Tuesday, June 26 - Day 1
Founded: June 9, 1833
Region: in the middle of the great Arabian Desert... on the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula in the Persian Gulf
Population: 2,106,177 (2013)
Climate: November to March temperatures average 75F, while summer temperatures can be as high as 118F inland.
Language: Arabic, English
Currency: Emirati dirham (AED)
Dubai is considered to be the beating heart of the UAE and the business hub of the Middle East. Remnants of it's colonial past are evident in older parts of the city while modern buildings, shops and streets show off it's contemporary spirit.
We were docked by the scheduled time of midday then everyone including all crew had to have a mandatory face to face with immigration in the terminal. No one was allowed back onto the ship until there had been a 100% attendance. Once we had cleared immigration we headed to the Dubai Mall to make use of their free wifi in air conditioned comfort. Free wifi is available in the terminal but it is very slow. There was a free shuttle running all day to the Dubai Mall. As there was only one bus operating on a continuous loop we decided to go by taxi at $5USD per person for 7 people. The Mall is huge so after finding a Gloria Jeans we sat and enjoyed the air conditioning and fast wifi while Peter sipped very slowly on his $10 cup of coffee.
I had booked for a group of 8 to go out for dinner on the Bateaux Dubai dinner cruise up the Creek. We had a transfer both ways so it was just a matter of being at the pick up point on time. Our driver was there to meet us at the appointed time and drive us us to the boat. It was a perfect night and the food was amazing.... such a high quality. It was a nice touch when the chef came out to ask us if we were happy with our meals. Our package included unlimited wine and beer which was well utilised and free flowing. The Creek was a buzz with dhows, abras and brightly lit boats crisscrossing the Creek going about their business.
Even though it was still hot it was pleasant cruising down the Creek with good friends and a glass of wine.... another perfect day.
Tomorrow we have another full day in Dubai with our departure scheduled for 11pm.
No comments:
Post a Comment