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