Dubai

Today’s plane. B787-10. Ethiad Airways to Abu Dhabi

Day 31

Wednesday 13th December

Bangkok to Dubai via Abu Dhabi

The alarm went off at 4.30am for our 5.15am taxi to the airport. The roads were a little bit calmer this morning, arriving at the airport just as the sun was coming up.

Today we flew from the other airport in Bangkok – BKK, which was very busy so early in the morning. I’ve never seen such a traffic jam accompanied by the whistles of the traffic wardens, making a very noisy departures area. It’s a 6 hour flight to Abu Dhabi, the first half of our journey home.

This time we have chosen to stay in Dubai, about an hour and a bits drive from Abu Dhabi airport. The driver drove very fast so we didn’t look! Instead taking in all the sites as they came into view.

Dubai is a new destination for me. I didn’t realise how big it is!

Every time I thought we were near the resort , we just carried on . Anyway, finally arriving at this little resort in cooler weather was delightful. The temperature is @ 26°, so much more manageable than the 35° we have had in Bangkok.

This little resort is called The Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa. It has 5 or 6 restaurants, a couple of nightclubs, 3 pools and a private beach. Water sports are available if you want them. There’s a lovely breeze coming off the water too, ahh, bliss.

Dinner in the resort

Inevitable cocktail!

Xmas in the resport

We all love fairy lights

View of the resort

We think we’ll just veg out here, but if we do venture out we’ll let you know .

Days 32, 33 & 34.

14th, 15th & 16th December

Dubai to London and home.

As previously stated, we relaxed and enjoyed this lovely little resort amongst all the concrete that is Dubai.

We didn’t realise we had arrived mid winter! Yes, the temperature had dropped about 10° but the days were still equivalent to the height of UK summers. And just like in the UK, I had to have a wrap around my shoulders when the breeze got up. To be honest it was refreshing, not needing the Aircon at night, hiding in the shade without melting and the sea and pools were the perfect temperature.

I ventured out for a walk to the public beach – La Mer – just along from our resort. Huge structures which I’m assuming are cafes and restaurants during the summer, but all closed at present. The beach was quite busy.

The Jumeirah Mosque was just across the road and the calls to prayer were pleasant to listen to. We’re not sure who sings the call, but it’s always so tuneful we wondered if they are chosen specifically .

On one of the evenings we decided to visit the Souks. A taxi took us to the old Bur Souk which we attempted to walk through. I say attempted because we weren’t very successful. The sales techniques used by the shopholders are so forceful we just had to leave – or rather escape!

We’d spotted the barges taking people across the creek and so got on one for the 1 AED (Dirham) ride to the gold and spice souks.

As you can guess the crossing is very busy, noticing the little boats by their lights. We think the different colours mean which pier you will end up at .

The other souks were just the same. You couldn’t stop to look at anything without having wares practically stuffed into your hands. Needless to say, we made another swift escape and flagged down a taxi for home. Only when we were in the taxi did we spot some restaurants. Oh well too late, though the Tex Mex restaurant back at the resort was a good substitute, plus we could have a beer .

The breakfasts here were the best we have come across on this trip. It was hard not to stuff our faces .

Day 34 homeward bound

Finally, day 34 arrived. After a quick breakfast we checked out and took a 90 minute taxi ride back to Abu Dhabi Airport. It was also the last flight for our business class jaunt.

This flight (another big A380)to London was very different from the first flight. I’m assuming it was due to people coming to the UK for Christmas etc. There were so many young teenagers in business, we thought that maybe the parents were in First class . You gotta have some money to put all the family in business let alone First!.

Touchdown was early and we watched from the onboard cameras. Amazing viewing .

Priority everything got us through to our bags swiftly and then we came out of terminal 4’s arrival doors to a packed hall.

Right out of Love Actually. While waiting for our taxi driver I couldn’t help but glow and well up, watching people greet each other, so heartwarming . Always reminds me of working at Southampton Airport and seeing the goodbyes at security .