Dubai's most popular fair cum global market of culture "
The Global Village" is definitely a must see for residents and tourists.Happening in the cool months of Nov- Feb.Whether you are a shopaholic, a cultural enthusiast, a foodie or person who just wants to enjoy a fair..you are at the right place. With 43 countries taking part and loads of entertainment for every one....various heart-stopping stunts, cultural programs, wonderful exhibits, fun rides, lots of mouthwatering delicacies.......the excitement never seems to end! There are few lucky ones who get to win the highly anticipated "Lexus Daily Raffle"!
I should say Friday is the worst day to go there.....and we did that! Weekends here (Friday & Saturday ) are the time when families and the others get enough time to visit such places in leisure. Last weekend seemed to had the maximum foot count! First of all we had to park the car at the other end(P-7) of the main gates from where we had to then walk all the way to the main gate 1....we avoided this by hiring a cycle rickshaw(yes you read it right a cycle rickshaw from India) to give some rest to my still healing knee. This ride turned out to be very expensive...30 bucks for the three of us! We could have hired a cab for one third of the price! Of course cabs are not allowed there....anyways it is the only time the rickshawalas can make some bucks.
On reaching the main gate what we find is a long waiting queue for the entrance tickets! After waiting in the line for about half an hour to 40 mins we entered the park only to find it even more crowded....Certain pavilions had no place to set a feet even. No I am not exaggerating...I had to step out of the Pak pavilion just because I could not bother to walk in a crowded place like it was! Also my daughter and husband had to wait in long queues for the rides. Then I decided to just go to the main pavilions of my interest get what I came for and out we go....
Headed straight to the Indian pavilion bought some wonderful henna wooden block stamps(for craft) and while going out saw a shop of Nepali stuff. While enquiring about there presents in the India pavilion I found out that there was no Nepali one this year, so they found some place in their neighbour's one. Sad to know that they will not be coming back the next time. Nepal was always in my must visit pavilions' list. Any ways ...just picked up some sculpture from there and walked to the Thai pav. The next stop was Morocco and that was it patience out and headed back home....Need to visit again for the rest of the things in my list. I think one of the Mondays which is supposed to be a family day is less crowded would be best for me...
Pics from the Nepalese shop.....
At the Moroccan Pavilion .....
This is what I managed to get at the Pakistan pavilion...Note the Juttees they are so cool on the feet and very light in the pocket!
The pretty Thai flowers and dancers...
The Indian 'Mela'....
Click the images to view larger version. All these images have been taken with a Point and Shoot camera.
