A Week In the Sun

Last week Jim and I were on holiday.  Even better it was a free holiday provided by the distributor of the sewing machines we sell because we met their 2012/13 target.

So, bags packed we headed off to Dubai, a destination I would not have thought have going to before we earned the trip.  I knew little about this little piece of Middle Eastern paradise before we went, other than the details I found on Trip Advisor, so I knew to expect HOT weather, and to dress modestly to respect their religion. What we discovered was an ultra modern, safe and interesting city that I will definitely return to.

Everything about Dubai is fresh and upbeat from the soaring sky scrapers of New Dubai, to the bustling markets (known as souks) of "Old" Dubai.  While Dubai is not a democracy, the ruling family has provided the people with wonderful facilities, and everyone seemed very happy with every aspect of their live.  

Our holiday included two days of guided tours, which enabled us to learn more about the UAE and Dubai in particular.  Our guide was a fountain of information and it was a great way to be introduced to such an exotic holiday location.  On other days Blessington's (the distributor who organised the holiday) had the group of travellers busy and having fun.

Highlights of the holiday were being engulfed in a Sand Storm (a rare phenomenon in Dubai since there is little desert left due to rapid building) and then an even more rare rain and electrical storm!

At the time of the storms we were at the end of Day one, all set to go driving over the sand dunes in our 4WD vehicles.  We had left the populated areas of Dubai and into the desert in a convoy of 7 vehicles.  The storms struck as we approached the desert, and impressed everyone, even the owner of the tour company we were with who has lived in Dubai for 20 years!

After the excitement of the storm we head off over the sand dunes, in a wild and fun ride!  I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did, which just goes to show you should always try new things!

Another new thing was riding a camel, which we did at the campsite which was our destination for dinner.  Still in the desert we were enchanted by wonderful dancers, a henna tattooist and other desert delights.

During the day we had visited the outside of a beautiful mosque.  We were unable to go inside, which is fine as it is a holy place.  

We visited the Dubai Museum which is housed in an old fort.  It was very interesting and had exhibits that told the story of Dubai well.  I loved this bed, with its quilt.

Crossing the Dubai Creek (not at all what I would call a creek!) we visited the spice, gold and perfume souks.  It was terribly hot by now but enjoyable anyway.

Another highlight for everyone was going to the Armani Hotel within the Burj Khalifa ... on the 123rd floor.  I am terrified of heights and unfortunately couldn't manage to stay on the 123rd floor, surrounded by glass, and so I waited in the lounge on the ground floor while everyone else enjoyed a wonderful High Tea.  I was delighted when Jim came back down with my High Tea packaged in a box.  While I missed out on sitting in that exclusive restaurant I did get to eat all the goodies, and they were really good!

On another day we went to souks in Sharjah, another of the emirates that make up the UAE.  It was quite different to Dubai, and the area around the Sharjah Creek (again not what I would call a creek) and some fantastic souks.  Much shopping and haggling was done!  Dinner at a Lebanese restaurant on the banks of the "creek" finished off the night.

We filled the rest of the week shopping at the Silk/Fabric souk in Dubai, and at the Dubai Mall and Mall of Emirates, and relaxing around the resort.  The pool was absolutely lovely, and I crossed another thing of my bucket list having a Strawberry Daiquiri at the swim up bar!

If you are looking for a wonderful, safe place for a holiday in the sun I can recommend Dubai.

Now that we are home though, it is back to business! This week I've managed to catch up on a whole lot of computer work, including finalising our new shop website, which you can find at www.ringwoodsewingcentre.com.au.