So thirsty to read a literary book on this Saturday evening to break the loneliness, I decided to visit Kinokuniya library in the Dubai Mall, one of my favourite places in the city. There, I found myself amidst old friends: characters in classic and modern novels, people I used to converse with while turning the pages of Thomas Hardy, George Eliot, Gibran, and so forth. On my way there, I passed through the gigantic luxurious mall, where I usually see the real cosmopolitan aspect of this bustling city of Dubai, hoping to stumble upon new surprises like new collections or sales during my roam. I started the engine of my car, navigating my way towards the busy Emirates Road, one of the main highways in the United Arab Emirates, while remembering the unfortunate accidents that have occurred there.
Surprisingly, my usual route to the library was closed, so I had to find an alternative way, which wasn't entirely new given the unpredictable nature of Dubai's road and traffic authorities, the RTA. Nonetheless, I eventually found my way to Al Khail Road, the principal route I typically take to Dubai Mall from Jebel Ali, where my residence is located. However, I almost missed the flyover that led me to the mall, as I was flustered by the sudden change in route without prior notice.
A few minutes later, I found myself inside the parking lot, navigating through Gallery Lafayette's parking area, trying to find the closest spot to the lift. I dislike the Dubai Mall parking area, as I once lost my car there when my fiancée visited Dubai for the first time. It was a frustrating experience trying to locate it amidst the heat. I cursed myself, questioning why I even came to this place.
Finally, I managed to park and began contemplating which part of the mall to visit first. I decided on the electronic alley, a place I like despite never purchasing anything there. Names like Jacky's, Sharaf DG, Sony, and Virgin Mega Store appeal to my tech-savvy side, although I rarely spend money in those stores. After making up my mind, I headed towards Sony in hopes of finding some new gadgets.
Exiting my car, I began searching for a landmark, as I always do. P1, adjacent car, colour—these details were essential in a place where it's easy to get disoriented. As I walked, I couldn't help but recall the memories associated with navigating this labyrinthine mall.
Upon reaching the first floor, I encountered a surprising sight: a crowd of people, both Emiratis and others, rushing towards something on the ground floor. Curiosity piqued, I joined the throng, wondering what could be drawing such attention. Eventually, I discovered that it was Bloomingdale's, and the commotion seemed to revolve around a celebrity appearance or product launch.
Despite initially feeling disconnected from the event, upon seeing fellow black individuals in the crowd, my interest intensified. I felt a sense of solidarity and camaraderie, which encouraged me to investigate further. As I made my way back to Bloomingdale's, I couldn't help but notice the chaos and confusion around me.
Eventually, after much effort, I realized that the excitement was centred around Eva Longoria, the actress from Desperate Housewives, who was making an appearance. Reflecting on the experience, I couldn't help but feel that I had wasted my time chasing after a trivial distraction orchestrated by modern media.
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