Destination Dubai: Marinas, Beaches & the Hottest Water I Ever Swam In

​Day 3 in Dubai kicked off with an afternoon ride on the Blue Line of the Big Bus Tour, which covered Dubai Marina and the city’s Tallest Block. 

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And what on Earth is Dubai's 'Tallest Block?' Well, picture a collection of super skyscrapers and high-rise buildings jam-packed into a block. Oh wait, that's almost anywhere in New York City. 

It's got the tallest residential buildings in the world and is a haven for some of the most awe-inspiring architecture across Dubai. What do you think?

​And after a quick drive through the Tallest Block we landed at the next star attraction: a 40-minute cruise through the Dubai Marina. Didn't I tell you that the Big Bus Tour was the best way to see Dubai?

Dubai marina Cruise

Yep, another blistering hot day but that couldn't stop me hitting the top deck of the cruise ship to take in the sweet views of the marina.      

Dubai Marina had it all--more high-rises, more shops, more restaurants, and a bunch of dope water activities all crammed between some of the most unusual-looking-but-somehow-aesthetically-appealing buildings the city had to offer.

The best part was catching an up-close look at the Tallest Block. Why on Earth would anyone want to stack so many buildings that close together? I don't know. But heck, I bet the view from the top of any of those buildings was beyond sick. 

Jumeirah beach Residence​

Finally, finally, finally. My next destination? Jumeirah Beach Residence, a 1.7-kilometer long waterfront outfitted with luxury apartments, hotels, restaurants, retail stores, and lots of places for some good ol' entertainment. Now that's what I'm talking about! 

And want to know the cool part? Of all my travels, it was the first beach that ever reminded me of beaches in the States, or more specifically, in Los Angeles, my hometown. There were palm trees, grass fields, jungle gyms, lots of artistry, sand sculptures, burger and hotdog stands, and boutiques. Not bad to travel to the other side of the planet and be reminded of home, eh?

Plus, JBR beach was surrounded by beautiful high-rise condominiums. The only other place I had ever seen that was in Hong Kong. I wonder how much rent cost in one of those joints?

​There were tourists from all walks of life, some cool water activities setup, a grand view of the soon-to-be-completed Oasis in the Sky Ferris Wheel, and, well, ... a random local riding two camels along the sandy shores. Now that's something you don't see everyday!

And then it happened. There I was, neck deep in the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Peaceful, sure. And that view? Incredible, to say the least. But there was just one 'problem.' The water was scorching hot. Ouch!

Ok, ok, not scorching hot, but definitely lukewarm. Put a bowl of water in the microwave for about a minute and that's how it felt. Never had I ever been to a beach where the water was nearly as scorching hot as the weather. And yeah, I guess I can cross that one off my list of weird-but-cool things to experience when traveling. 

Bus tours, marinas, skyscrapers, beaches? Oh boy. It wasn't even mid-day, but my last day in Dubai would only get better ...

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