Day 1 - Friday 23rd December.
We departed Manchester airport on Emirates A380 at 13.50 a mere 20 minutes late. The flight was excellent, food good and we just managed to watch 3 movies before coming in to land at Dubai. We had to circle Dubai a few times as the airport was busy which meant we did not leave the airport until 01.30 (Dubai time). We are now 4 hours ahead of GMT. Got to our apartment at Golden Sands and eventually in bed around 02.30 ish. Dubai Map
Day 2 - Saturday 24th December - Christmas Eve
Didn't feel a bit like Christmas even though there were sightings of Christmas trees in lots of places.Temperature around 23c and wall to wall blue skies. Leanne (Sandra's Niece) came across to find us and we spent a couple of hours at her apartment and pool which is a very short walk from our apartment. Route Map
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| This picture was taken before darkness fell and the camera batteries went dead! |
The highlight of the day was a visit to Dubai Mall and the musical water fountains.
Dubai has something for everyone, endless stretches of white sandy beaches both public and private. Many public parks and gardens. Shopping Malls galore including the 'Dubai Mall' which features a waterfall feature and stands close to the Burj Khalifa where you can gather around the water area to watch the magical musical water fountains and guess what? they are the tallest performing fountains in the world. These water fountains display each evening every 30 minutes usually commencing at 18.00 hrs or just after sunset.
Sadly JB was not prepared and only managed one photograph before her camera batteries were all flat! Disaster! We will have to go back. You can read more information and see pictures by clicking on the links placed in this blog.
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| The Waterfalls inside the Dubai shopping Mall not to be confused with the outside Musical Fountains |
We all gathered at an Italian restaurant adjacent to the Musical Fountains which began displaying at 6.00pm and every half hour onwards. A spectacular sight at the foot of the tallest building in the world the Burj Khalifa which is said to also hold the world record for the highest graffiti. On the top of the spire of the Burj Khalifa, according to a stunt coordinaror who worked with Tom Cruise when filming 'The Mission'. Cruise apparantly used a combination of elevators and ladders to scale the 828 metre building, etching a signature, a heart and the names of his wife and children during a break from filming at the Burj. Not sure just how true this story is but we have no intention of climbing up to find out.
The highest building on earth was constructed by Chicago firm SOM and completed on Jan 4th 2010.
Standing 2,176 feet - 828 metres tall, that's half a mile, and 160 stories high. 124th floor being an observation tower.
The entire floor on level 100 has been purchased by the Indian billionaire B R Shaddy who made his fortune selling healthcare products.
On 122th floor is the highest restaurant in the world and is fully booked at least a month in advance. Maybe they know the head chef is a Kiwi. The Armani hotel on floors 5 to 8 is of course, five star.
The 23,000 windows are cleaned by men abseiling and takes three months to complete only to start all over again. The huge glass area is the equivalent of 17 football fields.
Day 3 - Sunday 25th December - Christmas Day
Got a taxi to join everyone at Judith's apartment. Opened presents and went down to pool for rest of day.
Route Map
Had buffet lunch close to the pool in the shade of umbrellas with temperatures peaking at around 26c.
They told us this swan was carved out of butter and had to take it away when it started to melt.
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| Judith selecting her starter. |
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| We were entertained by Santa and his singers who lead the carol singing after which the children were given christmas gifts. |
Swam in the chilly pool water and after it became too cold to be outside we went back to Judith's apartment and played a few games of charades.
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| Christmas kiss from Jim not Santa! |
Day 4 - Monday 26th December - Boxing Day Route Map
Walked to 'Sun and Sand' to buy anti fog liquid for swimming googles and discovered our first air conditioned bus shelter.
Then over to Leanne's apartment to meet up with Glenis, Carolyn, Iain and Wendy.
Leanne drove us along the beach road to Jumeirah beach and harbour area.
Stopped for a stroll around the Suek Madinat where we had ice creams and bought some nuts. Sandra found it hard to choose from the huge selection of nuts and ice cream.
We continued to Jumeriah harbour which had changed dramitically since we were last there in 2000.
Then on to the Palms and the impressive Atlantis 5 star hotel.
Day 5 – Tuesday 27th December 2011 Dubai Route Map
Walked to Al Karama Metro station for a 20 minute journey to 'Mall of The Emirates' where we got a taxi to the 'Wild Wadi Water Park' next to the Jumeirah Beach hotel. This 12 acre water park combines thrilling rides, a surf area, a wave pool and many more activities for all ages. Met up with Lee, Carolyn, Iain, Wendy, Glenis and stayed all day enjoying the exciting rides in rubber rings and floats through tunnels and water shutes. JB was advised not to take the camera so sorry folks no photos again. click on the links to see images and more information. Temperatures again peaked at around 26c.
