Going for it

Wed 1st Sep. Up at the usual 5am went for the usual walk – finished packing and were ably transported by #1 son to Jollimont centre for our Murray’s $15 coach to Sydney airport. Departed on time at 1845 to Bangkok. Impressive Sheet lightning mostly to the West for 3 hours or so prior to touchdown in Bangkok for transit on to Dubai. The transit was pretty bizarre – we were directed through 3 lots of security and passport checks to eventually end up about 20M from where we started! But it kept us busy for most of the 60 mins refueling…..



Then another 6 Hrs to Dubai arriving 15 Mins early at 5:30am. I have to say that Emirates is a class airline, good leg room in cattle class but fitting 11 seats across a B777-300 does not leave a lot of elbow room.
Dubai is living up to it’s reputation for Summertime heat – 38deg and 80% humidity at 5am. Transport to Hotel was chaotic but eventually it worked – got settled in after a nice room upgrade to an apartment with 5 rooms in all. Had a good breakfast included in the price.
After sleeping for about 4 Hrs we ventured out on foot to find nearby mini-mall (about 3 times the size of Woden Plaza). Only a few people around and a few places closed. Got comprehensively lost getting back and at around 45Deg in the shade (and not much of that) it became one of those travel ‘experiences’ best forgotten.
We could have timed our visit better. It’s the middle of Ramadan and we are here from Thurs through Sat. Today is Friday the Muslim holy day so it will be difficult to tour much. Calling the faithful to prayer started at 4:45am. But we have booked for “Desert Safari dinner” this evening. Sand dune bashing in 4 wheel drives followed by dinner in a ‘genuine’ Arabian campsite. No Belly dancing though – much to my disgust {:--((
Sorry to have rattled on so much – it won’t happen again. WiFi access here is very expensive – so it’s like going back to Dial up. Prepare everything in advance and leap on and off rapidly.
Can’t finish without some mention of my good friend Ted MacArthur who died the night before we left. Hopefully most of CandC will get to the funeral, next Tues I believe.
Good wishes to all – John & Betty.

The picture tells the story