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 Dubai, November 20


I’m sure most of you have been to Dubai so I probably don’t need to write too much today!  We arrived at 10am and excursions began shortly after.  

We took the Sharjah Heritage tour which was about 4 1/2 hours - to me a waste of time! Too hot and too long!!! Sharjah is Dubai’s neighbouring Emirate and is considered to be the Pearl of the Gulf and the cultural capital of the Arab World.  It’s also the third largest of the seven Emirates.  But there’s virtually no obvious division between Dubai and Sharjah, no sand or desert or a sign saying ‘you’re now entering another Emirate’!  The buildings along the way are amazing, the designs are fascinating and it seems architects from all parts of the world have added their touch to Dubai-Sharjah.  

We visited the Islamic Museum which, I have to say, was excellent.  From there on to the Fort Museum and finally to the Blue Souq. Situated on the Khaled Lagoon, Souq Al Markazi, (also known as the Blue Souq) is described as remarkable for its mix of modern and traditional Islamic architecture and the eclectic variety of goods found within its 600 shops. They are right about the architecture. Was a lovely domed building, super clean and with very few people around.  One whole wing was for jewellery, mostly gold, and the other wing was for clothing, shoes, a few odds and ends and there’d have been plenty of options for me to buy myself a nice gown but they were all black and for Muslim ladies!!! George, however, hit the jackpot and was able to buy some new walking shoes!  

Probably half the passengers are disembarking in Dubai in the morning.  We’ve met some very nice people and will miss them.  Others are going as far as Singapore.  Then there’s the grand voyage group (includes us) most of whom are going as far as Auckland.  Our group is being taken to a fancy place for dinner and show tonight, called ‘An Arabian Night’s Event’. 

Home now from probably one of the best nights ever!  64 of us were bussed to the Armani Hotel at the Kalaifa Tower - down two flights of stairs to an open air plaza where tables were set up for a spectacular dinner and entertainment.  Every 25 minutes the fountains danced to wonderful music, as did the lights on the tower, and as well as that we had the stick dance from the emerati guys, a dancer who lit up as he twirled, (amazing), a couple of musicians from Syria I think and to finish we had the belly dancer! Food and wine was delicious though too much of it.  And as we were leaving the area the waiters presented some of us with bunches of roses - I think there are thirty perfect roses now in an ice bucket in our room! Top marks to Regent for a wonderful night! 

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