Dubai & back

I'll start with the bad news!  Despite many hours (OK, less than one), in the Dubai Port Terminal, I am unable to load photos to this blog.  Sorry.

The days all start to merge into one big blur, with so many exciting memories and trying to find the right place for them. So it has been since the last entry.  The seas have been remarkedly light, although there was a bit of a swell when we hit the Arabian Sea.  That only lasted less than as day, as we turned the corner into the Gulf of Oman.  The water from thereon, through the infamous Strait of Hormuz, between UAE & Iran, into the Persian Gulf has been millpond flat.

Before we reached Dubai, we passed a port, about 10km away, around this area there must have been between 100-200 tankers anchored. I think that they remain anchored until the oil price rises and then they take off around the world.  Amazing as there were small ships as well as some pretty big ones.  There whole area around the straight, almost down to Dubai is designated traffic separation area - there are a series of marked lanes all the way.

We were disappointed to see the rubbish in the sea, including bottles and we even ran through a small oil slick.  As this area is one of the busiest in the world, I suppose that to a certain extent it is inevitable.  As we approached Dubai it was clear that the water is not particularly deep and has a sandy bottom as we stirred up quite a bit of sand.  I am sure that large ships would not use the port, although having said that they have a large drydock operation.  Anyway, the skyline was impressive after 6 days at sea.  As with Egypt, the sky is not clear and there is a consistent haze, which is due in part to the sand particles in the air.

Most importantly we had lunch before we disembarked at about 1.30. We caught a free shuttle bus to the Mercato Mall, which is a relatively small mall, close to the beach.  The mall has been modelled on an Italian village.  Nice, but nothing spectacular.  From here we grabbed a taxi to take us to the very large Dubai Mall.  Foolishly, we asked the driver for a price and at that stage only had US dollars.  So it was $10 (remember that).  Well, Dubai Mall is impressive, with the largest indoor aquarium, ice rink and it covers acres.  A whole floor devoted to children. All the big names from around the world were there. We loved it.

Decided that we'd go back to Mercato, to catch the 4.30 free shuttle back to the ship.  It took ages to find the money exchange - I knew that it was on the lower ground level, but couldn't find an escalator.  Well hidden behind the aquarium.  Down there was also signposted for taxis, so changed a bit of money and went out to get a taxi.  Ha ha, the first one wouldn't take us as he reckoned he didn't know where Mercato was (really the fare wasn't worth it), so we carried on and came to this official person who showed us back inside and the end of a queue of about 100 people, including our Assistant Waiter & other crew.

After half an hour we made the front of the queue and got our ride to the other mall.  Cost was 21 local currency, which equated to about $6.50 US.  No wonder the first taxi driver was happy.  Got to the mall just in time to catch the shuttle back to the ship.  The temperature was up in the mid/high 30s and it was really nice to be back "home".  Open sitting for dinner, as so many were away from the ship.  Decided to give the show a miss, as it was on a lot later than usual and we had an early start the next day.

Wednesday.  Our tour left at 8.30, so up early and first in the dining room for breakfast.  The tour took us to the beach area, to see the world's largest freestanding hotel, shaped like a sail (it's generally the symbol of Dubai).  We were more interested in the beach and went down to touch the water.  We could look out and across to the Palm Islands & the "World", all designed by a Kiwi.  At beach level, you can't actually see a thing - just sand in the distance.  After that, the obligatory Mosque.

Drove back to the centre of town and went to the museum, housed in an old fort.  It would have been great, but it was a relatively small museum with defined paths.  When you add 8 tour groups (x38) I including local spoiled expat school kids, it was bedlam.  Actually pleased to get out onto the street at nearly 40 degrees.  One of our group had decided to go shopping, so we then wasted almost half an hour trying to find her.  She did the same thing at the next stop and then abused the guide & all in sundry.  Really!

Anyway, we drove to the creek, which is the waterway between old and new city and took the water taxi across to their old city.  These water taxis have to be seen to be believed.  They are basically flat, with driver in the middle and a raised area running the length of the boat, which you sit on.  They take just over 30 passengers and were very well frequented. On arrival on the other side, we were rushed through the Spice Souls (markets) to the Gold Souk.  Gold, gold, gold & silver. All very bright and shiny, but not for us.  Off the main area were further general markets and the usual pestering hawkers - mainly Indian, Pakistani & Bangladeshi.  Incidentally 80% of the population is made up of foreign workers.

We were directed by our guide to a cafe the size of a small kitchen.  Half a dozen tables & chairs crammed together and no room to stand.  Had a great iced coffee though.  Opposite, Vivian got accosted by Pakistani vendor and almost ended up buying a blouse, but time and price haggles got us away and back to our meeting point OK.  Funny thing was though that this little shop was crammed with goods and when Vivian pointed out that the blouse she selected was shop-soiled, it was "No worry, my brother will get one from our stock" & brother disappears upstairs on an open lift like ours.

Our tour then ended back at the ship just after 1.00 and after lunch I thought that I'd post those photos to my blog, so spent an hour setting them up.  Left the ship and went to the terminal for free WiFi, but as I said, no joy. Pity, but that is that.

Today, Thursday, we are back on deck about to arrive in Oman after lunch.  One naval vessel went past this morning - to certain of the nationality, but it left us alone.  It is incredible to think that 5 weeks have gone by since we left and that we are just over half way through our holiday.  If the second half is as exciting I'll probably burst :-)