5.Dune Safari - 17/01/09

Our last day in the Emirates...
We started our day later than usual. After packing a few things and getting our bits and pieces in order for departure the next day, we went to the #Burjuman mall - buying last mementos and a few more family-gifts. We had booked a dune safari with #Arabian-adventures to conclude our wonderful stay in Dubai.
We had to be ready for pick up from our hotel at 15h00. After driving for about 45minutes out of the city to the middle of nowhere, we arrived at our destination.

To kick off our afternoon, we went dune bashing - it was an awesome experience! Each SUV had about 6 passengers and their own cooler-box filled with bottled water to prevent dehydration - could've been possible, I mean, we were in the middle of the desert.
At dusk, all the SUV's stopped at a meeting point and gave us some time to appreciate the desert sunset.

I name her Sheila!

 

                            

We enjoyed the magical sunset and the enchantment of the desert. The sun setting behind the dunes, the freshness of the desert-air, the mysterious atmosphere around us. It was a perfectly, romantic sunset shared with my boyfriend. 

We arrived at our 'camp' for the evening - there were camels; big plush cushions, as seating, at low tables; and big carpets spread out on the cool and clean sand. We were in for an Arabian Night. First thing we did, after finding a spot to sit down, was get henna tattoos. A traditional form of body art that conforms to cultural customs. Our dinner was traditional Arab cuisine - starting off with light snacks such as dates, samosas (stuffed pastry), falafel (a deep-fried ball of chickpeas), and other delicious nibbles leading into a buffet main course.

But first, we got to see an Arabian girl do belly dancing.

After dinner we had the privilege to ride on a camel - what an awesome experience. We had so much fun and it was the perfect way to conclude our holiday. To end off the day,we relaxed whilst smoking shisha (hubbly).                                                                                        

                         

Departure - 18/01/09


It was time to say our farewells to the land of the desert and head back home. Our Holiday time was over, but we were glad to be back on home turf.

Our next adventure: United States of America

4.Atlantis - 16/01/09

 

Once again it was looking gloomy outside, but we went to Atlantis - The Palm, the man-made island despite the weather report. Waterparks I have been to in South Africa, do not measure up to this awesome Aquaventure!

#Aquaventure

Why go to parks where you have to get out the water and carry your tube with you to the top, when at Aquaventure you do not have to carry your tube 95% of the time? The strong water jets and flow of water sends you off in the right direction. When you want to go to the top there are horizontal conveyor-belts guiding your tube to the top, all the while you are sitting in it. 

You are not allowed to take any food and drink into the park, but there also aren't any bag-checkpoints.. So if you are daring and want to take a chance, it is up to you. The food is not too expensive though, as normal, it is more than what you would pay outside the park. If you have valuables, there are lockers you can use at a small fee. We didn't take any valuables, just the sunscreen, towels and hats. We were too busy enjoying the supertubes to think of food or anything else.

The 'main' slide: The Leap of Faith, drops almost vertically down into a tunnel that is underwater - water inhabited by sharks... As I went over the tip of the slide I opened my eyes and the view that I took in for that split-second was breathtaking. Breathtaking in a sense that it was beautiful, but also breathtaking in a sense that I am about to plunge down at rapid speed and it feels like I can't breath. I only went twice. I had to go a second time, because the first time I kept my eyes closed and the ride was over before I even knew it.

The rides are thrilling and exciting! We had such a blast! Looking back at it now, I want to go again. Another ride, called Shark Attack, also takes you through the shark-tunnel, floating on a tube giving you time to admire the fish tank. 

#Water Slides

As all parks have - this one was no exception in the kiddies department.

They had a whole section devoted to keep the kiddies busy. We even made an appearance - waiting under the 'bucket' to tumble a waterfall over us.

We were finally defeated at sunset. Hopped into a cab and headed back to our hotel - we still had plans for the evening...

      

Dinner was served on a Dhow dinner cruise -expedition. We were greeted with traditional Arabic tea - not my favourite. At our table, we enjoyed snacks followed by the main course - a tantalizing buffet! We indulged in this feast of different tastes and the unknown in some cases. Floating about in the creek and admiring the other dhows passing, the city lights and sounds. The evening was very enjoyable and also romantic. A must if you a couple or parents that need a bit of romantic time.

 #Dhow Cruise 1 ; #Dhow Cruise 2

3.Souks - 15/01/09

We woke up refreshed and ready to hit the beach - but the weather was not quite ready for us. We went to the beach anyway, despite the windiness and lack of sunrays.

As I have expressed before, in Dubai one must take note of the common courtesy 'rules':

"Dressing for the occasion. When on the beach and at Dubai's water-parks, swimwear can be considered appropriate and therefore will not cause a problem. Nevertheless away from the beach and other such environments, dressing in such a way can cause offense to the many Muslims in Dubai. It is also worth noting that it is also not appropriate for men to go around without a top on away from the beach. When out in other public areas, dress in a more conservative manner" rules-in-dubai webpage described.

Furthermore - one is not allowed taking photos of the people; Islamic men do not really go to the beach with their woman; they have seperate days that they are allowed to go to the beach.

       

                                                                                       Dubai Beaches
After spending the morning at this lovely beach, we decided to put our jerseys on and rather go do some shopping in the famous souks!

On our way back to our hotel we were admiring the air-conditioned bus stops. pretty cool huh?

To get to the souks we had to take a dhow (a small vessel that can take about 20 people) to cross the creek to the other side. In my personal opinion that dhow looked way too small for 20 people and it looked and felt more like a raft!!

                                                        On the dhow: below.

The Souqs (Arabic: سوق, also soq, souk, esouk, suk, sooq, souq, or suq) - Wikipedia

The term, souk, is often used to describe the open-air market in any Arabized or Muslim city. We went to the Perfume Souk and Gold Souk, but there are other souks as well. For further information on souks click: Dubai Souks

This is like any other flea market that we are used to. The key to getting what you want, at a price that you feel comfortable with, is: BARTER. Play the shops off against each other. Do not just buy what you want in the first shop, because trust me, around the corner you will get it for half the price! Be aware that some can be fake, even perfumes. The handbags are definitely fake, BUT good fakes and you do not even find fakes in South Africa of Versace or D&G and all those famous Italian names. We got a few perfumes and of course I got a handbag... or two. Souk Pics