Dubai

Each year Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha, which commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac; they celebrate by sacrificing animals (often sheep) and giving all extra food to the poor. We hear that in Egypt the sheer number of sacrifices leads to blood literally flowing in the streets... But we didn't see it because we left the country and spent four days in the United Arab Emirates.

Most people have heard of Dubai, which is one of UAE's 7 emirates -- the most Westernized, commercial, and touristy -- and is where we stayed with family friends. It's a city full of superlatives. In 2009 the Burj Dubai will be open for business as the tallest building in the world. Elevators to the 164th floor are expected to reach 40mph.

The whole city is one big construction site.

Behind me is the world's only "7 star" hotel. It's on its own little island and no one is allowed entrance except guests with reservations. It starts at $1,200 per night, so a bit out of our price range. But we got in anyway ;)

A few of the lesser suites.

The view from the restaurant on the top floor. The bar there has trained "mixologists" who will concont a special drink catered to your taste preferences.

Perhaps king among Dubai's ridiculous offerings is the indoor ski slope. Yes, skiing. In the desert. They have decided the best use of their resources is to create tons of artificial snow.

At the end of a long day...