Phil Around The World: April 2012

Friday, April 27, 2012

I decided to take Karen out for a nice last meal before we headed to the airport.We went to a Japanese resturant at the Burj Al Arab Hotel. I was told there was a dress code when I made reservations so Karen and I dressed up a bit. When we arrived, I was told my foot wear was not acceptable ( I was wearing flip flops) I protested saying I saw a Sheik wearing sandals with his flowing white robe. They said that was a customary outfit for his culture but I had to wear shoes! They produced a fancy new pair of shoes for me to borrow so we finally got in. Our meal was wonderful. We are looking forward to getting home. Thanks to all for following me !

Last day

We took another subway ride on our last day. I was looking for the First class car when the train came in and we entered a car quickly. As the train pulled out of the station, I heard the car erupt in laughter. As Iooked around at the laughing crowd, a woman came up to me and told me I was in the womens only car and must leave. The Burqa crowd laughed as Karen and I sheepishly departed. Oh well....

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Desert Camp photos

They talked me into putting on their garb after 4 glasses of wine

Dubai trees

There are a few scrubby native trees around the city but the planted tree of choice is the date palm, a common sight thru out the city. On our desert safari, we stopped at a old date palm oasis filled with these trees,the area was alive with small birds . This was the only patch of green for miles around,

Swimming in the Persian Gulf

We went to Jumeirah Beach today with the Burj al Arab Hotel looming in the background. The round disk on the left up top is a helicopter landing pad. Top right is a bar/lounge ) This 7 star hotel is a favorite of the Shieks . The marina holds the royal family's toys. The photo looking out to sea looks toward the Straits of Hormuz, Iran is 40 miles away. The desert air holds zero humidity, my hair and bathing suit dried in minutes. A cab driver said its rained once for 2 minutes in the last 3 years. The large rounded building is the Jumeirah Hotel. We paid this hotel an obscene fee to access their beach and use their facilities ( beach chairs with umbrellas, towels, locker rooms and staff bringing us complimentary fruit and smoothies ) ) The life guard told me a majority of the tourists are Russian. By the way, the swimming was great in the warm, clear water.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Back streets near our apartment

Lots of shops

Kids

Photographing women here is unacceptable here so I had to settle for these children's outfits I saw at the open air market.

Worlds tallest building

We had planned on going to the top but gagged on the cost, $55 US each. We had dinner on the 50th floor of an other new building

Dubai subway

We took a ride on the subway to the far side of city, sitting in first class with leather lounge chairs. The palatial stations were covered in Italian glass tiles and chandeliers with amazing lighting, sparkling clean. The subway is completely computer controlled with no engineer or anyone driving it.

Dubai skiing

We visited the giant Mall of the Emirates near our apartment for lunch. I also wanted Karen to see the skiing. The skiing is basically in a huge freezer. The exterior shot shows the shape of the slope and inside you can see the chair lift. People rent parkas and snow suits just to experience the ice and snow. See the women in the Burqa with the parka on? In this desert heat it must cost an ungodly amount to keep the place cold

Dubai beer

After hours of desert sun, I wanted a cold beer at the end of the day. We walked around searching to no avail. I finally suggested a supermarket where I thought we could just buy a six pack and put it in our refrigerator ( we rented a small apartment ) . The good Muslims but a stop to this idea. Carefully read label on Bud bottle in store.