So after an epic flight via Sydney, we finally made it to Dubai where we were greeted by the resplendant Glenys Henry at 7:30am. After a prompt map lesson and a very generous koha in UA Durhams, we were on our way by taxi (cheapest taxis ever) to the local metro station to purchase prepaid train cards as our way to see the city for the day.
We actually managed to get on the train and off again, at the right places (after a few tourist moments). Our stop was the Burj Khalifa and the Dubi Mall, the biggest building and mall in the world respectively. After a couple of hours looking at goods we could not buy for lack of baggage spaced we attempted to leave the mall which one would think would be as easy as 'head that way and exit where you came in'. worst thing was there were 4 enormous floors of shops that all look much the same, in a double ring configuration that leaves the directional bearings far behind.
Any who, once we managed to get out where we came in, it was time for the hottest half kilometre walk I have ever done; it must have been topping 40 degrees. My arm pits are still reeling from the torrent that assulted the very essence of my shirt fabric (no metaphor intended)
Glenys showed us alot of the main attractions of the bustling metro area by air conditioned car. The gigantic fountain at Dubai Mall, the beach, the palm, and much of the older parts of the original settlement where we took a refeshingly sweat fuelled boat ride across 'the creek' and back.
I would like to say a special thanks to Glenys for her time and patience helping two rookie travellers see a little more than we would otherwise have seen.
I highly recommend to check Dubai out for a stop over or long stay, but maybe go during an arab winter.
Next stop... Roma, Italy!!
Arrivaderci