Dubai - In route to R&R again!

It's that time again - R&R! Billy and Dani decided after many deliberations to spend 9 days in the Maldives. As always, the first part of the trip involves a 12+ hour layover in Dubai. Instead of seeing the sights in the airport, 5 of us went to the Diera Mall and on to a desert safari.





The new metro from the airport is extremely efficient in getting around the city, at least to the major sites. And, most importantly this time of the year, the metro is air conditioned! The metro is primarily elevated alongside major roadways.




As you can imagine, Dani couldn't resist a photo at this store. . .




The desert safari occurs in SUVs equipped with roll bars. MANY companies have this excursion and they all typically travel in packs of 10-20 vehicles.

Ferron, Dani, Billy, Charlie, Ifty (the driver), Mike and Tom were the trouble makers for the day! We had to stop in the middle of the desert to let the engines cool down before continuing on.

A view of the dunes. . .

Without alcohol in Afghanistan, it's difficult to avoid the immediate temptation of a few drinks. Tom was priceless and made our dune driving very entertaining - but he couldn't make the whole trip.

After dune driving, you arrive at a "camp" where dinner and drinks are served. Traditional seating on pillows was fun.

There was also an opportunity to touch and ride a camel! At least they have the muzzle covers to avoid all the spitting camels are known for.

Dani and Billy about to begin their camel ride.

They had 3 camels strung together so one guide could manage them all. Mike and Ferron rode one camel, Billy and Dani on the second, and then some little kids on the third.

They even had a hawk you could hold.

Billy wasn't so sure about it :-)

This "lamp" was inside the camp. Dani decided it must have a magic genie and tried rubbing it!

Billy and Dani in the camp.

Since Tom needed to continue his nap, Dani decided to take provocative photos while he was sleeping.

At the camp there was an opportunity to get henna. It is like a frosting that you have to let dry for 45 minutes. Then it basically falls off and leaves the following stain.

We eventually made it to airport. Since we flew on Emirates to Male, Maldives, we went to Terminal 3. It is only for Emirates and is very opulent. So. . . .on to the next adventure.