Dubai Day 2

22 Nov Tuesday:  There was some confusion with our clocks this morning but we didn’t realize it until we showed up 45 minutes early for the Big Bus at the Dubai Mall.  Even thought the mall had not opened, at least there were some nice benches to pass the time until the bus arrived.  People watching is a good pass time as well!

Yesterday we rode the blue line so today we are doing the red line and the nighttime tour.  We rode the blue but to the first stop for the switch to the red line and bumped into Barbara and Mike from the ship.  It was a great surprise to see them and we spent the hour-long Arabian Dhow River Cruise with them on into the early afternoon when they switched to the blue line and we went on to do the “Treasure Walk” with the red line.  The Dhow cruise was relaxing and interesting along the Dubai river.  The weather was pleasant and the slight breeze created by the movement of the boat helped keep us cool.  The bus part was slow moving today with all the traffic but we still enjoyed it. 

Our stop to begin the walk was the Dubai Museum maintained within Al Fahidi Fort.  We only had time for a brief look there but it seemed like a very nice and interesting museum, very well done.  The guided walking tour consisted of just 8 of us, including a nice couple from Monterey, Mexico who were also on the Brilliance with us.  The walk took us past another mosque and Hindu Temple right next to each other.  It was explained that this was very unique to have these two faiths operating right next to each other in peace but not uncommon in the UAE.  Things were quite at this time as it was after 3pm and the souks were closed for the afternoon break.  We rode the small abra “taxi” boats across the Dubai River again and docked in front of a lovely traditional spice souk.  I am just so impressed with the aroma emanating from these little shops and happy to find them open as well.  Our guide told us we would be able to take any herbs and spices into our home countries, unless we are from Australia.  I was thrilled to hear this and hope it is true.  I bought a large supply of vanilla beans at a very, very good price to make my own vanilla when I get home, and just a few more dates.  We passed through the Gold Souk as well, again… just a different one. I have never seen so many jewelry shops, and so few customers!  We boarded the Big Bus again after this walk and disembarked at the Deira City Center Mall where we will pick up our night tour at 7pm.  At one point today the only option for the WC was this one “in the floor” – it was an interesting little adventure as well and made me think for a brief moment I was back in Japan! 

We had time for dinner at this mall and used a 20% off coupon from the Big Bus booklet as well.  Then back on the bus and at this point we contemplated what thoughts went through our minds in buying this nighttime portion of the trip.  We have been past some of the same things more than once since the red and blue line overlap in several places.  Anyway we are back on the bus seeing all the same buildings and malls with lights on them.  We also realized the “light show” we are seeing is not the one we thought it was with the fountains at the Dubai Mall.  At least we have a live commentary for this tour and not just the plug into recording.  He told us Dubai is the city that never sleeps, I thought that was New York?  By the time we arrived at the Wafi for the “light show” we have trouble feeling interested and the second time John suggested a taxi we went back to the hotel.  Don’t get me wrong, we did have a nice day but I am tired of malls and big buildings.  The economy has hit Dubai hard as well as the rest of the world and the people are struggling here as well.  Where apartments, houses, and buildings were about 100% occupied in the past, that is not the case anymore.  People have moved up to 1.5 hours away because it is much cheaper to live further out.  Since they “only” pay about US$2.00 they find the commute worth the time.  They also have fewer workers as the tourism is down.  It seems the building of the World Islands is at a stand still, or at least very slow moving at the moment, since no one is buying in with prices beginning in the million dollar+ category.  However, it is quite obvious this city still wants to present a very rich forefront.

Oh, today on the bus we bumped into two Aussie couples on the bus as well.  We commented about “missing” our waiters the first night off the ship.  We were surprised to hear their comments that they might miss the waiters but certainly not the food.  They were not happy at all with the food.  We were quite happy with the food even though if there was a “lobster night” we missed it, I meant to ask about that but I forgot.  Our table mates were also happy overall with the food.  I think one night we sent something back and it was quickly corrected.  It has to be difficult to cook for so many.

We had a good deal for our taxi ride back tonight, only cost about US$10 like last night but the trip was twice as far, he was an honest driver.  We had a bowl of soup in the hotel restaurant and then worked on getting yesterday’s blog posted.  It was a process to sign on and I still don’t know what “plan” I am signed on with but it worked anyway! Unfortunately, I can’t get it to work the next morning (on the 23rd) but I plan to visit the lobby and work on that as well.  If you don’t hear from me again you will know it is just too challenging…