First stop

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This is a shortened version because after typing up 500 words for the USB there's no where to put it on this computer!
Dubai is amazing and we are really enjoying the experience here. From the pre-oil to the new Dubai is extraordinary.
We did a City tour yesterday, which really told the story. Brian has taken 400 photos - don't worry won't be uploading them on here - but the architecture is worth seeing. Everything is so clean, white and chrome - no graffiti, no litter, just new, new, new!

We went to the Dubai museum where is it all explained in an entertaining format - housed in the only Fort left. Went to the old city and crossed the creek by boat, went to the Gold Souk where there were many, many diamond and gold shops. Brian and Nobby looked a bit bored with all that - although Chris and I offered to go in and pick something up - but in the end we sat and very happily people watched. So many different cultures only 17 - 20% are native to Dubai. We also saw the only palace built before oil - just a stone block - then they took us to the palaces of today but from a distance only.

The Novotel is opposite a large shopping mall - heaven for Chris and I and yes, we have shopped! Hard not to in a place like this as our dollar is doing well. The weather is a gorgeous 30 degrees just perfect for swimming in the pool. In 2 weeks the temps will be more like 40 so we are really lucky.

The service has been second to none. From the time we stepped off the plane, someone has been there to guide us and help us. Food has been fantastic - although very western. The hotel is full of tourists - lots of families, this seems to be the place to come to for an easy holiday.

Today we're off on a helicopter - my first time so I am very excited and then for a change of pace 4 - wheel driving in the desert before having a feast under the stars with the Bedouins and some belly dancing.

Hopefully next stop we can upload some photos.

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Comments

[John & Jan]

Sounds great
Hi Deb and all Fancy the boys getting bored around a diamond and gold shop. And a little bit anxious too I'd wager. All sounds really good. Looking forward to more updates and eventually a look at the photos too and hear about the history too. John & Jan

[pam]

different world
sounds like a great start to your holiday.enjoy the desert xx

[anonymous]

Sounds amazing! Can't wait to hear how the sand dune tour goes tonight. Oh bugger, so that means it will be 40 degress when we are there. xxx

[Judy Burns]

Fantastic
Glad you guys are having a good time. Enjoy the bedouins - we did that in Egypt and it was fantastic with the women not able to be present in front of us and the guys cooking for us - food was excellent. Looking forward to hearing more. xxx

[anonymous]

Sounds great and so different from the norm Saints won last night so it looks like you two were the problem, you better shop for a longer stay Looking forward to some photos, enjoy jealousy is a curse Peter