Adventures in Dubai

Hazy Skies
Fried to the Ground in 120 degree Heat
Two Days is Plenty

September, 2012

Surrounded by garden-spots like Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan,
Dubai sounded like a good place to visit before it is obliterated

We arrived at our hotel at 6:00 AM

By 9:00 AM we were on the hop-on, hop-off "Big Bus" city route,
beginning a drive through the city center

Dubai Creek runs through the middle of the city

We hopped off at the Spice Market to see the Dubai City of Gold

They had plenty of gold

and spices...

and silk

Practicing to be a sheik

Ahead on the left, along the Dubai Creek, boats load from the street

To deliver refigerators...

... tires and washing machines to India

Mosque

Dubai makes 250 million gallons of fresh water per day from salty ocean water.

Construction along the beach

In the hazy distance, the Burj Khalifa, at 828 meters, the world's tallest building
It was going to be the Burj Dubai until the global financial crisis of 2007-2012 hit,
requiring financial help from UAE President, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Our destination, on the left, the Burj Al Arab
You can stay here for $800 per night during the low season through September
The rate jumps to $1500 in October

Built to resemble a ship's sail

The Accidental Tourists

One of many luxury cars in the parking area

Arriving for Sky-Tea on the 27th floor

The Grand Entrance Fountain

Looking straight up

We celebrate our 10th Anniversary... a bit early (April 5th, 2013)

The Lovely Bride
The rose and cake were a gift from the restaurant

Happy Anniversary

View from the top floor

Touring the resort grounds

Back at our humble abode, the Crown Plaza, Festival City,
looking down from our room toward the connected Hotel Intercontinental

The next day, On the Road, Again... taking the "Big Bus" beach route

Abu Dhabi is a four-hour drive

A Dubai Metro Station

Heading south, near the beach

Everything is new

Air-conditioned bus-stop

Space view of Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago.
The first and smallest of three "Palm Islands" on the Jumeirah coast

On the road to "Atlantis, The Palm"
driving on the "trunk" of the Palm Jumeira tree

In the distance, "Atlantis, the Palm" Hotel and Resort,
patterned after "Atlantis, Paradise Island" in Nassau, Bahamas,
is located on the outer crescent ring of the island

A water park with a 3-million gallon aquarium is what one should do
with expensive, reclaimed water in the middle of a desert.

Waterfront homes on one of the "fronds" of Palm Island.
Just like California except no boats and 120 degree heat

Keeping your car in the shade is essential

Mall of the Emirates
Where Shopping is Just the Beginning
Unlimited Style from over 520 stores
International Cuisine from over 80 cafes and restaurants
Shop and Win 2000 AED every hour on the hour for 24 hours
Double Your Winnings Between Midnight and 6:00 AM
Two attached 5-Star Hotels, so you never need to leave