Around the World I

Day 26 - Tue 6 May 2003

I'd forgotten how hot the middle east can get - and this is no 'dry' heat either - I guess the gulf feeds the humidity. Had breakfast at the hotel, and then took an abra across the creek, but the markets were only just setting up; Found the 'Big Bus' stop, and went to see the Saeed Al Maktem house. Bloody hot - walked back and spotted a French supermarket (Carrefour) Got some chocolate, flat bread, cheese and even some Pocari Sweat! Dropped off my supplies at the hotel.

Made it out to Wafi City - a huge shopping mall on the edge of the city - it's full of expensive designer shops. Not much of interest there for me! Caught the tourist bus, with a very irritating guide who kept banging the rail of her bus with her ring to attract attention.

Museum undercroft

There's a huge Fairmont hotel here, it's supposed to look like a wind tower, but it just looks like a concrete blob to me! I saw a massive flag pole here, it's 120 metres tall!

There were a bunch of Americas on the bus, and the guide tried to find out were they were staying, but they refused to answer. At that point she said, 'ah, I know who your are' CIA? Nah? Special Op's? Hmmm maybe!

Tried to arrange a trip to Hatta, but no-one seems to be running any tours - I'll see what I can do..

Also managed to see the Dubai Museum in the old fort - very good, and got a photo of the Iranian Mosque (a bit like the dome of the rock in Jerusalem) with beautiful patterned tiles covering the exterior walls.

NextView my route around the world here