Dubai or Don't I..? UPDATED...
- Thread starter CustardTart
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2004
- Messages
- 15,500
Greetings!!! Sadly my Emirates escapade ended around two weeks ago and I'm back in the less than luxurious living room of Taylor Towers. Therefore it is time to turn my attention to giving you an alphabetical appetizer of my Dubai diversion! So eyes down and let us begin...
A is for... Astronomical!!! Before I proceed any further with this trip report, there's something I have to get off my chest. Despite it's reputation as a shopping Shangri-la, Dubai is NOT cheap. Neither is it budget-conscious, competitive, economical, inexpensive, low cost, reasonable or sensibly priced. If I tell you that a champagne cocktail, although decidedly delicious, was approximately £25, I think you can tell I'm still hurting... But it didn't stop there. I was equally bemused to discover that even the smallest pot of the moisturizer I use proved to be £20 cheaper at Heathrow airport than in Dubai's duty free. And don't get me started on the lovely new watch I had planned to shell out for!!! It's probably one of the most outrageously price-tagged places I have ever visited and I've been to St. Mark's Square in Venice, people...
Seriously tho', I am sure there are bargains to be had BUT my current credit-crunching, budget-conscious character did not feel 100% comfortable having done very minimal research prior to the trip. Even after haggling, I couldn't help feeling that eBay would probably yield a cheaper alternative... Anyway, I wanted to get this negative aspect up front and out of the way as this was the only downside to this trip...
B is for... Boats!!! I saw a fair few of differing variety during my excursions...
...even tried photographing myself in front of yacht...
...but the rustic ferry crossing the Dubai creek was by far the most fun!!! WDW Friendships they ain't but I enjoyed my short time on this rustic form of transport...
C is for... Camel-lot!!! Says it all - there really were a lot of camels!!!
We drove past them...
...watched them eat...
saw them set off into the desert at nightfall...
And rode them!!!
Plus there was camel milk available at the breakfast buffet - sadly, I ...er... "forgot" to try it...
D is for... Dune Bashing!!! This was our final excursion of the trip and well worth waiting for! Richard and I plus another couple another were picked up by our authentically clad driver, Gul...
...at around 4pm and whisked away in his 4x4 to pick up a third couple at a nearby hotel... Then we headed to the outskirts of Dubai where we convened at a petrol station with approximately 9 other vehicles each packed with tourists eager to spin sand and dizzy up the desert! After a brief toilet/refreshment break, we all set off in classic convoy-style further inland before turning sharply off the road and heading across the desert. Ten minutes later, we all stopped once more and the drivers let some of the air out of their vehicle's tyres before the fun really started!!! We whizzed at ridiculous speeds up dune and down dune, clinging on for dear life to any secured point within our vehicles...
One of the 4x4's appeared to get stuck which added an extra frisson to the experience but it was soon freed and we were off again, churning up sand as we bounced our way deeper into the desert... We came across a group of camels grazing...
We stopped at a camel farm... See, I told you Dubai should be renamed Camelot...
Had our photos taken beside our vehicle...
Not sure what my stance is all about tho' it was very windy on top of the dune...
We arrived the base camp at sunset...
....ready to enjoy food and some evening entertainment...
A is for... Astronomical!!! Before I proceed any further with this trip report, there's something I have to get off my chest. Despite it's reputation as a shopping Shangri-la, Dubai is NOT cheap. Neither is it budget-conscious, competitive, economical, inexpensive, low cost, reasonable or sensibly priced. If I tell you that a champagne cocktail, although decidedly delicious, was approximately £25, I think you can tell I'm still hurting... But it didn't stop there. I was equally bemused to discover that even the smallest pot of the moisturizer I use proved to be £20 cheaper at Heathrow airport than in Dubai's duty free. And don't get me started on the lovely new watch I had planned to shell out for!!! It's probably one of the most outrageously price-tagged places I have ever visited and I've been to St. Mark's Square in Venice, people...
Seriously tho', I am sure there are bargains to be had BUT my current credit-crunching, budget-conscious character did not feel 100% comfortable having done very minimal research prior to the trip. Even after haggling, I couldn't help feeling that eBay would probably yield a cheaper alternative... Anyway, I wanted to get this negative aspect up front and out of the way as this was the only downside to this trip... B is for... Boats!!! I saw a fair few of differing variety during my excursions...
...even tried photographing myself in front of yacht...
...but the rustic ferry crossing the Dubai creek was by far the most fun!!! WDW Friendships they ain't but I enjoyed my short time on this rustic form of transport...
C is for... Camel-lot!!! Says it all - there really were a lot of camels!!!
We drove past them...
...watched them eat...
saw them set off into the desert at nightfall...
And rode them!!!
Plus there was camel milk available at the breakfast buffet - sadly, I ...er... "forgot" to try it...
D is for... Dune Bashing!!! This was our final excursion of the trip and well worth waiting for! Richard and I plus another couple another were picked up by our authentically clad driver, Gul...
...at around 4pm and whisked away in his 4x4 to pick up a third couple at a nearby hotel... Then we headed to the outskirts of Dubai where we convened at a petrol station with approximately 9 other vehicles each packed with tourists eager to spin sand and dizzy up the desert! After a brief toilet/refreshment break, we all set off in classic convoy-style further inland before turning sharply off the road and heading across the desert. Ten minutes later, we all stopped once more and the drivers let some of the air out of their vehicle's tyres before the fun really started!!! We whizzed at ridiculous speeds up dune and down dune, clinging on for dear life to any secured point within our vehicles...
One of the 4x4's appeared to get stuck which added an extra frisson to the experience but it was soon freed and we were off again, churning up sand as we bounced our way deeper into the desert... We came across a group of camels grazing...
We stopped at a camel farm... See, I told you Dubai should be renamed Camelot...
Had our photos taken beside our vehicle...
Not sure what my stance is all about tho' it was very windy on top of the dune...
We arrived the base camp at sunset...
....ready to enjoy food and some evening entertainment...
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2004
- Messages
- 15,500
E is for... Excursions!!! As well as the one mentioned above, I also did a couple of solo excursions. The first one occurred on my third day and was to the nearby Emirate of Al Sharjah. Despite the blurb, this was somewhat boring and, if it hadn't been for my minibus mates, rather forgettable. As it was, I was travelling with a family of four (dad, mom and two teenage sons) who certainly provided me with some much-needed mirth - albeit unwittingly... Suffice to say, tales from this trip are now legendary in Taylor Towers... But back to Al Sharjah. This is a small Emirate about 20 minutes (traffic permitting) away from Dubai. It is a much cheaper option so many workers live here and commute to Dubai - which must be Hell as the incoming traffic we passed on our outward journey appeared to be completely gridlocked!!! Upon arrival in downtown Sharjah, we were joined by our guide for the morning - Sebastian from Germany. What a sweetie! Imagine a cross between Julian Clary... .
..and Adam Lambert...
...and I think you'll get the idea... So we minced our way past mosques...
...through souks, a horrendous smelling fish-market, and the seafront...
...before heading back to delightful Dubai...
The following afternoon, I was off again! This time it was the more conventional Dubai City tour and I was collected from my hotel by the lovely tour guide, Ari in a comfortable, up-to-date, air-conditioned vehicle! Yay! This tour also had a full quota of participants - 5 from the UK including myself, 6 Germans and 4 men from India - this was much more fun... First stop was the Madinat Jumeirah resort where we browsed the hotel and it's adjoining souk for a while. I was amused to see that a live show of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" was playing locally...
I loved this place and would definitely like to stay here in the future. It's very near the iconic Burj Al Arab...
...and Ari took my photo with this amazing 7* hotel in the background...
Next we were back in the coach and off along the coast road overlooking the Arabian Sea before stopping for another 'shopportunity' - a fixed price heritage mall that sold such beautifully crafted traditional items I was sorely tempted to break out the credit cards!!! Fortunately, I was able to purge any purchasing urges and settled for two handmade glass baubles...
...which fortunately made it back home OK. Then we were off to a mosque...
...the only one in Dubai that allows non-Muslims in. This takes place at 10am every morning and the those admitted are required to listen to a talk about Islam before exploring the Mosque further. I simply settled for a few photos...
Next we were taken to the Dubai creek which separates Dubai into two areas - Bur Dubai and Deira...
...before getting back in the coach and enjoying the short drive to our next stop, the Museum of Dubai but more of that later...
F is for... Flying Club!!! I know this is not a popular scheme but I have nothing but praise for VA's Flying Club at the moment - tho' I am a little biased as I was able to fly Upper Class return for £245 + 80,000 'miles' whilst my husband's ticket cost over £3k!!! I guess if you are happy to use your points on routes other than LGW-MCO, they can be valuable... As far as Richard and I are concerned, 2010 is designated as a WDW-free year and we're excited to go wherever in the World our points can carry us...
G is for... Gorgeous Weather!!! Oh my - when not in downtown Dubai but lounging on the beach, the temperature was fab. A deliciously dry heat that felt so good and had an unexpectedly positive effect on my skin. For that reason alone, I have to make sure we go back...
H is for... the Hoff!!! And yes, I am talking about the infamous Sir Baywatch Knightrider who just happened to be in the Heathrow Clubhouse when we were!!! I don't stoop to snapping celebrity but seems my husband does, so here's a couple of shots of the man taken from an iPhone...
..and Adam Lambert...
...and I think you'll get the idea... So we minced our way past mosques...
...through souks, a horrendous smelling fish-market, and the seafront...
...before heading back to delightful Dubai...
The following afternoon, I was off again! This time it was the more conventional Dubai City tour and I was collected from my hotel by the lovely tour guide, Ari in a comfortable, up-to-date, air-conditioned vehicle! Yay! This tour also had a full quota of participants - 5 from the UK including myself, 6 Germans and 4 men from India - this was much more fun... First stop was the Madinat Jumeirah resort where we browsed the hotel and it's adjoining souk for a while. I was amused to see that a live show of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" was playing locally...
I loved this place and would definitely like to stay here in the future. It's very near the iconic Burj Al Arab...
...and Ari took my photo with this amazing 7* hotel in the background...
Next we were back in the coach and off along the coast road overlooking the Arabian Sea before stopping for another 'shopportunity' - a fixed price heritage mall that sold such beautifully crafted traditional items I was sorely tempted to break out the credit cards!!! Fortunately, I was able to purge any purchasing urges and settled for two handmade glass baubles...
...which fortunately made it back home OK. Then we were off to a mosque...
...the only one in Dubai that allows non-Muslims in. This takes place at 10am every morning and the those admitted are required to listen to a talk about Islam before exploring the Mosque further. I simply settled for a few photos...
Next we were taken to the Dubai creek which separates Dubai into two areas - Bur Dubai and Deira...
...before getting back in the coach and enjoying the short drive to our next stop, the Museum of Dubai but more of that later...
F is for... Flying Club!!! I know this is not a popular scheme but I have nothing but praise for VA's Flying Club at the moment - tho' I am a little biased as I was able to fly Upper Class return for £245 + 80,000 'miles' whilst my husband's ticket cost over £3k!!! I guess if you are happy to use your points on routes other than LGW-MCO, they can be valuable... As far as Richard and I are concerned, 2010 is designated as a WDW-free year and we're excited to go wherever in the World our points can carry us...
G is for... Gorgeous Weather!!! Oh my - when not in downtown Dubai but lounging on the beach, the temperature was fab. A deliciously dry heat that felt so good and had an unexpectedly positive effect on my skin. For that reason alone, I have to make sure we go back...
H is for... the Hoff!!! And yes, I am talking about the infamous Sir Baywatch Knightrider who just happened to be in the Heathrow Clubhouse when we were!!! I don't stoop to snapping celebrity but seems my husband does, so here's a couple of shots of the man taken from an iPhone...
irongirlof12
<font color=blue><marquee>Am I the only one who lo
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2006
- Messages
- 5,587
fab camel shots 
and fancy seeing 'the hoff' 
sounds like a fab trip so far.
and fancy seeing 'the hoff' sounds like a fab trip so far.
Pinky166
<font color=deeppink>a little on the OCD side<br><
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2008
- Messages
- 13,928
Great start Kaz.....Some places were expensive when we went a few years back but £25 for a drinky-poo is extortionate! 
I love the pic of you both on the camel....especially the one that looks like it's about to headbutt Richard.
Looking forward to reading more.
I love the pic of you both on the camel....especially the one that looks like it's about to headbutt Richard.
Looking forward to reading more.
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2004
- Messages
- 15,500
I is for... Independent Woman Tourist!!! I've never planned a trip at such short notice to a destination I didn't know before. And I have not anticipated in advance having oodles of Richard-free time and opted to spend it doing things rather than holed up on hotel property before. It was such a success that I can most definitely say, bring it on!!! Dubai was great as I didn't feel hassled or overly stared at - and I believe me I have elsewhere! I was respectful of their customs and kept my shoulders/knees covered - tho' TBH I was in the minority with that despite there being requests to do so in the Hotel info book... Anyway, as I'm feeling rather pleased with myself, it must be time for a quick musical interlude - so cue Kazyonce!!!
"Question: Tell me what you think about me,
Out and about in this foreign country,
Don't need no man to keep me company,
I take my chance and solo sightsee...
Question: Tell me what you think about this,
Trip planning I have learned from the DIS,
Don't matter where the vacation is,
I've got excursions booked, so no worries...
The trips I'm tripping, I booked 'em,
The books I'm reading, I bought 'em,
The lounger I lounge in, I bagged it
Coz I depend on me..." Ad lib and fade...
Er well... it sounded good in my head...
J is for... Jewellery!!! Believe me, there was a lot! From beautiful graduated gemstone necklaces and elegant strings of pearls to elaborate 22kt gold chandelier earrings and enormous sparkling diamond rocks of every cut set in platinum... I would have taken some photos but there were signs in lots of the stores informing me that this was prohibited. In truth, it was overwhelming and I didn't see anything to tempt me - apart from this cute pendant, tho' at around $850 it seemed expensive to me...
K is for... Kir Club!!! Sadly I don't have a photo of this concierge lounge speciality in which a rather nice South African sparkling wine is substituted for champers. However, it did look a lot like this...
Suffice to say, it was delicious!!! The lounge was lovely...
...with plenty of comfy seating...
The Kir Club was available during the extended Happy Hour from 6.30 to 8.30pm every evening and alongside the beautiful bubbly beverage were a selection of mouthwatering canapes... Yummy!!!
Someone enjoying their free dinner - so classy...
L is for... Lime Daquiri!!! Lately I have started to find the good old Margarita a little on the acidic side but this alternative lime lovely is very palatable indeed...
Don't get too excited tho' - this juicy jug cost a rather eye-watering £44!!! But we did get get 6 glasses out of it and as they are usually a tenner apiece, I guess it was good value...
Tho' it appears to have rotted one of my front teeth in this pic!!!
M is for... Museums!!! I went to two - a rather uninspiring one in Sharjah where I didn't take any photos and the rather fab Dubai Museum where I could have easily spent another hour or so as it was fascinating...
Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum, was built around 1787, and was renovated in 1971 for use as a museum.
It's colourful life size dioramas vividly depict everyday life in the days before the discovery of oil. Galleries recreate scenes from the Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souk, date farms and desert and marine life...
One of the more spectacular exhibits portrays pearl diving, including sets of pearl merchants weights, scales and sieves. Also on display, are artefacts from several excavations in the emirate, recovered from graves that date back to the third millennium BC. Unfortunately, I was so engrossed that I didn't notice the time slipping away and had to skip through a few of the exhibitions AND (possibly more importantly) the gift shop!!! I hope to go back...
"Question: Tell me what you think about me,
Out and about in this foreign country,
Don't need no man to keep me company,
I take my chance and solo sightsee...
Question: Tell me what you think about this,
Trip planning I have learned from the DIS,
Don't matter where the vacation is,
I've got excursions booked, so no worries...
The trips I'm tripping, I booked 'em,
The books I'm reading, I bought 'em,
The lounger I lounge in, I bagged it
Coz I depend on me..." Ad lib and fade...
Er well... it sounded good in my head...
J is for... Jewellery!!! Believe me, there was a lot! From beautiful graduated gemstone necklaces and elegant strings of pearls to elaborate 22kt gold chandelier earrings and enormous sparkling diamond rocks of every cut set in platinum... I would have taken some photos but there were signs in lots of the stores informing me that this was prohibited. In truth, it was overwhelming and I didn't see anything to tempt me - apart from this cute pendant, tho' at around $850 it seemed expensive to me...
K is for... Kir Club!!! Sadly I don't have a photo of this concierge lounge speciality in which a rather nice South African sparkling wine is substituted for champers. However, it did look a lot like this...
Suffice to say, it was delicious!!! The lounge was lovely...
...with plenty of comfy seating...
The Kir Club was available during the extended Happy Hour from 6.30 to 8.30pm every evening and alongside the beautiful bubbly beverage were a selection of mouthwatering canapes... Yummy!!!
Someone enjoying their free dinner - so classy...
L is for... Lime Daquiri!!! Lately I have started to find the good old Margarita a little on the acidic side but this alternative lime lovely is very palatable indeed...
Don't get too excited tho' - this juicy jug cost a rather eye-watering £44!!! But we did get get 6 glasses out of it and as they are usually a tenner apiece, I guess it was good value...
Tho' it appears to have rotted one of my front teeth in this pic!!!
M is for... Museums!!! I went to two - a rather uninspiring one in Sharjah where I didn't take any photos and the rather fab Dubai Museum where I could have easily spent another hour or so as it was fascinating...
Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum, was built around 1787, and was renovated in 1971 for use as a museum.
It's colourful life size dioramas vividly depict everyday life in the days before the discovery of oil. Galleries recreate scenes from the Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souk, date farms and desert and marine life...
One of the more spectacular exhibits portrays pearl diving, including sets of pearl merchants weights, scales and sieves. Also on display, are artefacts from several excavations in the emirate, recovered from graves that date back to the third millennium BC. Unfortunately, I was so engrossed that I didn't notice the time slipping away and had to skip through a few of the exhibitions AND (possibly more importantly) the gift shop!!! I hope to go back...
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2004
- Messages
- 15,500
N is for... New, new, new!!! The skyline is all modern skyscrapers jostling for space against the intense blue sky and everywhere you look there are new developments springing up...
This is the financial district where my husband spent much of the week...
But I couldn't quite get over the buildings that had sprung up behind the beach and our resort - they seemed to have an unreal, film set quality about them...
And it also felt surreal to spot the Middle Eastern Atlantis resort when I looked out to sea - it's so familiar to me from the Bahamas...
The tallest building in the world, Burj Dubai, is here...
...albeit in a heat haze!!!
The neighbouring Emirate of Sharjah is the same...
...the mosque is modern and the hotel to the right is very futuristic...
O is for... Old, old, old!!! Take a trip to the Dubai creek or the old port areas in Sharjah or Dubai where the brightly painted Dhows outnumber sleek yachts...
...and it is clear that plenty of the old sits squarely alongside the new...
I love this contrast of ancient and modern - if only because it makes for some fab photo opportunities...
P is for... Piano Bar!!!
Our nightly haunt where Richard set out to consume his bodyweight in assorted nuts - we assume this is how he gained 5lbs during the trip...
...and I quickly learned that sparkling wine and NOT champagne was the cost effective choice!!!
The singer and her pianist were there throughout our stay and were very good...
Q is for... Quirky shots!!! I think the title says it all - I and my iPhone toting husband took our fair share of arty, farty and downright barmy photos so here's our selection for you to enjoy...
This is the Arabic ad for Lipton's teas. My future son-in-law's surname is Lipton. Do you see where this is going...?
The Burj Al Arab all lit up at night and taken from a speeding coach...
A pic of myself inside the afore-mentioned speeding coach...
I just like this one...
In case he forgot where we were staying, Richard insisted on wearing these slippers at all times...
The following shots show that Richard is very keen on taking photos with himself reflected in some way. It really is his signature style...
This is the financial district where my husband spent much of the week...
But I couldn't quite get over the buildings that had sprung up behind the beach and our resort - they seemed to have an unreal, film set quality about them...
And it also felt surreal to spot the Middle Eastern Atlantis resort when I looked out to sea - it's so familiar to me from the Bahamas...
The tallest building in the world, Burj Dubai, is here...
...albeit in a heat haze!!!
The neighbouring Emirate of Sharjah is the same...
...the mosque is modern and the hotel to the right is very futuristic...
O is for... Old, old, old!!! Take a trip to the Dubai creek or the old port areas in Sharjah or Dubai where the brightly painted Dhows outnumber sleek yachts...
...and it is clear that plenty of the old sits squarely alongside the new...
I love this contrast of ancient and modern - if only because it makes for some fab photo opportunities...
P is for... Piano Bar!!!
Our nightly haunt where Richard set out to consume his bodyweight in assorted nuts - we assume this is how he gained 5lbs during the trip...
...and I quickly learned that sparkling wine and NOT champagne was the cost effective choice!!!
The singer and her pianist were there throughout our stay and were very good...
Q is for... Quirky shots!!! I think the title says it all - I and my iPhone toting husband took our fair share of arty, farty and downright barmy photos so here's our selection for you to enjoy...
This is the Arabic ad for Lipton's teas. My future son-in-law's surname is Lipton. Do you see where this is going...?
The Burj Al Arab all lit up at night and taken from a speeding coach...
A pic of myself inside the afore-mentioned speeding coach...
I just like this one...
In case he forgot where we were staying, Richard insisted on wearing these slippers at all times...
The following shots show that Richard is very keen on taking photos with himself reflected in some way. It really is his signature style...
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2004
- Messages
- 15,500
R is for... Royal Meridien Beach Resort!!! What can I say? The resort lived up to the online photos and we had a totally amazing time... It looked atmospheric at night...
The room was fab-u-lous, the robes superfluffy and the toiletries from Hermes!!!
Even the complimentary biscuits on the in-room tea/coffee tray were delicious but what would you expect from a place where housekeeping leave you bottles of water and fresh fruit on a daily basis...
And the pool/beach attendants come around with refreshing ice-cold towels when you're out sunning yourself. And did I mention the little spray bottles of chilled, perfumed water or the complimentary lime slushies??? Here's a view of the resort from the beach - we were in the round tower to the left of the pic...
The food was excellent too, tho' we only sampled two of the restaurants. I really regret not taking photos of the Arabian buffet which was so beautifully presented it made Palo's brunch look like a kids tea party!!! No, really!!! Plus Ossigeno, the upscale Italian restaurant really could rival any fine dining establishment I have tried of recent times...
I loved how the hotel lobby twinkled with tea lights in the evening...
And the bars we tried were very funky and modern but still comfortable...
Here I am enjoying a Dark Temptation - some sort of chocolate champagne cocktail which certainly gave a new meaning to the word 'chocaholic'...
The grounds and beach were immaculate...
...the service attentive but unobtrusive and the atmosphere incredibly relaxing - even the local birds loved it...
S is for... Souks and shopping!!! Three words spring to mind. Loud, hot, smelly - and that was just me!!! By the time we reached the Spice Souk on the Dubai city tour, I was quite frankly cream-crackered and more than a little hungry. The prospect of the offerings in the concierge lounge played on my mind and I found it hard to focus on the atmosphere of the place - can you tell from my self-photo how hot and less-than-happy I am???
It wasn't that great, though I must confess I didn't explore it all - one of the downsides of venturing off by yourself is the ever-present focus on not getting lost... Anyway, I bought a couple of items from one of the more authentic looking emporiums...
...dried limes and a small packet of crystallised frankincense...
...but the rest of the souk resembled a collection of pound shops if I'm honest. So I marched purposefully around and took a couple of photos...
...before returning to our meeting point from which we would walk the short distance to the famous Gold Souk! This was a very lively place and it would probably have been fun to explore but we were all extremely tired and, despite our guide offering us extended browsing time, no one wanted to spend more than 15 minutes gazing at the gold and jewels on display... All in all, I would definitely make the effort to go back to the Gold Souk on future trips BUT with a clear idea of what I wanted to buy and only having done my homework...
T is for... Tattoo!!! Henna, that is!
This was an activity available when we reached the camp which formed the final part of our dune-bashing, desert safari excursion. Never having done this before, I opted for a little hand art but regretted it as soon as I realised it would impede my ability to munch the BBQ offerings with ease. I even had to send Richard to fill my plate...
Other more sensible folk wisely had their feet or shoulders decorated so didn't have to be fed unceremoniously by their partners!!! Fortunately he didn't seem to mind...
...and what's a little public humiliation, after all??? Besides which, it really was my turn to look foolish as Richard had been rather unimpressive in his earlier attempts to sandboard. It started well - here he is waiting for his turn looking like a modern day Laurence of Arabia...
but he managed to fall over whilst having the board strapped onto his feet...
...and didn't improve...
But I digress... Despite my best efforts, most of the dried henna fell off during a period of enthusiastic hand clapping when we cheered on the belly dancer who had come to entertain us at the end of the evening....
I can't say I was sorry - the design was lovely but the colour underneath strongly resembled baby poo and made my hand look less than ...er... friendly... Ah well, you live and learn!!!
The room was fab-u-lous, the robes superfluffy and the toiletries from Hermes!!!
Even the complimentary biscuits on the in-room tea/coffee tray were delicious but what would you expect from a place where housekeeping leave you bottles of water and fresh fruit on a daily basis...
And the pool/beach attendants come around with refreshing ice-cold towels when you're out sunning yourself. And did I mention the little spray bottles of chilled, perfumed water or the complimentary lime slushies??? Here's a view of the resort from the beach - we were in the round tower to the left of the pic...
The food was excellent too, tho' we only sampled two of the restaurants. I really regret not taking photos of the Arabian buffet which was so beautifully presented it made Palo's brunch look like a kids tea party!!! No, really!!! Plus Ossigeno, the upscale Italian restaurant really could rival any fine dining establishment I have tried of recent times...
I loved how the hotel lobby twinkled with tea lights in the evening...
And the bars we tried were very funky and modern but still comfortable...
Here I am enjoying a Dark Temptation - some sort of chocolate champagne cocktail which certainly gave a new meaning to the word 'chocaholic'...
The grounds and beach were immaculate...
...the service attentive but unobtrusive and the atmosphere incredibly relaxing - even the local birds loved it...
S is for... Souks and shopping!!! Three words spring to mind. Loud, hot, smelly - and that was just me!!! By the time we reached the Spice Souk on the Dubai city tour, I was quite frankly cream-crackered and more than a little hungry. The prospect of the offerings in the concierge lounge played on my mind and I found it hard to focus on the atmosphere of the place - can you tell from my self-photo how hot and less-than-happy I am???
It wasn't that great, though I must confess I didn't explore it all - one of the downsides of venturing off by yourself is the ever-present focus on not getting lost... Anyway, I bought a couple of items from one of the more authentic looking emporiums...
...dried limes and a small packet of crystallised frankincense...
...but the rest of the souk resembled a collection of pound shops if I'm honest. So I marched purposefully around and took a couple of photos...
...before returning to our meeting point from which we would walk the short distance to the famous Gold Souk! This was a very lively place and it would probably have been fun to explore but we were all extremely tired and, despite our guide offering us extended browsing time, no one wanted to spend more than 15 minutes gazing at the gold and jewels on display... All in all, I would definitely make the effort to go back to the Gold Souk on future trips BUT with a clear idea of what I wanted to buy and only having done my homework...
T is for... Tattoo!!! Henna, that is!
This was an activity available when we reached the camp which formed the final part of our dune-bashing, desert safari excursion. Never having done this before, I opted for a little hand art but regretted it as soon as I realised it would impede my ability to munch the BBQ offerings with ease. I even had to send Richard to fill my plate...
Other more sensible folk wisely had their feet or shoulders decorated so didn't have to be fed unceremoniously by their partners!!! Fortunately he didn't seem to mind...
...and what's a little public humiliation, after all??? Besides which, it really was my turn to look foolish as Richard had been rather unimpressive in his earlier attempts to sandboard. It started well - here he is waiting for his turn looking like a modern day Laurence of Arabia...
but he managed to fall over whilst having the board strapped onto his feet...
...and didn't improve...
But I digress... Despite my best efforts, most of the dried henna fell off during a period of enthusiastic hand clapping when we cheered on the belly dancer who had come to entertain us at the end of the evening....
I can't say I was sorry - the design was lovely but the colour underneath strongly resembled baby poo and made my hand look less than ...er... friendly... Ah well, you live and learn!!!
mandymouse
Bahama Mama Time !!
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2003
- Messages
- 72,440
I'm so pleased that you did your trippy from Dubai. I'm loving it so far. Great pics, but 25 quid for a glass of champers is unbelievable The dune racing looked like fun too
I look forward to your next up-date
The dune racing looked like fun tooI look forward to your next up-date
mandymouse
Bahama Mama Time !!
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2003
- Messages
- 72,440
Ooh, you posted another installment while I was replying to an earlier one. I love your henna tattoo, really cool .. and your hotel looks fantastic, what a lovely place to stay
natalielongstaff
<font color=deeppink>I need a cup of tea and a big
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2004
- Messages
- 80,430
Great A-Z karen
Lokks like you had a fab time, despite the prices !
Lokks like you had a fab time, despite the prices !
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2004
- Messages
- 15,500
U is for... Upgrade!!! When we arrived at the hotel, not only where we offered delicious chilled glasses of fruit juice but we were also informed of an upgrade to club level and were taken to their separate check-in...
And our room was ready there and then which, given that we'd had an overnight flight and it was 8am, was very welcome indeed!!! So we made our way to the 7th floor...
... where our room was waiting...
I loved it and could have happily stayed forever - well, a week or two...
V is for... Viator!!! I booked my tours through this company and cannot praise them enough. I encountered them when I was hunting down the cheapest Universal tickets for our Easter vacation and they had the 7 day, 2 park passes at the best price I could find. When this trip opportunity came up, I remembered they did excursions to other destinations so checked them out and was amazed at the prices. I compared the cost of our Desert Safari with another couple who booked in the hotel and we saved over £20 booking online!!! 'Nuff said, really but here's a link to their website...
W is for... Wild Wadi!!! No, I didn't go but it looks amazing!!! Here's a pic taken from a speeding coach...
X is for... Xtra photos!!! Random shots I just wanted to include...
Richard in the lobby...
Richard looking very stern - doesn't he know you're supposed to smile for the camera???
Take 2...
And my reaction when the camel decides to stand up...
Y is for... Yes!!! In answer to my question "Dubai or Don't I?" the answer is most definitely a resounding YES!!! It might be expensive, surreal, manmade, futuristic and busy - OMG it sounds like EPCOT!!! It's even getting a monorail - ok, a metro which is due open in 09.09.09... Anyway, I think it's a place that has to be experienced even if it's only once. Next year sees the opening of Dubailand and there are tantalising posters promising Dreamworks, Six Flags (tho' I believe they face bankruptcy) and Marvel Comics involvement so that should be fun... All in all, there's plenty to see/do and, as far as I'm concerned, nothing beats the feeling of hot sun on my face...
And how beautiful does this look..?
Z is for... Ze Conclusion!!! Weak, I know but as I ran out of inspiration somewhere around F, I'm just happy to come up with something, anything!!!
I think you can tell I had a great time. It really was tons of fun and I think a week was the perfect amount of time. I was amazed how quickly I was able to pull together an itinerary (like I said, the DIS has been an excellent training ground) and that focus stopped me from feeling like a spare part pathetically waiting for Richard's return every day...
Buying a new camera proved to be an excellent decision and I'm delighted with my choice - it really is my new best friend. I'm not a great photographer so didn't want to spend £££ plus I don't think I'll ever fancy lugging an SLR around with me - therefore this little bridge Fuji is perfect...
Thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings - as ever, the self-indulgent pleasure's been all mine...
So, until the next time, salut!!!
And our room was ready there and then which, given that we'd had an overnight flight and it was 8am, was very welcome indeed!!! So we made our way to the 7th floor...
... where our room was waiting...
I loved it and could have happily stayed forever - well, a week or two...
V is for... Viator!!! I booked my tours through this company and cannot praise them enough. I encountered them when I was hunting down the cheapest Universal tickets for our Easter vacation and they had the 7 day, 2 park passes at the best price I could find. When this trip opportunity came up, I remembered they did excursions to other destinations so checked them out and was amazed at the prices. I compared the cost of our Desert Safari with another couple who booked in the hotel and we saved over £20 booking online!!! 'Nuff said, really but here's a link to their website...
W is for... Wild Wadi!!! No, I didn't go but it looks amazing!!! Here's a pic taken from a speeding coach...
X is for... Xtra photos!!! Random shots I just wanted to include...
Richard in the lobby...
Richard looking very stern - doesn't he know you're supposed to smile for the camera???
Take 2...
And my reaction when the camel decides to stand up...
Y is for... Yes!!! In answer to my question "Dubai or Don't I?" the answer is most definitely a resounding YES!!! It might be expensive, surreal, manmade, futuristic and busy - OMG it sounds like EPCOT!!! It's even getting a monorail - ok, a metro which is due open in 09.09.09... Anyway, I think it's a place that has to be experienced even if it's only once. Next year sees the opening of Dubailand and there are tantalising posters promising Dreamworks, Six Flags (tho' I believe they face bankruptcy) and Marvel Comics involvement so that should be fun... All in all, there's plenty to see/do and, as far as I'm concerned, nothing beats the feeling of hot sun on my face...
And how beautiful does this look..?
Z is for... Ze Conclusion!!! Weak, I know but as I ran out of inspiration somewhere around F, I'm just happy to come up with something, anything!!!
I think you can tell I had a great time. It really was tons of fun and I think a week was the perfect amount of time. I was amazed how quickly I was able to pull together an itinerary (like I said, the DIS has been an excellent training ground) and that focus stopped me from feeling like a spare part pathetically waiting for Richard's return every day...
Buying a new camera proved to be an excellent decision and I'm delighted with my choice - it really is my new best friend. I'm not a great photographer so didn't want to spend £££ plus I don't think I'll ever fancy lugging an SLR around with me - therefore this little bridge Fuji is perfect...
Thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings - as ever, the self-indulgent pleasure's been all mine...
So, until the next time, salut!!!
mandymouse
Bahama Mama Time !!
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2003
- Messages
- 72,440
Thanks for sharing your fab trip report Karen. Your room looked lovely and that photo of when your camel stood up is brilliant
thelittlemermaid83
<font color=green>My reign will be a super-awesome
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2007
- Messages
- 16,957
Great report Karen, Dubai looks amazing!
Tammy Stringer
<font color=red>I love babies - all milky and baby
- Joined
- May 5, 2002
- Messages
- 1,505
What a lovely report and photos Karen.
Sounds like you had a great time and managed to fit in such a lot.
Tammy
Sounds like you had a great time and managed to fit in such a lot.
Tammy
scottishwee35
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2005
- Messages
- 6,123
Karen
What can I saying?..... that your story and photos are so enjoyable to read it and I love to see the photos too... What a beautiful pictures...
Also lucky you saw Adam from American Idol... When I saw it oh wow.... lol
Love that photo of sunset and happy couple....
many thanks for showing...
Scottishwee35
What can I saying?..... that your story and photos are so enjoyable to read it and I love to see the photos too... What a beautiful pictures...
Also lucky you saw Adam from American Idol... When I saw it oh wow.... lol
Love that photo of sunset and happy couple....
many thanks for showing...
Scottishwee35
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