Hi everyone;
We flew from Bahrain to Dubai Wednesday morning. When arriving we hailed a taxi to take us to Pat's apartment. Unfortunately we got an Indian driver who assured us he knew right where to go. After asking directions three times and turning around to go back the way we came, the hunt finally came to an end.
I'm sure Pat's is one of the lovliest apartments in Dubai. It has half the fifthteenth floor with a spectacular view of the city out of it's windows.
We flew from Bahrain to Dubai Wednesday morning. When arriving we hailed a taxi to take us to Pat's apartment. Unfortunately we got an Indian driver who assured us he knew right where to go. After asking directions three times and turning around to go back the way we came, the hunt finally came to an end.
I'm sure Pat's is one of the lovliest apartments in Dubai. It has half the fifthteenth floor with a spectacular view of the city out of it's windows.
On left, worlds tallest building.
We dropped our bags, freshened up, caught another taxi and headed for the Wafi Center to begin our Bus Tour. It was a double decker bus just like in England. In fact, it was operated by the same English Company. It had two lines, blue and red. Red was the old town and shortest so we opted for the Blue line to start our day. The bus ticket is hop on and off for twenty-four hours. The blue line is 3 1/2 hours long if you don't get off. Decisions! Decisions! We only have so much time. Where will we stop?
First stop, Jumeiran Mosque, no. Second, Mercato Mall - no, Third, Jumeiran Beach Park, maybe, hmm? - no. Fifth, Jumeiran Public Beach - no. Sixth, Souk Madinat Jumeiran - looks interesting, but is it worth the time? - no. Seventh, Atlantis on the Palm - this is the famous palm leaf islands of homes you see in pictures. We didn't get off, but the bus drove our to the end of the palm and back so we were able to see it quite well.
Eighth, Mall of Emirates - this was a must stop. Besides it was past lunchtime. They had a great Food Court and we safisfied our hunger. Then we did a bit of shopping, always following the Ski Dubai signs. They have a great viewing area to overlook this amazing snowy area in the middle of a desert city. The chair lifts were in full operation with downhill skiing a sight to see. There was also sledding areas and special fun spots for children. All amongst evergreen trees, rocks and various lanscaping. What oil money can't do!
An interesting point here about oil. Dubai doesn't have that much and it is due to run out in 2010. However, their very wise Sheikh and King invested the money in building up Dubai to be what it is today, a mideast buisness mecca and tourist area. So they will continue to prosper even without oil.
Ninth, the Dubai Mall - another must stop. This is the biggest mall in the Gulf area. We walked through the Gold Souk and just as warned by the tour guide on the bus, Tom had hidden his wallet and credit card. We also saw the ice rink and the brand new acquarium.
Back at the Wafi Mall we planned to get a taxi until we saw the line over a block long. Back on the bus to go to stop number one and walk a few blocks to the apartment. As luck would have it the bus had to stop at a long red light a block from the apartment and we were able to talk the driver into letting us off.
We were taking Pat out to dinner and spending the evening with her. At the last minute the Dean's of the University had been summoned to an audience with a Sheikh, the King's brother.
Pat is Dean of Library and Research at Zyad University. Obviously you don't turn down a summons like this. However, it didn't last too long and we did have a good part of the evening to visit.
Thursday morning we caught a taxi for the Wafi Center again and boarded the red line. This one was only 1 1/2 hours long, but it was almost 10:30 and our tickets were only good till 11:30. So again we had to choose carefully our stops.
First, Creek Walk - we knew we didn't have time for this. A shame, we really wanted to do it.
Second, Al Fahidi Fort - Pat had informed us we needed to see this fort turned into a museum on the history of Dubai. It was one of the best museums we have ever been in. Uniquely designed with displays of life in the past through shops, working crafsman, etc. I'd love to see it again sometime. Third, Dubai Old Souk - This is a narrow street of little shops and stands. Great shopping and we did some. It is also the Abra ride station. This is where you catch a water taxi to cross the creek. Would have been fun if we'd had the time.
Back on the bus we rode through stops four through nine stopping at ten which was Karma or
little India. We got a taxi here back to Satwa, Pat's neighborhood and had a lovely Chinese lunch before returning to the apartment. We packed up, rested before catching a taxi to the airport for our flight back to Bahrain. Steve and family met us there and we drove home, tired, but happy.
Arabian Gulf
Our last day trip of this visit was to the beach at Rostanora. The kids played on the beach while we adults sat reading in the sunshine and enjoying the beautiful bluegreen sea. A walk along the beach garned some nice shells and rocks. Very few though, since suitcase room is becoming a premium.
Lunch was another buffet. I lost count of how many buffets we ate at, but if I don't see another buffet for the next year I will be thankful.
We leave for home tonight. It will be very tiring. Two hours at the airport before our flight leaves, five hours to Amsterdam, a six hour layover, and a 10 1/2 flight to Seattle. So don't plan on seeing or hearing from us for awhile. We will be in La La Land.
Till jet lag is over, Love, Dolly
We dropped our bags, freshened up, caught another taxi and headed for the Wafi Center to begin our Bus Tour. It was a double decker bus just like in England. In fact, it was operated by the same English Company. It had two lines, blue and red. Red was the old town and shortest so we opted for the Blue line to start our day. The bus ticket is hop on and off for twenty-four hours. The blue line is 3 1/2 hours long if you don't get off. Decisions! Decisions! We only have so much time. Where will we stop?
First stop, Jumeiran Mosque, no. Second, Mercato Mall - no, Third, Jumeiran Beach Park, maybe, hmm? - no. Fifth, Jumeiran Public Beach - no. Sixth, Souk Madinat Jumeiran - looks interesting, but is it worth the time? - no. Seventh, Atlantis on the Palm - this is the famous palm leaf islands of homes you see in pictures. We didn't get off, but the bus drove our to the end of the palm and back so we were able to see it quite well.
Eighth, Mall of Emirates - this was a must stop. Besides it was past lunchtime. They had a great Food Court and we safisfied our hunger. Then we did a bit of shopping, always following the Ski Dubai signs. They have a great viewing area to overlook this amazing snowy area in the middle of a desert city. The chair lifts were in full operation with downhill skiing a sight to see. There was also sledding areas and special fun spots for children. All amongst evergreen trees, rocks and various lanscaping. What oil money can't do!
An interesting point here about oil. Dubai doesn't have that much and it is due to run out in 2010. However, their very wise Sheikh and King invested the money in building up Dubai to be what it is today, a mideast buisness mecca and tourist area. So they will continue to prosper even without oil.
Ninth, the Dubai Mall - another must stop. This is the biggest mall in the Gulf area. We walked through the Gold Souk and just as warned by the tour guide on the bus, Tom had hidden his wallet and credit card. We also saw the ice rink and the brand new acquarium.
Back at the Wafi Mall we planned to get a taxi until we saw the line over a block long. Back on the bus to go to stop number one and walk a few blocks to the apartment. As luck would have it the bus had to stop at a long red light a block from the apartment and we were able to talk the driver into letting us off.
We were taking Pat out to dinner and spending the evening with her. At the last minute the Dean's of the University had been summoned to an audience with a Sheikh, the King's brother.
Pat is Dean of Library and Research at Zyad University. Obviously you don't turn down a summons like this. However, it didn't last too long and we did have a good part of the evening to visit.
Thursday morning we caught a taxi for the Wafi Center again and boarded the red line. This one was only 1 1/2 hours long, but it was almost 10:30 and our tickets were only good till 11:30. So again we had to choose carefully our stops.
First, Creek Walk - we knew we didn't have time for this. A shame, we really wanted to do it.
Second, Al Fahidi Fort - Pat had informed us we needed to see this fort turned into a museum on the history of Dubai. It was one of the best museums we have ever been in. Uniquely designed with displays of life in the past through shops, working crafsman, etc. I'd love to see it again sometime. Third, Dubai Old Souk - This is a narrow street of little shops and stands. Great shopping and we did some. It is also the Abra ride station. This is where you catch a water taxi to cross the creek. Would have been fun if we'd had the time.
Back on the bus we rode through stops four through nine stopping at ten which was Karma or
little India. We got a taxi here back to Satwa, Pat's neighborhood and had a lovely Chinese lunch before returning to the apartment. We packed up, rested before catching a taxi to the airport for our flight back to Bahrain. Steve and family met us there and we drove home, tired, but happy.
Arabian Gulf
Our last day trip of this visit was to the beach at Rostanora. The kids played on the beach while we adults sat reading in the sunshine and enjoying the beautiful bluegreen sea. A walk along the beach garned some nice shells and rocks. Very few though, since suitcase room is becoming a premium.
Lunch was another buffet. I lost count of how many buffets we ate at, but if I don't see another buffet for the next year I will be thankful.
We leave for home tonight. It will be very tiring. Two hours at the airport before our flight leaves, five hours to Amsterdam, a six hour layover, and a 10 1/2 flight to Seattle. So don't plan on seeing or hearing from us for awhile. We will be in La La Land.
Till jet lag is over, Love, Dolly
