My first trip overseas took more than 40 years to eventuate. I had considered it earlier but was always put off by the lengthy flight times to travel to places far from home. In May 2012 however, Victoria and I decided to visit the United Kingdom, but to break up the journey we spent a couple of days in Dubai to rest in a proper motel in a proper bed. It was also an opportunity to explore a place Victoria's dad had visited and made several recommendations about. For part of our visit we hired a driver to take us to a few places of interest - there were plenty to choose from and I only mention two that I have a picture to accompany. The photo below shows part of a large shopping centre which includes, of course, a huge aquarium with all manner of small and large sea life swimming in it. One side has a vertical glass wall and another part has a tunnel so visitors can walk through/under the water for a different point of view. Dubai is full of extremes and things you would not expect to see in a place which is essentially desert and built literally on sand but also from great wealth. Some city buildings are ultra-modern and reach dizzying heights. Just about everything seems to be air-conditioned which is welcome and needed. The photo below shows the Burj al Arab Hotel which at one point in time was the only sever-star hotel in the world. It has its own helipad sticking out from the side of the building at the top. Other internet photos suggest the helipad can also be used for weddings and playing table-tennis - when your helicopter isn't in the way of course. The 321 meter tall building is built on reclaimed land just off the coast and is only one of several such features on areas of reclaimed land. We didn't stay here naturally - our accommodation was at the Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel which was about a 30 minute drive from here. The Sheraton was more within our normal price range and being located on the creek, gave pleasant views and the ability for a morning or evening walk by the water. Another place we visited was the Dubai Gold Souk which was very close to the Sheraton - amazing to see but no purchases I'm afraid. Next stop - The United Kingdom...
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AuthorI love to understand things, how they work, why they happen - I'm always learning and keen to investigate... Archives
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