February 1, 2023
We arrived in Dubai in the middle of the night and the view of the skyline from the ship was incredible!! At 5:30am I was headed off the ship for my adventure in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, a 225-square-kilometre natural reserve.
As we drove in our 4WD cars along the quiet highway the sun started to rise along with my anticipation of the adventure that was about to begin. Soon we entered the reserve and the four cars stopped to let air out of the tires. I was blessed to be in the front seat of the first car, which is the driver who sets the course. Then the fun began as we went up and down the sand dunes!! We went straight up and then at the top where I could not see down we drifted down the dune then around tight curves in the seemingly endless dunes!! Repeating this for about 30 minutes. The more I said “OH YEAH” the faster the driver drove!! This was as much fun as you can have with your clothes on!!! I did not want it to stop but we did stop to take pictures, which resulted in the one where I have my arm outstretched like I own this because that was what I was feeling. One of the best days ever and it was only 8:00am!!!
We then drove to the camel farm where the camels were roaming in the dunes and had fun taking pictures of the camels. After about 10 minutes they all headed to the stable like they were saying “ We are done posing for you silly tourist”!!
Arriving at the Arabian Desert Campsite, we had the opportunity to ride a camel. For some silly reason I have had a vision of riding a camel in the desert over dune with my scarf flying in the wind!! This was not close to that vision but at least I got to ride a camel. The hardest part of a camel ride is the getting up and getting off. As the camel gets up and down you best hang on and lean back or you will not be successful. Yes, a couple in our group did not listen to the instructions….oooops!!!
Next we were welcomed with ‘Gahwa’, Arabic coffee and local dates, and offered the chance to try the Arabic Shisha (water pipe) so of course I had to try it out!!
They had a falcon, which is the UAE’s national bird and he wanted to have his picture taken with me so who am I to say no????
Unfortunately we had to head back to the ship!! When I got back I found out that my zip lining adventure (the main reason I have always wanted to go to Dubai) that had been booked for the afternoon was cancelled due to high winds. I was disappointed but the morning had been so incredible I didn’t cry!!
Since I now had an afternoon open I grabbed my bridge partner Zola and we headed to the Dubai mall. Those of you who know we well are probably shocked that I would go to a mall but this is the biggest mall in the world and one of the big attractions in Dubai. The site of the mall spans 50 football fields with over 2000 stores, an aquarium with over 300 species of fish including lots of sharks, ice skating rink and a fountain that dances to music (like Bellagio in Vegas). It is impressive and if malls at home had all this I might want to go shopping…not!! It was a fun way to finish the day people watching and window-shopping for all those extravagant things I can’t afford.
Outside of the mall I was able to get a picture of The Burj Khalifa the world’s tallest building!
It was late when we got back to the ship but not to worry as we are staying in port tonight so we can adventure in Dubai for another day.
The lights of the skyline were magical from the deck of the ship!
Need sleep so I can adventure again tomorrow!!
Anazing! Simply amazing!!
You are truly on a trip of a lifetime. Can’t wait for your next blog.
What an exciting day! I love the photos of you on the dunes. You’re looking good, girl!