Goodbye, Dubai

This is me in the Dubai airport waiting for our flight to leave. The airport was very busy with people flying out in so many directions! I 'skyped' Caroline's class 1 more time. I only got to talk to Caroline because Catherine was in P.E. While it was 11:00pm for us, it was 2:00 in the afternoon for my family!

I don't know if I will ever have the opportunity to visit this part of our world again...

but I will always have wonderful memories!

Thanks, Dad, for inviting me!

Our last dinner in Dubai-Wednesday, April 22

Coming Soon!

Misc. Pictures of Dubai

This picture was taken at Dubai Creek. The workers were getting off of work and being transported.


The signs on the roads were always translated into English.

This picture is of the Dubai Courts. Whatever they are doing, works. Dubai has very little crime!

The Homes of Dubai- Wednesday, April 22

Every house had a large unusual gate. I am assuming these homes belong to the Sheik or his wives. Our driver said a lot of the homes were built by the Arab families but are rented to the expats that are here working.

Here is a short clip from 1 of the streets of beachfront homes ....

Waldi Waterpark- Wednesday, April 22

Coming Soon!

The Marina- Wednesday, April 22

Coming Soon!

The Burj Al Arab Hotel(during the day)- Wednesday, April 22

After much debate over going to the Burj Al Arab hotel for drinks or tea, we were told that our hotel is a 'sister' hotel. So the guests of our hotel can go to the Burj Al Arab during the hours of 4:00-6:00 for pictures.

Dad was still in meetings, so I took a 'buggy' ride over to the Burj Al Arab with all of my photo gear!

Once I got to the sky bar, (where we were last night for drinks) I could not believe the view during the day! The man made palm islands and the man made world islands were in clear view. Not to mention, our hotel and beautiful homes and buildings etc. etc. etc. The sky bar is taller than the Eiffel tower and only 200 feet shorter than the Empire State building. Needless to say, I felt like I was on top of the world!

This video was taken going up the elevator to the 'sky bar'....

Pictures taken from the ' sky bar'....

View of our hotel!

View of the palm islands

In the distance, you can see the next palm islands that are under construction!

The World (under construction) There is already 1 residence built.

When completed you will be able to buy any island or country of your choice if your bank account allows.

The view of the coastline from 1 direction.

The boardwalk you see is the restaurant at our hotel.

Here is a short clip of our hotel from the 'sky bar' at the Burj...

Private residences with private beaches!

If you have never seen the pictures of Tiger Woods and Andre Aggassi playing golf and tennis off of the Burj Al Arab helipad......http://laidbackthinktank.blogspot.com/2009/02/tiger-woods-hits-balls-from-hotel-burj.html

Wellington International School of Dubai-Wednesday, April 22

After my spa appointment, I went to visit an international school for the children of Dubai. The security was very tight and they were very concerned with pictures taken of the children. But I am so glad I was able to go. I took a tour and visited briefly about the possibility of setting up a global classroom relationship with our children in Springdale. They were so kind and open to the idea. In fact, they have 1 already in place with a school in Thailand. It was so successful that 30 of their children flew to Thailand to meet their new friends! I hope we can get this going for our students!

Spa Day- Wednesday, April 22

Entrance into spa

Today was our last full day in Dubai. My dad had a 4:00am conference call and then went straight to work. I woke up around 8:00, ate breakfast and caught an abra to go to my spa appointment. I spent the next 3 hours at the spa. I used the steam room, sauna and the pools of warm scented water. I then had a hot stone massage.

It was wonderful!

Burj Al Arab Hotel for Drinks- Tuesday, April 21

After a full day of work for dad (not to mention he was up at 3:30am) and another 4:00 am phone call tomorrow morning, dad joined me at the Burj for drinks!

This is the view of the city at night from the Burj.

(I can't figure out how to take a picture at night from a glass window)

But you get the idea of the lights!



Me in front of the Burj!

The lobby of this 7 star hotel!

I don't know who this is but he had 2 body guards?!?!?

Abra Rides- Tuesday, April 21

Our hotel provided transportation throughout our resort and surrounding resorts. This was such a nice service. Dad and I got very used to this service. I don't think we were walking anywhere by the end of the week!

They had buggy rides(golf carts) or abras.

An abra is a traditional boat made of wood.

View of the beach from the canal.

Private bungalows along the canal.

Shops (souks) run along the canal.

Bridges run throughout the canal.

The Arabian Sea Is Beautiful! Tuesday, April 21

Path to beach

The beach is beautiful!

When I arrived at the beach, they asked if I would rather a bed or a chair.

It was a hard choice!

The Burj stands so tall off the beach!

Today was the day I spent the day around the hotel by myself because my dad had to work! In fact, he was up at 3:30 AM for a conference call! His vacation was over and was back in work mode.

I must admit I had forgotten people come from all over the world to spend time on the Arabian Sea! Dad and I have been so busy seeing the growth of Dubai. When I walked to the beach, I noticed people come from all over the world to enjoy this beach for a relaxing vacation.

The sand is white with white shells scattered everywhere. The water was blue with just perfect waves for children to boogie board. I thought of my family most of the day. They would love it here!

Mosques- Monday, April 20

Within the city, you are never more than a quarter of a mile away from a mosque and 5 times a day prayer comes over the loudspeakers. Muslims can pray anywhere as long as they are facing Mecca, to the west.

In this video, you can hear the daily prayer.