Wed 2nd - Thu 3rd Jan 2013 - Dubai

We arrived in Dubai early morning after our flight from Johannesburg  and although we were tired we decided to make the most of our one day there and have an early night later.  After checking in to our airport hotel we headed off on the metro to the gold and spice souks.  We found them after a bit of a trek and were amazed at the tiny alleyways packed with goods the eager shop keepers were determined to sell us! 

Mid afternoon we were picked up from our hotel for what is the most popular tourist activity in Dubai - a desert safari!  After a long drive to the desert, the tyres were deflated and we set off in convoy  on yet another roller coaster ride up and down the sand dunes.  I had less confidence in our driver than I did in Ryan a few weeks before but we survived the ride miraculously without turning over on the dunes. 

After our crazy journey we arrived at a "Bedouin camp' in the desert.  There were numerous activities set up for the tourist including quad biking (a bit tame for us after our experience with Ryan) sand boarding, henna painting, camel riding (we didn't partake as the camels looked exhausted!)  Chris took the opportunity to handle a falcon which was decorated for the occasion!

We climbed a sand dune to escape the crowd and sat and watched yet another spectaular sunset - this time over the Arabian desert!

After a buffet BBQ where we sat on cushions at low tables we were presented with a show of Arabian dancers and belly dancers before we set off back across the desert to return to our hotel.  A lovely way to spend an balmy evening in Dubai.

 

An early night ready for our early flight the next day was sabottaged when we received a call at 10pm from Ryan  to say he had arrived in Dubai en route from Jordan to Kenya and had a few hours between flights to meet us for coffee.  Up and dressed again we joined Ryan on a dash across town to drop some luggage at his friends then back to the airport for his check in and coffee.  Our early night turned into a very late 2am before our 6am wake up call for our next leg to Vietnam.  It was worth it though to catch up with him and hear his news. 

 

While checking in for our flight to Vietnam we were delighted to be told that we had an 'Upgrade to BUSINESS class' courtesy of the lovely girl on the Emirates check in desk. An amazing experience made all the better by the fact that it was free!!

We did however feel 'really' embarrassed when we tried to get into the Business Class Lounge and were told that as it was a free upgrade we were not entitled to use the lounge! 'The walk of shame' was something we would rather forget...

Once aboard we made the most of the flight starting with the glass of champagne before we even took off!

Unfortunately the 7 hour flight was far too short but we made the most of the comfy electric beds, wide screen tv and the constant stream of cocktails, food and drinks!