. But believe me, when we landed in Dubai the scenario was contrary to my thoughts- gleaming palaces, skyscrapers, Ferraris and Lamborghini.
The initial apprehension, going for a trip with Sr Reshmi, the Principal, and Sr Alodia, our Coordinator, and being in discipline all through simply vanished into the thin year. We found them more as friends than as disciplinarians at the school.
We had reached Dubai at an opportune time. Dubai was celebrating its 44th National Day and the special treatment we got everywhere that day reflected their patriotic fervour. We too were drowned in it.
Let me take you touring in Dubai. We started the city tour with visiting the Palace of the rulers of Dubai i.e Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Palm Islands, the magnificent Hotel Atlantis, the Jumeira Beach and the Burj Ali Arab.
The visit to the mighty Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building was mesmerizing. What a piece of human engineering and architecture! It was simply amazing to get the panoramic view of whole of Dubai from the Khalifa’s observatory located at the 126 floor and at a height of 555 metres above the sea level.
The world class and unique craftsmanship at the Global Village was another treat for our eyes and the aesthetic appeal of the Miracle Garden was overwhelming. It houses around 40 million species of flowers which seemingly incredible yet has been made credible.
The enchanting Dolphinarium, the Zoo and the Aquarium were just of the world - the desert land so much in sync with nature. Not forgetting the thrill in the Arabian Desert in the land cruiser. We had to pinch to tell ourselves- it was not an advertisement shot, we were actually there exploring the sand dunes and the oasis and we did find one. The Arabian cuisine has its own flavour. We relished the food complementing it with our visit to the Snow Park where the temperature was -3 degree Celsius – a stark contrast with scorching heat outside.
This trip was an experience in itself. The Great Sheikh Zozad Grand Mosque, built in white marble imported from 3 countries was beautiful par beauty. Thanks to the school sisters and my parents for this trip to Dubai. My passion for car was quenched in the Ferrari World, the largest indoor theme park. Not missing the fast and furious roller coaster ride that accelerates to 245 km in nearly 10 seconds. We returned to Ludhiana but with a heavy heart. Each one of us wanted to be in the rich blend of culture, tradition and modernity.
