Blogs from United Arab Emirates, Middle East - page 26

-SP- Estoy atrapado en Dubai! bueno, en parte por mi propia culpa, mannana voy a la oficina del ferry, que esta en casacristo, para reservar mi billete, espero salir el jueves noche para Iran. Me siento un poco como un leon encerrado despues de 2 semanas sin hacer casi nada. y para colmo me ha salido un flemon, espero que la cosa mejore, sino tendre que buscar un dentista, mejor en Iran que en Dubai Dia 1: Como ya he contado, a las 6 aterrizo, me mandan a la terminal de cargo, a 2km, tengo que ir en taxi por 15 Dirhams. Alli papeleo con los de seguridad para entrar, arrastrarme a la terminal, y sorpresa, tengo que pagar unas tasas extras de 110USD, a pesar de que en Delhi me dijeron que estaba todo "prepaid". ... read more

We spent a relaxing morning finishing off the packing and loading up the car for our journey. Our journey to Abu Dhabi first takes us all the way through the streets of Dubai. As we were on the old part of Dubai, this gave us a good opportunity to see some of the newer parts. After that it has just sand and barren land as far as the eyes could see. It was extremely hot during this journey. We had ample cold drinks on board but also stopped on the way for some refreshment too. Our route into Abu Dhabi took us past Yas Island (F1 circuit etc.) and convinced us that we should return and explore this some more. The hotel we have booked for our three nights here is the 4* Southern Sun which ... read more

After 14 hrs on an Etihad 787-9 in First Class, we arrived in Abu Dhabi feeling pretty good. Slept well in my little hide-away. I have come to the decision that 1st class is the only way to fly, sadly I doubt I will have the experience again. The Etihad Premium Lounge is fabulous. The hummus was the best I have tried EVER! Can't wait to get into Athens this afternoon. I think we might eat Greek tonight ... hehe... read more

This morning we visited the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding for their Saturday Brunch. The morning was run by two teenage local volunteers but with older locals on hand if needed. They gave us lots of local information about the culture and lifestyle of local Emirates. They also answered all the questions asked by the diners. After this we were all served coffee and dates. They explained that this is the local Emirate greeting. If you say no it will offend the host. The Arabic coffee was very strong but the added date encouraged most of us to have a second cup. After this, the main food was unwrapped and each dish was explained. We tried every dish on offer, and even went back for seconds of some of them. Although only warm, it was ... read more

It's an odd place, Dubai. It could be LA or Phoenix, except that the buildings are taller and more futuristic. Only a tenth of the population is native Emirati. They're the guys in the spotless white dish-dashes, and the women in their black abayas -- their heads covered; though their faces not necessarily veiled. All the rest – from cabbies to store clerks to contractors – come from someplace else: India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Eastern Europe, the USA, and Canada. We were there for a week last May, waiting to catch a ship bound for Istanbul via the Suez Canal. We stayed in Bur Dubai, an older neighborhood on the west bank of Dubai Creek. Our hotel, The Arabian Courtyard, was situated just across from the Dubai Museum and Cultural Center where, ... read more