What a journey. Yesterday we left the calmness of Sydney and headed to Dubai which for some reason involved a stop in Bangkok. I was hoping for some genuine Thai sticky rice and mango but after a very long walk we found all the shops were shut, probably because the local time was 1.30am!
Onwards to Dubai. Our seats on the A380 were as good as ever and this time I did not overindulge by ordering all the meals available. We arrived at 6.30am and found where to meet our chauffeur. It is at this point that our day started to go downhill.
I had no idea about the way that women are treated and was basically totally ignored for the entire journey as the driver asked Colin about his journey and plans etc. On arrival at the hotel (no tip for the driver!), our room was not ready which was not a surprise. However, no alternative was offered to us other than having to purchase an upgraded deal which was basically exactly the same room but on a higher floor and access to breakfast. Despite being really annoyed, all we wanted to do was to get changed so in the end this is what we had to do. Customer service is appalling and this was not a good introduction to the country.
We managed to get changed and showered and breakfasted fairly quickly and on my persuasion, planned our day (after very little sleep) and headed out for the 'sky train'. This turned out to be quite. walk in the searing heat but we made it and headed for the Burj Khalifa mall. We had not booked tickets, it was massive and although I was about to pay Colin sensibly suggested that £250 was too much to pay which it really was so we just walked around underneath instead.
We headed on looking for the old part of Dubai which is basically almost non existent. We did find some adobe souks and as we were flagging at this stage, also a lovely little cool cafe with delicious lime and mint chilled drinks and spicy hummus on the side.
I think we did very well with so little sleep and after finding a food court in one of the massive malls we headed back to the hotel for the free 'nibbles' and drink we had been promised as part of the amazing deal. For some reason our room smells very damp and stale and it is the only time I have taken room photos to put on TripAdvisor - this should be one of my better reviews!
