Sunday, 23 September 2012
Last View
As we took off we got a stunning view of the skyline in the distance.
Again the camera let me down but you can see in the distance (in-line with wing tip) that the Burj Khalifa is easy twice as tall as anything else.
Also caught 'the world' as it is currently.
Plus the standard 'wheels up' shot across the wing..
Again the camera let me down but you can see in the distance (in-line with wing tip) that the Burj Khalifa is easy twice as tall as anything else.
Also caught 'the world' as it is currently.
Plus the standard 'wheels up' shot across the wing..
Saturday, 22 September 2012
Coming Home
Well our holiday has gone for another year, it seems an age since we were in the hustle of bangkok.
My favourite bit was def the elephant ride as well as riding the rivers both in Bangkok and Dubai.
The culture has been really different in each location as well as the attitude of the people.
Can't wait to get home and see jack and have cuddles, it's def been too long. There we're loads of kids in Dubai at the pool and that made me miss him even more.
Not lookin forward to our flight home but looking foward to bring home.
Let's hope Sunday is a very long day as not looking foward to work on Monday!!!!
My favourite bit was def the elephant ride as well as riding the rivers both in Bangkok and Dubai.
The culture has been really different in each location as well as the attitude of the people.
Can't wait to get home and see jack and have cuddles, it's def been too long. There we're loads of kids in Dubai at the pool and that made me miss him even more.
Not lookin forward to our flight home but looking foward to bring home.
Let's hope Sunday is a very long day as not looking foward to work on Monday!!!!
Taxi
Everyone travels by taxi. It's just to hot to walk.
Getting to most places involve a blast up the six lane motorway - and they don't hang about.
I have to say the cabs are clean and safe. The drivers are competent (unlike a fair few in our country) and the don't hang about worrying about mpg. One advantage of filling up in an Arab country!
Getting to most places involve a blast up the six lane motorway - and they don't hang about.
I have to say the cabs are clean and safe. The drivers are competent (unlike a fair few in our country) and the don't hang about worrying about mpg. One advantage of filling up in an Arab country!
Empty Buildings
There are loads of high rise buildings here, and load in various stages of being built.
There just doesn't seem to be a proportional number of people milling about. If they where offices I would expect rush hour to be on a par with London. If they are apartments I would expect to see more lights on of an night.
Loads have 'To Let' signs or office for rent with a phone number in massive numbers up the size.
Makes me wonder what's going on here.
There just doesn't seem to be a proportional number of people milling about. If they where offices I would expect rush hour to be on a par with London. If they are apartments I would expect to see more lights on of an night.
Loads have 'To Let' signs or office for rent with a phone number in massive numbers up the size.
Makes me wonder what's going on here.
Friday, 21 September 2012
Cars
To be honest you only see the odd exotic car driving around. I was expecting more.
Like buses..
Like buses..
River Crossing
The easiest way to cross the Dubai Creek is by taxi. I don't mean a Toyota with a meter.
Loads of little boats seat about twenty with on driver. The dock in little spaces and you jump on guy takes you money, backs out and you're off. 1 dirham a head.
The boarding was not as frantic as Thailand, but the boat itself was
smaller and more fragile. It reacted more to the other traffic put it that way.
Nothing to holding you in feet over the edge almost.
It was dark when we travelled. No idea how inviting the water was.
Good fun and and we got to see the city from a different perspective.
The camera doesn't do it justice.
Loads of little boats seat about twenty with on driver. The dock in little spaces and you jump on guy takes you money, backs out and you're off. 1 dirham a head.
The boarding was not as frantic as Thailand, but the boat itself was
smaller and more fragile. It reacted more to the other traffic put it that way.
Nothing to holding you in feet over the edge almost.
It was dark when we travelled. No idea how inviting the water was.
Good fun and and we got to see the city from a different perspective.
The camera doesn't do it justice.
Last Day
We fly early afternoon so figured had time to sit by the pool again first thing.
Quick change and pack before we headed to the airport.
Done the supermarket sweep of the duty free shops but I don't understand why they are so busy - the whole friggin country is duty free (except ale)
Just grabbing a quick bite in the lounge before we board.
Quick change and pack before we headed to the airport.
Done the supermarket sweep of the duty free shops but I don't understand why they are so busy - the whole friggin country is duty free (except ale)
Just grabbing a quick bite in the lounge before we board.
People Watching
Because of the rules here tourists are dressed conservatively in comparison to other holiday destinations where it's 40 degrees.
The locals or people from this part of the world all have the same attire.
For men - it's the full dress and sandals and a choice of two head gear designs. Not sure of the significance.
Apart for the ironing overhead it makes getting dressed simple. Also keeps shopping down to 'what size are you'. Job done.
Day to day challenges are going the loo and pockets. In the airport loo where the floor was a bit damp shall we say, I saw blokes holding it up to stop getting it dirty.
For women -it's about the full face covering head dress. Most common is the burka only showing the eyes.
More rare is a full face linen dish cloth version we're the eyes are not visible.
Again no problems choosing what to wear or when our shopping.
It does have many logistical problems. Eating, swimming, smoking, talking, wearing glasses - communicating in general. It must be like a disability wearing these things.
Oh and jogging. Up early today and seen a jogger with full head scarf!
The locals or people from this part of the world all have the same attire.
For men - it's the full dress and sandals and a choice of two head gear designs. Not sure of the significance.
Apart for the ironing overhead it makes getting dressed simple. Also keeps shopping down to 'what size are you'. Job done.
Day to day challenges are going the loo and pockets. In the airport loo where the floor was a bit damp shall we say, I saw blokes holding it up to stop getting it dirty.
For women -it's about the full face covering head dress. Most common is the burka only showing the eyes.
More rare is a full face linen dish cloth version we're the eyes are not visible.
Again no problems choosing what to wear or when our shopping.
It does have many logistical problems. Eating, swimming, smoking, talking, wearing glasses - communicating in general. It must be like a disability wearing these things.
Oh and jogging. Up early today and seen a jogger with full head scarf!
360 Bar
Tried to get in the 360 bar for a drink at the Jumeirah Beach hotel.
Next door to the Burj Al Arab meant to offer a great view.
They only take bookings and have a £180 min spend on a table for two.
We have to do more research to see if it's worth it. Maybe next time.
Next door to the Burj Al Arab meant to offer a great view.
They only take bookings and have a £180 min spend on a table for two.
We have to do more research to see if it's worth it. Maybe next time.
Dubai Creek
After a second day at the pool we headed in search of adventure away from the glass high rises into old town.
The original fishing village on the river.
Round the gold souk, spice souk and textile souk. All locals - didn't see another white face for 3 hours.
The place was packed. People everywhere, in shops buying stuff. It was busy as hell. Dunno if it's a Friday night thing or what, but everyone was out.
Lot less letter boxes and men in robes. More Indians and a few Africans. Dress was jeans and tee shirts.
Then we wandered into the red light district as things got iffy. We had bum steer from google maps (pre IOS6!) looking for the Hard Rock cafe.
After that we headed back to the hotel area for some 'safe' food.
Everyone here kind of wanders about, no purpose to their walking speed. The reason became clear. It so hot. I was soaked - looked like I had been in the pool fully clothed.
The original fishing village on the river.
Round the gold souk, spice souk and textile souk. All locals - didn't see another white face for 3 hours.
The place was packed. People everywhere, in shops buying stuff. It was busy as hell. Dunno if it's a Friday night thing or what, but everyone was out.
Lot less letter boxes and men in robes. More Indians and a few Africans. Dress was jeans and tee shirts.
Then we wandered into the red light district as things got iffy. We had bum steer from google maps (pre IOS6!) looking for the Hard Rock cafe.
After that we headed back to the hotel area for some 'safe' food.
Everyone here kind of wanders about, no purpose to their walking speed. The reason became clear. It so hot. I was soaked - looked like I had been in the pool fully clothed.
Thursday, 20 September 2012
Gambling
I googled it. Its a good news bad news situation.
Gambling is allowed in Dubai - one of the few places in UAE that it is.
But only sports betting. Horses, dogs and camels. No casinos. No explanation why only certain forms are allowed in certain places.
They are missing a trick.
Gambling is allowed in Dubai - one of the few places in UAE that it is.
But only sports betting. Horses, dogs and camels. No casinos. No explanation why only certain forms are allowed in certain places.
They are missing a trick.
Unpopular Activities @The Pool
None of which I was guilty of.
Chain smoking. Sat next to her all day a Russian woman with the umbrella up fag in hand.
The butterfly. Some c@*k decided to do a couple of lengths butterfly. Everyone else is just relaxing or having a drink at the submerged pool bar while this clown is doing his best drowning impression.
Oh, and he had a Liverpool FC tattoo.
Chain smoking. Sat next to her all day a Russian woman with the umbrella up fag in hand.
The butterfly. Some c@*k decided to do a couple of lengths butterfly. Everyone else is just relaxing or having a drink at the submerged pool bar while this clown is doing his best drowning impression.
Oh, and he had a Liverpool FC tattoo.
The Walk
Outside our hotel is the walk. Something for the tourists.
Seems like a road parallel to the beach full of all your franchise fast foods in upmarket architecture.
Have to think of something to do tomorrow night now.
These other world famous hotels, the sail, and Atlantis in the Palm. We are not sure as non guests what there is to do if we turned up.
Looking at twenty quid in a cab to visit these hotels. Would we look like idiots when we turn up. Gawp at reception and jump back in a cab?
No casinos. I'll have to Google why. Seems a shame.
Seems like a road parallel to the beach full of all your franchise fast foods in upmarket architecture.
Have to think of something to do tomorrow night now.
These other world famous hotels, the sail, and Atlantis in the Palm. We are not sure as non guests what there is to do if we turned up.
Looking at twenty quid in a cab to visit these hotels. Would we look like idiots when we turn up. Gawp at reception and jump back in a cab?
No casinos. I'll have to Google why. Seems a shame.
Happy Hour
Another British export. Like 'lovely jubbly' something to attract the attention of tourists.
Well here it means half price beers. So only £4 a bottle of Miller Lite. Finishes at 8 so we are getting tanked.
Well here it means half price beers. So only £4 a bottle of Miller Lite. Finishes at 8 so we are getting tanked.
Like Blackpool
They swapped the Donkeys for Camels and have a pier.
Is it hell. The pier is a runway for the plane that takes the sky divers.
Is it hell. The pier is a runway for the plane that takes the sky divers.
Religion @The Pool
I have always wondered how the women manage it.
It's like swimming in a sheet. Surprised more don't drown.
It's like swimming in a sheet. Surprised more don't drown.
At the top
For those of you who know me well you will understand when I say I was not looking forward to the next visit.
A trip to 'at the top' the tallest building in the world!! 124 floors up to an observation platform then went all the way around.
It was that high up it was like being on a plane, oh and to tick another box, the highest place I have ever been the loo.
After standing and watching the outside for a bit I ventured over the the edge and was ok. Very proud I myself!!
Only disappointing thing, there is a haze over here and it's difficult to see far away, not sure if it's the time of year or the sand???
That meant when we were up the top you couldn't see the sea and 'the world' or the palm reef. Oh well any reason to have to come back here again :-)
A trip to 'at the top' the tallest building in the world!! 124 floors up to an observation platform then went all the way around.
It was that high up it was like being on a plane, oh and to tick another box, the highest place I have ever been the loo.
After standing and watching the outside for a bit I ventured over the the edge and was ok. Very proud I myself!!
Only disappointing thing, there is a haze over here and it's difficult to see far away, not sure if it's the time of year or the sand???
That meant when we were up the top you couldn't see the sea and 'the world' or the palm reef. Oh well any reason to have to come back here again :-)
1st day
If you ignored what everyone is wearing it's so much like America. Shopping malls, stalls, service, buildings and yes even a cheesecake factory!!!
Yes we had lunch there and didn't have to eat any tea as we were still full and that was without cheesecake/poor I know!!
We also and across the biggest free standing piece of glass at the indoor aquarium, it had to be seen to be believed.
I couldn't get it all in one photo and the look on Phils face was priceless as he didn't think it would be impressive when I had told him about it earlier on.
Yes we had lunch there and didn't have to eat any tea as we were still full and that was without cheesecake/poor I know!!
We also and across the biggest free standing piece of glass at the indoor aquarium, it had to be seen to be believed.
I couldn't get it all in one photo and the look on Phils face was priceless as he didn't think it would be impressive when I had told him about it earlier on.
WiFi
Wifi in the room is £18 per 24 hrs. Like our country, a total rip off.
Annoys me that the are just squeezing that little bit extra. Why not charge for or have a coin slot on the TV?
Free if you are down in reception, meaning its full of people with laptops and phones all milling about sat on steps just to check twitter or FaceTime someone.
FaceTime and iMessage has saved us a fortune this week.
As I mentioned one good thing about Thailand is that the hotel, all bar and restaurants would share the code with you as a paying customer.
Annoys me that the are just squeezing that little bit extra. Why not charge for or have a coin slot on the TV?
Free if you are down in reception, meaning its full of people with laptops and phones all milling about sat on steps just to check twitter or FaceTime someone.
FaceTime and iMessage has saved us a fortune this week.
As I mentioned one good thing about Thailand is that the hotel, all bar and restaurants would share the code with you as a paying customer.
Day One (Phil)
Hit the pool early after loads of sleep and no hangover.
Pool is nice, swim up bar etc.. At first we thought it was just geared up for business people. Obviously not.
Our hotel is on the beach so a short walk through the garden and you are on the sand.
The beach here is amazing. The sea is warmer than you would have a bath. So blue with the back drop of the high rises I love it.
No guff sellers here!
Pool is nice, swim up bar etc.. At first we thought it was just geared up for business people. Obviously not.
Our hotel is on the beach so a short walk through the garden and you are on the sand.
The beach here is amazing. The sea is warmer than you would have a bath. So blue with the back drop of the high rises I love it.
No guff sellers here!
Detox
Ale has a 30% tax here and is only sold in hotels. Which ain't cheap to start with. So about £8.50 for a bottle of Heineken.
These last three days will be like a health kick. Also means early nights with no reason to be up past midnight.
Plus we are closer to home. Less of a flight back and being only three hours ahead should be no jet lag. 2
Should hit the ground running ready for Jactivities!
These last three days will be like a health kick. Also means early nights with no reason to be up past midnight.
Plus we are closer to home. Less of a flight back and being only three hours ahead should be no jet lag. 2
Should hit the ground running ready for Jactivities!
Burj Khalifa
For the first night we booked a trip to the observation deck up the Burj Khalifa.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burj_Khalifa
Basically a big shopping mall with a bug tower on top. A vertical city they call it.
Everything is tall here but this thing is twice as big. The observation deck is on the 124th floor - there are over 160 floors, with a total height over 200 - so just over half way up.
Very Vegas feel to the place. Without the cheesy feel. Ate in the cheesecake factory and pretended I was in Caesars.
Up and down the tower for sunset. There was a bit of a haze restricting the view. Then walked round shops for three hours.
Ticked some boxes.
- Tallest building in the world
- Tallest freestanding structure
- Longest lift
- Biggest dancing fountain
- Worlds biggest single piece of plexiglas (in the aquarium)
- And highest public toilet I assume.(not in the guff that one)
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burj_Khalifa
Basically a big shopping mall with a bug tower on top. A vertical city they call it.
Everything is tall here but this thing is twice as big. The observation deck is on the 124th floor - there are over 160 floors, with a total height over 200 - so just over half way up.
Very Vegas feel to the place. Without the cheesy feel. Ate in the cheesecake factory and pretended I was in Caesars.
Up and down the tower for sunset. There was a bit of a haze restricting the view. Then walked round shops for three hours.
Ticked some boxes.
- Tallest building in the world
- Tallest freestanding structure
- Longest lift
- Biggest dancing fountain
- Worlds biggest single piece of plexiglas (in the aquarium)
- And highest public toilet I assume.(not in the guff that one)
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