Today was marked by a massive sandstorm that completely obliterated any view of just about anything. Any attempt at swimming in the hotel pool was also scuppered by the sandstorm.

 We had a quiet start to the morning, and headed to Bur Dubai where we found a secret entrance to the textile souk (much to Neil and Sandra’s apprehension). The little alleyway was only wide enough for one person in some places, but nevertheless, we made it to where we wanted to go. No copy watches and fake designer handbags for us though!

Neil and Karla outside the Gold Souk

The picture above shows Neil and Karla outside the entrance to the gold souk. We wandered through the souk – seeing some amazing jewellery – but of course we didn’t buy anything just yet!

 After the gold souk, it was time for a spot of lunch – and we headed for a delightful little café called the Basta Art Café – which has had good write ups in the past. You actually eat outside in a courtyard – under shady trees. Despite the humidity, it was very pleasant. The tripod made another appearance – as evidenced by the photo of the three of us. It may just make the most useful item in Sandra’s handbag on this trip!!!

K, S & N at the Basta Art Cafe

Tonight, Karla is catching up with sister Helen and friends Suzie and Randall, while Neil and Sandra will most likely head to the Wafi for dinner. We have an early start tomorrow when we head to Amman for the start of our real sightseeing.

 Next blog will be from Jordan!!!

The three of us on the Souk Al Bahar bridge

We arrived plenty more refreshed than our colleagues on the lower deck of the A380… but that doesn’t mean to say we didn’t notice the toll that the 18 hours of flying took!!!

After checking in to one room (for a luggage dump) we made our way to the Dubai Mall. The Mall didn’t open until 10am – and we were a little early – but it was fantastic to see the place without crowds. A slow amble was just what we needed at this point – not the hussle and bustle of a lot of people around!

We had a really good up close view of the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world) – it is so big, we couldn’t fit a picture of the whole thing in one shot! We watched a game of ice hockey in the middle of the mall, marvelled at the largest aquarium in the world (yes – very surprising it is in Dubai really!!!!) and wandered around the four floors of the mall. The place is just massive – and not as ostentatious as some of the other malls in Dubai.

The picture shows the three of us on the bridge between the Dubai Mall and the Souk Al Bahar. Just to the right – on the bridge itself, you can get the most fantastic views of the Burj Khalifa. There is also a fountain show set to music that plays in the evenings. We’ll definitely come back for a look.

After a spot of lunch, it was back to the hotel for a bit of a relax There is a large common area near Neil and Sandra’s room with tables and chairs – so we stopped in the early evening for a vino and to contemplate the day (and write the blog of course!!!).

 PS – Happy birthday Mark – you were meant to be here…

At the AKL Airport

Thanks to those who’ve wished us well. We’re safely enjoying a quiet beverage in the Emirates lounge – and we’re just about to board our plane.

Be in touch soon!

B’sKnee.