Day 22 Dubai

Three weeks into our trip today.

We mostly visited the older part of Dubai. Dubai Museum, the Gold Souk (commercial market), the Spice Souk. Both Souks were outdoors so it was uncomfortable as we're used to window shopping in air conditioning.  The amount of jewellery shops in the Gold Souk is unbelievable. 

We crossed the Dubai creek on little wooden boats which was fun. We also saw some of the restored first buildings and wall in Dubai. We visited a mosque (I think it was Jumeriah Mosque).

Dubai is home to the worlds largest building Burj Khalifa, and several other record holding buildings, makes me wonder if they are compensating for something. Burj Khalifa is 160 stories, and it costs something like $80 to go have a cup of tea in there. I didn't get a very clear view of the building because I was on the wrong side of the bus and there was no photo stop.

The highlight was the visit to the exclusive Jumeirah costal area to see the Burj Al Arab, the "Tower of Arabs". It is the worlds only 7 star hotel. It is built on an artificial island, and looks like the sail of a boat. Across the road is another hotel that has a design like a wave.

It was very hot about 42 degrees, but the breeze gave us a little relief. 

I really enjoyed Dubai. Most of the housing and buildings in the older city area were clean and a cream or tan colour. The taxis are also a cream colour with different colour tops. Most of the houses and terraces had flat roofs.

I would go to Dubai again for a holiday no problem.

People used to make their houses out of palm fronds. 

And the walls would be made from corals.

Dubai Museum. Housed in a restored fort that was built in 1799 to defend against invasion. It has also served as both a palace and a prison.

A boat

On a wooden boat, Dubai Creek.

These trading vessels are still used between Dubai and India.

Spice Souk

Sultry lady camels. Can't imagine these selling very well.

Gold Souk

Wouldn't surprise me if there were at least 100 jewellery stores here, it was crazy!

Passing through the concrete and glass jungle road. We were on the wrong side of the bus for the worlds tallest building.

Burj Al Arab 7 star hotel. At this point I was so tempted to run into the water. It looked so good!

Jumeirah Mosque

There is the worlds tallest building in the sand hazed distance.

View from the ship.

End of a long day

On to Egypt.