Scotland Trip
Flight and Day 1
Flight from Brisbane to Singapore was good. Thought leaving at 2.30 AM would not be good but in actual fact, I was so tired that I did manage to get several hours sleep before arriving 7.5 hours later. Short 11/2hour stay then 7 hours to Dubai. We actually got here in 61/2 hours.
After arriving in Dubai, we caught a pink (female) taxi to the Radisson Blu Deira Creek. We decided to have a walk but the heat nearly knocked us over. Went back into the hotel and had a couple of hours sleep, then tried again about 5.30 PM. It was still hot – very hot and the lens on my camera just fogged up. We again decided it was too hot. Had dinner and off for an early night.
20th August.
Today we did a tour from Dubai through Sharjah, Fujairah to the border of Oman. It was good as it gave you a greater understanding of the United Emirates. After leaving Dubai, we passed through semi-desert and the sand was light colour. The closer we got the mountains, the redder it became and looked much like the dunes of central Australia.
The global financial crisis has had a big impact on Dubai. The cranes aren’t everywhere as they were when I was here last.
The need for water has had significant impact on the waters of the Gulf. Since Abu Dhabi started the desalination of the sea water, the salt levels in the Gulf have risen by 20%. They are now building a gigantic new desalination plant on the Indian Ocean where the impact will not be as significant.
We crossed some spectacular mountains. They are so stark. Little vegetation and just rock. They actually export the rocks. Visited the fishing village of Dibba, photographed the mosque at Bidiyah and then down the coast to Fujairah before heading back to Dubai. The drive along the shores of the Indian Ocean was interesting as there are miles of beaches but they were mostly deserted. It is Ramadam at the moment.
Tried venturing out tonight but the heat was too much! Came back to the hotel for a cool drink and some dinner.
21st August
Today we caught the hop-on hop off bus around Dubai. The last time I visited they were boasting about the biggest, best etc but this was not evident to me this time. In fact, I quite enjoyed the tour. Wanted to go up the tower but the haze from the heat was so bad that you could not see for any distance.
We hopped off at several spots but the highlight for me was the Palm development. We had to pay extra to go into the Atlantis Underwater world as it was fantastic. The one exhibit that I really enjoyed was one with jellyfish. They were white but the different coloured lights that were played on them made it magical.
As it is Ramadam we found difficulty getting something to eat outside the hotel but found a cafe in the Mall of the Emirates. From there we wanted to go on the river cruise but left it too late to go by bus so we had to catch a taxi. Managed to get there in time. It was much cooler on the river. From there we caught another taxi (after one driver refused to drive us!) to the silk souk. Had a wander then caught the cross river ferry to the spice souk. As it was Ramadam, many were not open and by now it was 8PM. We wanted to then go to the Gold Souk. Jo wasn't at all sure if I know where I was going but I assured here that I did!!!!! Well! she was right. I took us left instead of right (Now would that surprise anyone!!!!) Anyone, some kind man led us back to the Gold Souk. Must admit we were both following with trepidation but he took us there.
I find it overwhelming as there is just sooooooo much gold. Making a decision is well nigh impossible. Didn't buy anything. by now the heat was becoming oppressive so back to the hotel and bed.
22nd August.
Flight from Dubai to Glasgow. Up at 4.15 AM and off to the airport. The new airport ( new since I was there) is just soo big. The down side is that it is a long walk to the gate. We had to walk almost the full length of the building to the gate and then they changed the gate. Guess where! Right! the other end of the building.
The flight to Glasgow was good. 7hours 35 mins. We arrived about 12.30 Scotland time. Took a while to go through customs the we caught a taxi to the Buchanan Hotel in Buchanan Street which is one of the main streets of Glasgow. It is an old hotel and we have had a few laughs but the people are really friendly.
We settled in then caught the hop-on hop-off bus. $9 for 2 days. Cheap compared with Dubai which was 220 dirhams. THis gave us a good overview of the city so that we can then explore what we need to tomorrow.
Went to an Italian restaurant then back to the Hotel while I tried to get onto the blog and Jo had a few drinks as she kept me company..
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