Dubai - April 12th

We are in Dubai for a second day, after a stop in Fujairah.  Both of these are in the United Arab Emirates.  I have finally learned how to spell Emirates.  Fujairah was a waste of time and Dubai is a bit of a disappointment.  Now, to be honest, we have not gone into any of the famous buildings which are said to be luxurious (if gaudy) beyond description.  But, the city itself is full of tall buildings, homes behind elaborate gates, look alike apartment buildings and town houses and a great deal of dust and sand.  The most interesting thing which happened to us yesterday was getting caught, just as we were returning to the ship from our helicopter ride, in a sand storm.  The wind came up very suddenly and combined with the stinging sand, I needed help getting back on the ship!

Our helicopter ride made it back just in time, with no hint at what was about to occur.  The group from the ship scheduled for an hour after us had their flight cancelled.  But, they have the fun now of being picked up from near the ship.  It is almost an hour drive to the helipad (located near the Dubai Atlantis Hotel, which is a replica if the one in the Bahamas).  I didn’t go for the look of it in either place.  During the drive we got to see a great deal of the city and so cancelled our bus tour for today.  I was tempted to go out on the ship shuttle to the Dubai Mall which is supposed to be extremely upscale.  I have resisted the temptation.

The pictures are mostly from the helicopter ride…Carl,

views of what is called THE PALM, (a palm shaped development),

the famous hotel built like a ship,

a poor shot of the tallest building in the world (I consider they cheated because it is mostly skinny)

and a picture of a number of houses each with their own swimming pool near a golf course.  I wonder if that is where they play the Dubai Open!

I am beginning to get excited about Hilary and Ricardo’s arrival.  We will be at sea (after two more stops) for five days and then they will join us. 

Love and kisses,

ME