Dubai

Hi everyone, finally I get around to starting my blog (hoping beyond hope the computer doesnt crash!) Well my trip started with a fantastic flight to Dubai having all four seats in the middle to myself. Dubai was a lovely 35 degrees on arrival (18:30). My first impression was of disorganisation at the airport unable to locate my pick-up in the throng of people. Eventually sorted it was a short drive to the fabulous hotel. My room being enormous having a great view of the north part of the city and a bed as wide as it was long.
As soon as I arrived I went for a walk to find some food, I was disappointed to only locate fast food places and had to resort to McDonalds for dinner. I was however happy to locate a huge shopping mall and noticed how cheap everything was. After a great nights sleep I set about making the most of my one day there and seeing everything I could. Not appreciating the huge size of the city I decided to walk to the sights, huge mistake. Not only were they several miles away but it was about 43 degrees at this point. I ended up taking a taxi and first went to the museum, this cost about 45p entry and was a great way to see how the city has developed over the decades. I then walked round the old town getting lost in all the little side streets. It was immediately apparent I was the only "Westerner" there however I didnt get too much hassle from the lucky lucky men. The area near the museum was mainly Indian and I have never seen so many beautiful saris before, I vowed there and then that I would have to go back when I had more time. Next I headed over the creek on a little motorised boat they cram with locals, this cost 10p instead of the £15 they'd wanted for a tourist tour! Wandered around the spice Souk and then the gold Souk exercising the most amount of self-control I have ever had. It had the most beautiful jewellery I have ever seen. From there it was back over the creek and a taxi ride to the World Trade Centre (lesson learnt with walking). Lunch in one of the nice hotels near there and onto Burj al Arab the 7-star sail hotel. It was amazing seeing it driving up to it and I was excited to think of eating in there however this was not to be since I was turned back at security being told only people with an appointment could go in (even for coffee!) Ever the enterprising type I wandered up the road and found an exquisite hotel with its own lake and castle in the grounds and its own beach. I sneaked past security and found the bar. Had a couple of drinks there overlooking the Burj al Arab and then wandered round. Found a conservation part where they had about 20 rescued sea-turtles they were nursing back to health, gorgeous and fascinating. My cunning plan to get some good photos of the hotel from the beach was scuppered by a zealous security guard who demanded to see my hotel ID before letting me on the beach - oh well it was worth a try! :-)
Back to my hotel via 45 minute taxi for a swim in the roof top pool and bed before early start off to Nairobi.

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