A few days in Dubai

Shopping in Emirates Mall
View over Dubai...

The lone camel
Coraleen at Shaikh Saeed's House who was the grandfather of the present ruler and his house has been restored as a museum. Dating from the late 1800s, Sheikh Saeed's House was built in a commanding position near the sea so the Ruler could observe shipping activity from its balconies. With its windtowers and layers of rooms built around a central courtyard, it is a fine example of regional architecture. An ambitious restoration project has returned the house to its former glory and makes it a showcase for the history and development of Dubai.

The sanddunes.. we were in a 4 wheel drive just the same.. and those dunes.. OMG!!

Sunset in the desert

Coraleen in the desert
Vicki in the desert with camel..guesswhich ones the Camel..I know you were thinking that so I just wrote it:-)
Coraleen in Heritage House

Coraleen on the Abra with a hard working crewman in the background.

The Dubai Creek is considered to be one of the most significant and safe harbor for all the ships. It has a very beautiful, calm and serene atmosphere. Abras serve as water-taxis for crossing from Deira side to Bur Side.

Coraleen at Jumeria beach..
Coraleen at the 'port'waiting for the next Abra..or water taxi to you
Vicki in the bedoin camp waiting for a puff of the bong.. and it was only apple for those of you who were wondering... as I was
Vicki at the 'port' ...
Another one of Coraleen on the Abra

After 20 hours in the air landing in Dubai was indeed an experience. It was 5am local time and exhaustion was certainly taking its toll.

Plans were made, directions heeded .... only to fall asleep and wake at 2am! The best laid plans ...

We did however manage to recover and took ourselves off to Jurmeria Beach Park (courtesy of the hotel's free transport). Beautiful white sand, umbrellas, towels and loungers for hire but being the jews we are we had brought towels from the hotel..blame the exchange rate :-) 4 hours later and burnt to a crisp we returned to the hotel to get changed to meet our Tour Guide for a Desert Safari.

Never having been in a real desert before it was a new experience to do 4 wheel driving in the sand dunes at temperatures soaring over40degrees. And camels.. don't let anyone tell you they are 'nice animals'..stink being the operative word. We didn't go for a ride on one but I did venture close enough (fingers holding the nose) to pat one and have my picture took .. hastily I might add before it tried to bite or kick me. Some of them actually had muzzles on ... caveat emptor!!

Our monosyllabic grunting tour guide was soon off in his own world as we stopped at a bedouin camp to watch belly dancing and have our hands tatooed with henna (which are still there - I am sure the Londoners must think we are demented Kiwi's).

The next morning we opted for a bit of shopping visiting the Gold Souks, Spice Markets and a ride in a traditional abra. Which for those of you who don't know is a water taxi. Don't be fooled by the fancy name! An abra consists of a wooden platform reminiscent of an old junk with a piece of sacking for shade. The 'driver' lazed back under the shade and used his feet to steer up and down the river.

It was quite amazing to see both sides of Dubai at the same time- the modern concrete jungles juxtaposed against the poverty and filth of the old Dubai - with dilapidated 'boats' full of trade from Iran and Somalia.

After than an airconditioned taxi was the order of the day as we sped out to Emirates Mall to gape at the expensive Louis Vuitton, D & G and Tiffany's windows. This huge (beyond description) Mall also sports the Dubai Ski Fields. I kid you not! Full size slopes for all levels of skiers including several chair lifts.

Next stop.... London.