The big adventure has started and I’ve stopped over with the hubby in Dubai. We covered a lot in two days and walked miles and miles.

First things first. We cocked up and booked a ‘park’ hotel outside of Dubai. “Are we nearly there?” Husband asked the driver anxiously.

Eventually, we arrived tired at the hotel and requiring a drink. After dropping our cases off and inspecting the splendid accommodation we went in search of a beer. A friendly guest showed us to the pool bar but it had just closed. Bed it was then. Yay.

After breakfast, which consisted of stir fries, curries, eggs, turkey sausages, fish, salads, fruit, mmmm yum, we caught a taxi to the local metro station.

You can acquire a day ticket for 22ds (about five pounds). We set off to the Burj Khalifa and Mall stop. This stops in the mall area but you have to walk half a mile to the shopping bit. Then another half a mile to the lake area where the Burj Khalifa tower is and famous fountains. Good exercise haha flipping ha.

We booked our tower visit then had a wander around the area, had a lunch in Pret then went off to the Souk area which is the old and original Dubai. Back on the metro. The stop is Al Ras green line 23.

When I arrived it felt like I’d stumbled inadvertently onto a building site. However, if you walk along the road and turn right you do enter a souk.

The first area is fill of jewellery and then the following spaces are full of colourful spices, crockery, fabrics and clothes. A spectacular display of colour and vibrancy. The area feels safe enough because of all the other like minded tourists around you which is gratifying because upon arrival I felt slightly intimidated. The locals try to sell you their wares but are polite and not too insistent. All good fun and it is fascinating to get to the real Dubai.

We walked along the Creek and enjoyed the amazing views. Dubai has a thriving metropolis but it is imperative everyone experiences this bustling area and it was the highlight of my time in Dubai.

Eventually, we ventured forth to the tower, dinner and fountain display.

The Burj Khalifa is a good experience and make no mistake, you are high up. We managed, for once, to get window armchairs to view Dubai. This did placate hubby a little regarding the extortionate cost involved haha. Not thrilled about queuing to leave the place though. The tower is a magnificent accomplishment and incredible to see especially at night.

We had a super dinner in a local Lebanese restaurant followed by the fountain display which was a wonderful way to end the day.

Back home, via the metro, off we gallantly went, along the moving pathways (escalators) for the fifth time thinking about the long but interesting day. Phew.

Parks and Pool – Day 2

What fun! Our hotel has some associated parks attached. We had a stroll around a selection of them and braved a few rollercoasters and water rapids. Someone braved the bullet train. So I’ve been upside down and round and round at great speed. Loved it and I’ll grow up one day but not yet. During the afternoon we languished by the pool. Boy, it’s hot in Dubai but worth stopping by. Briefly.

Oh, and maybe the hotel wasn’t such a bad choice after all.