Dubai

[Michele Monro]

Cruise J201 Grand Odyssey - Leg 1

Southampton to Barcelona - 1723 km
Barcelona to Piraeus - 1162km
Piraeus to Port Said - 589 km
Port Said to Aqaba - 390km
Aqaba to Safaga - 174m
Safaga to Dubai - 2692km

Total = 6730 km
One nautical mile - 1.5 statute miles = 1.85 kilometres

Arcadia made her final approach into Dubai, boarding the local pilot at 06.30. She then passed through the breakwater and altered her course to the east towards her berth. Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates and is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula. The Dubai municipality is sometimes called Dubai State to distinguish it from the Emirate. The Emirate of Dubai shares boarders with Abu Dhabi in the south, Sharjah in the north-east and the Sultanate of Oman in the south-east (I'm sure you all wanted to know that).

It was chaotic getting off this morning as we had disembarking passengers and embarking ones, we had people going on tours and plebs like me who were doing their own thing. I wish I could impart a wonderful narrative on Dubai but I'm afraid to say I went to the Dubai Mall, which by the way, would take 3 days to walk round. I was on a mission and was thankful when on asking where a computer or electronic shop was, found I only had to go up two escalators and turn to the left. There I was graced with eight shops including Sony, Panasonic, LG, Virgin Electronics and some unpronounceable ones. The trouble was they were all as big as the back deck and quite overwhelming. Luckily on my third ask I found what I wanted, which was an electronic clicker for my presentations and a lead that would connect from my camera to the laptop. Getting everything in the one shop helped and I also treated myself to some binoculars. We saw a school of dolphins off our starboard bow yesterday afternoon. Well I say we saw, but actually i didn't see, as I didn't have my glasses on and they were quite a way off. Problem solved for the next time.

By the time I was laden with bags I decided I'd had enough and pointed my tired body in the direction of the ship. I was lucky enough to spend a couple of hours with Ian and Beth before they got off and we did have a laugh. I do hope you might have a chance to see Ian talk one day, he is wonderful and has so many stories from his police years.

We had a great sail-away party this afternoon, I say sail-away but we actually hadn't moved by the time the band struck up 'We Are Sailing', the culprits were 4 guests who were not back on the ship on time. We never found out if they made it but as 6.00pm we left anyway. The Captain has announced flat sea over our next two sea days en route to Mumbai and we have had our forecast for the immediate future. Mumbai 34 degrees, Cochin 35, Hong Kong 27 and Beijing -2 - EXACTLY - read it again minus 2. I will have to buy some thermals and nipple warmers.

Anyways I am off for dinner tonight and then I will fall into bed. I have to say I am glad we have a sea day tomorrow as I am exhausted and will have to recharge my batteries before Mumbai. Can't remember at the moment whether I have booked a tour there or not but I am sure I will exhaust myself.

Bye for now
Stay safe
Michele

[karl]

Michele I was very tempted to try the ice rink in the Dubai mall but as that was the start of a 5 week holiday and I haven't skated for years I did not want to tempt fate and break an ankle before flying on to Australia.

I believe that is the biggest mall in the world.

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Well, I've learned something about Kilometres, Statute miles and Nautical miles that I didn't have a clue about before.
As far as the Mall in Dubai it sounds like a woman's dream specially if you want to lose a few pounds in weight and in pocket.
Nice to have a Sailaway Party, but it's guaranteed there is always at least One to hold up the getaway time, except in this case.. Four
Your Binoculars will come in handy Michele, but at least you've missed the pirates.
Have a good rest before Mumbai. We appreciate your keeping us up to date on board. Take care for now. xx

[mariana44]

Phew-that sounds amazing--all the info that I have heard from Dubai, make it sound like a fascinating place--I think I would love to go there---I just have to win the Lottery first !!!

[karl]

Marian it is quite amazing however when I was there it was so hot & humid and we are not used to such heat. I wanted to explore but all I did was explore the Mall Of Emirates & Dubai mall to keep cool - mind you they were both like cities inside.

[Eman]

Hey Karl and Marian, I lived in the Philippines for about 7 1/2 years and I never got used to the hot and humid climate. UGH..I'd have to shower at least 3x a day when I was home and not in class. So I can somewhat relate to Karl. Yeah I'd love to explore that mall..but wouldn't like to see the bills afterwards.