Farewell Dubai ... Hello Birmingham!

Dubai is one hot city and I am talking temperature this time.

We ventured out yesterday, advised by the lovely young porter to walk to the Metro. It was a 10 minute walk in about 40 Degrees. I realised very quickly that I needed a pair of sunglasses, I know just another excuse to spend money. The metro was interesting, delightfully air conditioned and shiny and sparkling. We stood at the ticket display for a while and finally figured out we needed a visitor's ticket, from the Red Zone. So armed with that information I walked to the counter and asked for that. The RTA worker smiled (yes they have a Roads and Traffic Authority here which I found amusing) , and very patiently said yes madam, but what type of Red Zone would you like. We eventually settled for a 2 trip ticket which would take us to the Burj Khalifa and paid the princely sum of 14 Dirhums (for both of us). That equates to $7 and it took us 5 stops on the Monorail. Forgive the blurry image, but you can see the route, from Stop 19 - 25

Here is a quick shot on the metro, another blurred image, but bright and shiny and very well patronised.

The same ticket took us on the bus to the Dubai Mall - now that was interesting. The driver did not want to let Andy on, but eventually agreed. Half way through the journey, I realised he and I were standing in the Ladies only section of the bus. There is a barrier and the rest of the bus was male/female. I always said he was a big girl!

I bought a gorgeous pair on sunnies from the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. We plan to visit the top on our return to Dubai as you have to book it in advance. They have a terrific shopping mall attached, and we found a wonderful Italian Cafe - Carluccio's. Will definitely visit it again at night, as you can watch the light show and the dancing fountains from there.

Had a quiet dinner at the hotel, went for another 10 minute walk, and went to bed early, slept well, and hopefully have gotten over this part of the jet lag.

Our flight today is at 3 pm, so time to repack the suitcase, and enjoy an 8 hour flight. Let's hope my plane neighbour does not get drunk this time.

Cheers Kerrie and Andy