Dubai

27-28 September 2011

Day 1

 Honestly, I never really imagined myself traveling to the Middle East until we had this free trip and its not just one but two days. From the snow of the Alps, off we went to the sands of Arabia. Dubai is one of the seven city states that comprise the United Arab Emirates. It is located in the northern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, in front of the Persian Gulf. The moment I stepped out of the airport and rode the shuttle bus going to our hotel, there's a certain excitement that I can't explain. Maybe because I don't know what to expect and what is in store for us here. 

Our tour guide told us that your visit to Dubai is not complete if you have not taken the Desert Safari Tour. At first, I'm having a second thought to join them but as always, my husband Jonathan is there to the rescue hahaha. To cut it short, the Desert Safari Tour is one of the most exciting thing I have ever done in my life.

 

This is my first time to see such a beautiful golden sand. It's like being perfectly plowed by a farmer. Amazing!
 

 

Our group's 4x4 land cruiser convoy.

 Would you believe that I can still take photos using my iPhone even we were going up and down in full speed in the sand dunes? Oh well, that's my talent hahaha and I am proud to say that almost all of our pictures in the desert safari tour was taken using my iPhone. It's not an easy ride, it is very scary because it will slide down the dune slopes. I can say that its like "hold on for the ride of your life! 

 Taking a rest after a roller coaster ride from the desert. Its not easy, you should have a stomach that's made of steel hahaha (with exaggeration). But overall, I have achieved again something for myself. I have experienced another true adventure...imagine driving across in sand dunes in a 45 degrees angle, whew its real fun!

Clean as you go. I admired the Arabs for taking care of the desert. 

 After almost two hours, our tour continues and all the 4x4 vehicles meets at the central camp for another adventure. This time, we were greeted by the caretaker of the two camels. 

 Jonathan enjoyed the camel ride together with the group. Unfortunately, I don't have the energy to smile even to walk around. The smell of the camel made me throw up, maybe because I'm still dizzy after our sand dune ride. We took a rest at the tents inside the camp while waiting for another entertainment. There are free drinks and snacks, ladies can enjoy the henna designing tattoo on their hand and feet and you can see the actual making of the sand art for souvenirs. A buffet dinner were served while being entertained by the belly dancers. 

Day 2

After the surprising wonders of the Desert Safari tour, its time to explore the city of Dubai. The country is now holding the title for the world's tallest tower (Burj Khalifa) and the self claimed seven star hotel (Burj Al Arab Hotel).

 After the city tour, we had our free time to shop! As we all know, Dubai is also a shopping heaven. The staggeringly Dubai Mall and Mall of Emirates are tourist attractions in itself and the best place for making oneself feel cool as the weather outside is too hot and humid. After watching the famous fountain show, we joined our "kababayans" as we walk to the nearest train station going to Copthorne Hotel.