Why Dubai?
Why not visit Dubai? My decision to go to London was made rather hurriedly. I had the money and I wanted to see more closely the co-housing project at Barnet, in north London, and I had some “free time”. I had no house sits for the period. I set about checking flights online and it was then that I worked out that I could do a stopover in Dubai. I had never been there, so why not?
Along the Dubai Creek
More Dubai Creek
I didn’t know a lot about the country – I guess not much more than it was a modern and growing place, and that it was the home of Emirates Airline – which I had heard good reports about. As it turned out I was booked on Qantas – but flew with Emirates for most of the trip. I was impressed with Emirates – especially their entertainment system.
Rest on a Long Trip
One of my things I wanted to do was have a break in a long trip – and I chose to spend four days in Dubai. What a good idea. I knew it would be hot in Dubai and cold in London so was essentially prepared for both kinds of weather. How hot Dubai was though!!
Advice: when in Dubai in hot weather, make sure you spend the middle of the day in air conditioning – be it one of the massive shopping malls or in your hotel room!!
Try the bus
I spent two days on the Hop on Hop Off bus – I always like to do that when in a city, so that I get my bearings and it helps me determine what places I want to visit. Usually, I join the bus around midday and do one circuit first before getting off. Then I can finish my 24-hour ticket, the next morning. I like sitting on the top level so that I can take plenty of photos – but that depends on the weather. If it is too hot, too windy, or raining – I stay downstairs.
It certainly gave me a “taste” for the place. I wish I could have stayed longer – and hope to get back one day.
What did I like about Dubai?
- It’s a modern city with amazing buildings – great architecture
- The Dubai Creek is most interesting and well worth exploring.
- There are amazing hotels – up to $28,000 a night. I chose a cheaper one which was clean and adequate.
- I didn’t need to take a translator – people spoke English
- The Dubai Museum was most interesting – and the history was captivating with great displays
- The Souks are worth visiting – and it appears to be a very safe city for wandering around
- The awesome shopping malls – even if you don’t want to spend money – are worth exploring
- A tour of Dubai Creek on one of the dhows is a must
- Food is great
- People were friendly
A camel in the Museum
(I had promised to bring a camel home – which I did. It was one of these. Click here.)
