A Dubai favorite of our whole family. Global Village is an experience for all senses.

It is a place of funny juxtapositions of world landmarks. The children start the visit by walking through the first part laughing heartily about Big Ben next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Burj Khalifa next to Chinese sights. How many will they find?

The next task is to decide which part of the world and country to visit. The country representations change a little each winter. Ciquala (now 6) likes the colorful Indian pavillion, while Joelle enjoys the Iranian scent and saffron-filled Iranian pavilion. - Don’t miss out on the saffron ice cream while you’re there!

Each country has market items and in the past we have come home with for example spices from Iran, clothes from India and Pakistan, Middle-Eastern cookies, or stationary from Japan.

When we get hungry polls are taken and mostly end in favor of the Indian Chaat Plaza or the mostly Thai Floating Market. Over time we have also sampled food from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, Japan, Turkey, Bosnia, and Georgia. A constant during our visit is the kid tricking, giggle inducing Turkish ice cream buying ritual.

Our family often visits the carnival as part of our visit. Crafty parents can circumvent this as they are all in one corner, although it does take work. We never miss out on the Ferris wheel. It is humongous and provides colorful, spectacular views of Global Village. The Dubai Skyline faintly appears in the distance.

I hope you can imagine the fun-filled hustle bustle of Global Village. If you could visit, what would you be most interested in? Have you been to Global Village? What did you like best? Please leave your comments!