Dubai

Dubai is sooooo much nicer this time around with temps around 22-25C.  Revisited a few things for Aunty Jan's benefit and discovered some new things.

A quick trip to the Dubai mall (largest in the world by area) with its giant aquarium (world's largest acrylic panel) was a good start

 but there were other things to do (and besides there was no room in the bags for any shopping!!). One being the Miracle Gardens.  We missed this last time because it had just opened and then someone sent me photos after we got back (thanks Ken!!) so we had to check it out this time.  Fantastic place right in the middle of the desert and so much creativity.

 Amazing place. 

Back to the hotel which has a magnificent view of the fountains and the burj at a very reasonable rate.

 Sunday morning dawned fine and scary...for Nanna at least but she overcame her fears and got to the observation deck of the Burj

 A view of the lake and our hotel (second building from the right on the lakefront...set back a little from the first and third buildings)

 A celebratory morning tea after our ascent also brought some humour...toasted bums?

 The girls found a new friend.  Would have got one of those stylish paintings of the ruling Emirati but as mentioned there was no room in the bags.

 The conquerors

 Resting after the experience

 I am surprised they sell this stuff here but they do.  Salt and pepper shakers and a bobble head in a burqa (technically I think it is a niqab but what do I know?)

 Deira creek water front and the water taxis.  They all look really dodgy but seem popular.

 The spice souk and all the amazing products.  No idea what most of it is but it is apparently the preferred shopping area for the locals as well as a tourist destination.  I have no idea why a tourist would come here and buy spices but who knows.  I did find a large bag full of a resin substance which turned out to be frankincense (as in "gold, frankincense and myrrh").  You learn something every day.

 Some spice shoppers

 But the lure of spice is only exceeded by the lure of gold so just around the corner to the Gold souk

 for some subtle gold trinkets.  Turns out we couldn't afford them without selling the house.

 One last burj pic at night from our room.  Beautiful building!

 Just before departing for the airport we discovered we had been upgraded to Business class.  Nice!  Easy trip home and now recovering from jet lag.  Our dog hasn't left our sides since we got home as he is scared we are going to leave again.

Finally one thing from England, discovered in a craft shop.  Whoever makes this product needs a new translator.

Alaska and Hawaii next.