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Published: November 20th 2007
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Such beautiful things.......
These were at a little stall at the Madinat Jumeira market Greetings from sunny, HOT, gorgeous, "very-different-than-India", Dubai!!!!!!! (and birthday greetings to my friend and editor, Linda Fletcher, in London!)
We left our hotel yesterday morning in good time. Everyone was quite ok with leaving India, after having seen the Taj Mahal and having experienced the traffic, the smog, the crowds of people, the animals everywhere, etc. etc. Time to head out to Dubai........where we were scheduled to have "free" time for the afternoon and have some fun.
Not to be! All went well at the airport, we boarded the plane, and then........we sat! For almost 2 hours! Not that it was a hardship, since the Icelandic Air crew are so amazing. We were served (our usual) champagne, orange juice, etc. The air-conditioning was on (thank goodness!!!!!). We had a chance to visit with each other, read a book, nap, etc. It wasn't a hardship, but it sure was frustrating to sit and watch other planes depart. We were at the military airport in Agra and both the red tape and smog were very thick! Finally, take-off..........the pilot was our hero and applause thundered through the aircraft.
Off and running to Dubai. I had the time of my life
Back on the plane, and heading to Dubai
The crew, accompanied by Joan, were signing Happy Birthday to Satinder! Don't they all look so beautiful!!!! here last year. I "found" myself again, laughed harder than I had in years, screamed louder than I ever knew possible (on the luge in the Snow Park) and had lots of fun. I was looking forward to this stop on the tour. We got to our hotel in good time (www.dubai.regency.hyatt.com); the Hyatt Regency. This is a different hotel than the one we stayed in last year; it's closer to the markets, etc. It's gorgeous. And ......yes.....I LOVE my room! ha ha
Once we checked in and had a bit of time to rest, we were off to dinner on a Dhow. Cruising on the water again, just what I always love to do, ha ha ha. I'm getting much better at this! It was an enjoyable evening for all. The food was fantastic, the night lights were gorgeous and there was just enough of a light breeze to keep me comfortable. It was all good!
Back to the hotel for a good night's sleep (I LOVE the pillows on my bed!). Up and at 'em this morning, in the phenomenal fitness facility in the hotel. Sean and Brenda were already there. We all had a good
It's a tough life........
What else are you going to do when you are delayed on the tarmac?????? workout. Mary Ellen came in a bit later. Great way to start the day. Breakfast was at the hotel, and it was yummy. There were fresh strawberries that caught my eye! The muesli was amazing also. It was a "free day" today and everyone was heading in different directions! Lots to do in Dubai! But, since I was with "the girls" and I had the camera, that's what you are going to experience as you look at the photos from the day!
First things first, due to "circumstances", we had to get Carroll to a medi-center to get a Yellow Fever shot, and a certificate as we head into Africa in a few days. Long story. But, all went well. I thought you would enjoy the photos of the health services in Dubai. There I was, following along with my camera! She was a good sport about being the topic of photos this morning! Things moved along very quickly; I was quite shocked since I have been in medi-centers in Canada and have sat there for HOURS!!!! The doctor was very friendly and happy to pose for a photo, as was the nurse. Carroll got great service. Back in
a cab, and off to do some damage at some of the markets.
We are blessed to have Brenda with us as she lived in Saudi Arabia for a number of years. She knows the people, the currency, the culture, etc. and she was our "esteemed leader" for the day! Off we go, following her every step, listening to her bargain again, and taking her lead in choosing an appropriate restaurant for lunch. We had so much fun. I really enjoy spending time with them. We did get to one of the markets and there were others from our tour group there.......Marge and Ed, Seth and Susan..........all enjoying this incredible little mall (which everyone needs to visit!!!!!). It's the Madinat Jumera, located very near the famous Mall of the Emirates (with the snow park). First, however, we did wander through the gold markets and the spice markets. It was HOT, HOT, HOT out there in the sun. I, for one, was very happy to get to the Madinat market, which was an inside mall; it was quiet, cool and pleasant for shopping! Fay and I spotted a Starbucks but we didn't stop because time was marching on and I
wanted to get back to the hotel to rest and relax (and cool off!) for a bit before our evening adventure!!!!!! (which you can read about tomorrow)
And that was it. Back to the hotel by 3:30, enjoyed some tea, wrote a few postcards, and downloaded the day's pictures.
Sit back and enjoy and know that tomorrow's blog will be quite entertaining!!!!
(Good night, Mom. I love you!)
Happy Pat
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Judy T
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Pat, Pat, Pat!
A no brainer: "Do-Buy"! Tell Jan B. I can't wait to see her new golf clothing purchased during this trip. The closest I have come to Dubai has been in watching the golf tournament out there and the features on its luxury especially one of the hotels for the rich and famous (Like you?). Now, by going onto the streets and into the markets, you have given another dimension of life out there. Wonder why their health care system is so efficient...probably linked to their very healthy economy. Keep happy.