Before anything, I’d like to invite you to download 4 amazing tunes part of DOWNLOADABLES #77. They’re all killer tracks. Special mention for that Mashup of Get It On In The 80’s which is a mix of T.rex and Calvin Harris. The song has been on repeat ever since I found it ! The others are worth a good listen too ! Go ahead and click on the backside of the 1980 Lamborghini Countach (left) to download !
Hey ! It’s one of these days where you have no other option than make a run for the “world’s largest mall”. When you have an urge for French Chouquettes hardly describable and you’re eager to see what the “world’s largest dancing fountain” has to offer. I had updated my facebook status according to my intentions and soon after, received a text from Clauderic – another blogger here in the sandpit – wanting to kill his boredom in any way possible. And who better suited to break boredom than Airboy himself ??? NOOOT ! So told him to crash around mine before we taxied our way over Sheikh Zayed Road into the Dubai Mall. I usually go by myself to malls. But this time thought it would be nice to share my love for French Chouquette and amazing patisseries with a Canadia raised citizen (those are the ones who pride themselves with Poutine, which is French Fries, a lot of melted cheese and gravy to spice things up a notch…. ahhhhhhhhhhhh). So we conquered the maze like layout of the place to finally get my Holy Grail. Spent quite some time discussing crew behavior patterns, accommodation issues and blogging. I went for my favourite, a simple strawberry tart with creme patissiere as Clauderic ploughed through his Chocolate Eclair. I think I converted him to Chouquettes for the rest of his life ! I’m on a mission here. I will take as many people to this specific bakery because they make jaw-dropping bread. Their croissant is to die for too! Too many good things around to actually think sanely I say !
I was surprised when Clauderic told me he hadn’t seen Downtown Burj Dubai behind the mall itself. Just like me when I discovered there was a whole world beyond IKEA at Dubai Festival City… So we ventured out to check if the fountains worked today. And they did. As soon as we stepped outside in the suffocating heat, the show was about to start. Steam magically appearing from the water surface to announce what was to come next : An impressive water show spoiled by a very gusty wind and poor musical taste.
It looked absolutely pathetic. Mind you, that was during the day, I guess it’s just another thing in the evening when all the lights go on and stuff but seeing it during the day completely ruined my expectations.
First of all, the wind. I guess some people need to think a little more when planning for a highly expensive water feature. This darn thang cost around 800 million dhs to build (I’m talking about the foutain itself and not the surrounding neighbourhood), but these morons didn’t think the wind would be a major factor in the attraction’s success. We both stood on the bridge that leads to the arabian styled souk on the other side of the lake and waited there until the show began. We made an awful mistake ! As soon as water jetted out of the nozzles, some gusty winds came swooshing over the lake and took 22,000 gallons of water on it’s path, splashed the on-lookers aswell as the locals in their dish-dashas and abayas (above the law, but not above mother nature !). It was a complete mess by the time the feature stopped. Leaving passers by drenched in water wondering what just happened to them. Clauderic and myself reacted swiftly and got shelter under the patio roof.
Secondly, the music. I could not help but laugh as soon as I saw the little fountains wiggle around to the arabic themed music. Visions of very bad giant belly dancers came to mind straight away, dressed complete with silk scarfs and light bells hangin’ from their belt. I would have loved to see – especially knowing how much they dished out for the fountain – a killer/well known DJ master the background music. Something edgy, something avant-garde. Something that could of raised this technical feat into a work of pure art. But it wasn’t the case. It turns out to be everything but arty. In fact I’ll dub it tacky (that’s my point of view, other might think differently).
Finally, the setting. The fountain is amongst unfinished buildings, a ghost town and a staggering number of ugly yellow cranes. Why not launch the whole Downtown Dubai when everything is bloody finished and rock’n'rolling ?? Seems a good option. Rather than launch something half way through the construction. It’s like opening your christmas presents on the 5th of June you know…. And for those who’d like to see the thing in action, here’s a decent video shot from a balcony (available in HD too) :
Anyway, I’m probably over stating much of my arguments and playing the complete ignorant and cynical dumb ass but I will not take away the fact that IT IS IMPRESSIVE. Seeing so much water pushed into the air, loud bangs of pressurized air and just the choreography of it all. But please, whatever you do, go see that when the sun has gone. Otherwise you’ll be disappointed.
Other noteworthy news would be the opening of Galerie Lafayette in Dubai Mall. Nothing much to add, it looks like any other department store. I thought they’d do something a little more special since the building in Paris is a classic work of architecture. But no, they kept the boring side of things, as you do in Dubai, and went for a sanitized clinical look for the store. We strolled through at a rapid pace before I was annoyed and started to get bored. We stayed in there for approximately 6 minutes.
I had a good day after all. Nice to chat with Clauderic (or Rihanna as you wish to call him!).
That’s about it peeps. Hope you’re well. I’ll be off to ZINC tonight as any other Monday and then sleep because I have a JFK flight tomorrow night. Hope all goes well. Hope the drunk will remain off the aircraft and that I will get the 2nd rest ! Oh… and a before I leave you, please take a look at this funny video :
“Oh, the mail’s here… that’s nice..” ROFL!!!! Hahahahahahaha!!!!
Sure the fountain is big but I dunno if technically it’s a fountain rather than a lake with fountains in it. The one in Singapore fits the definiteion of ‘fountain’ better. Plus they project laser picturres onto it.
I agree with you on the Galleries Lafayette, was there yesterday and it was a total disappointment. Even the clothes are boring…
BTW have you tried Fatburger on LG floor?
Haven’t tried fatburger yet, but defo saw the place and will try it out.
i added the tracks to my ipod playlist right away. my favorite is blame it on the sex
hmm those fountains seem like a knock off of the dancing fountains in front of the belaggio in vegas, except not as well planned!
enjoy your JFK flight, the weather was nasty out here all week but spring weather has arrived, just in time! did you end up getting those apollo tickets? you should also check out the uss intrepid, it’s this aircraft carrier that was turned into a museum and is now docked on the hudson river. a must for any aviation enthusiast! have fun, and as i have said i’m happy to recommend/help with anything out here in nyc!
-and since you are a fan of french pastries, check out payard patisserie & bistro on 73rd and lexington, hands down the best in the city.