From Queen To A Bedouin Traveler, Oh What A Day!

4×4’s Ready For Dune Bashing

Diva and Queen in the Desert

Sun setting Over the Dunes

Dune Bashing

At the Bedouin Camp Site

Papi with Cousin Kutina and So’Mone of Chicago, enjoying An Arabian Night

Even though some of the largest malls and shops of all types abound here in this shoppers paradise; mall shopping, department store or boutique shopping is not my cup of tea.  One Stop Shopping is more my speed so my rep arranged for a private driver to allow me to do just that. Nikki joined me on this mini excursion as we were chauffeured to the other side of town and our driver pointed out points of interests along the way. He knew exactly where to take us, where everything we were looking for was under one roof. As we made our purchases, he held onto all of our packages until we were safely back in the SUV. He was our perfect helper, giving his opinion when called upon.

Before returning to our hotel, he drove us to Palm Island, which in the shape of a palm tree, it has become the most unique and ambitious real estate project ever developed in the world to date. It is home to Atlantis, several Jumeriah brand hotels, private beaches and fabulous residences belonging to the likes of Tiger Woods, David Beckham, and Brad Pitt.

Back at the hotel, some of the group were in the lobby chit chatting about their day, where they went, what they bought, etc.   Boy, did they get excited when they heard about the 24 K gold plated playing cards  I picked up for my girl Helen. Too bad I couldn’t tell them where to  find the  store – LOL

Later in the afternoon, there was excitement in the air as the group prepared to be picked up for the Desert Safari Extravaganza.  Eight 4×4’s rolled up to the hotel and we loaded up 4 to 5 of us in each one. It took about 45 mins to reach the desert and then it was on. Our experienced and capable drivers took us on a roller coaster ride, dune after dune, twisting and turning, finally stopping on one of the high dunes to watch a magical sunset.

Soon we were at the Bedouin camp and we all settled in for an Arabian evening of entertainment. There   was belly dancing, camel rides, ladies got beautiful hand painted hennas while some of the men and women  smoked “shisha”, “hookah” popularly known as the hubbly – bubbly.  The barbeque dinner was a good one and as the evening drew to a close, we all agreed we had a good time but were ready to call it a night .  Thank God there was a shortcut to the main highway and soon I would be back in the comfort of my suite.

Tomorrow  some will do last minute shopping ,  get spa treatments at the Talise Ottoman Spa on Palm Island, some have reservations at the Burj for their highly acclaimed brunch, some will be chillin’ poolside at our hotel and I will be planning Dubai 2014.

You better believe I am Team Kempinski and this will be the spot. When your maid greets you by name on each encounter  says a lot and goes a long way with me.  There are no “do not disturb” signs to hang on your door; simply push the red or green light in yor room  for notification.  Customer service here is second to none and I cannot wait to return.

A Fabulous Day in Abu Dhabi

Iconic Bridge

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Our group before entering the Mosque

Inside the Mosque

Kat leaving the Mosque

Interior Emirates Palace Hotel

The signature 24K Gold Cappucino

Gold ATM in hotel lobby

Fitzroy and Sheikh Zayed

Abu Dhabi is the capital of United Arab Emirates which is located 100 miles from Dubai. Abu Dhabi is the largest Emirate and one of the richest and most modern cities in the world. It is also the center of oil business and administration of the country. It produces 2.8 million barrels of crude oil a day.

Before leaving the hotel our guide gave everyone the once over in the lobby to ensure all were dressed appropriately and in compliance for entrance into the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Mosque and our reserved lunch at Le Vendome located in the Emirates Palace Hotel.  If 1 person was improperly dressed  for the Mosque, all would be denied entry or at least delayed until that person got it together.

As we made the scenic drive to Abu Dhabi our guide pointed out landmarks and new construction along the way. He also provided us with a wealth of information and points of interests.

The average income per capita is equivalent to 74K US dollars in Abu Dhabi.  There is no income tax, no property tax, no sales tax, no value added tax.  The country is perfectly safe for all especially women and children even if its after midnight.  You rarely see uniformed police officers because 90% are undercover.  in Abu Dhabi 8-10 bedroom homes are gifted to families by the government. When children get married, the government gifts them a home and as long as they marry an Emirati they  receive the equivalent of $20,000 us dollars to begin their lives together. Should they marry a foreigner they get nothing.

Our first stop was at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the 6th largest in the world. The planning took 10 years plus 12 years to build.  This Mosque has  made a few world records. The carpet is the largest in the world. It is 60,000 sq ft, weighs 47 tons and took 1200 women in Iran to weave it. The Mosque has the largest chandelier weighing 12 tons with a million Swarovski crystals .  40,000 worshippers  can be accommodated .

After leaving  the Mosque we drove to the Emirates Palace Hotel after a quick stop at Heritage Village. We had a 1230 pm reservation at Le Vendome restaurant   One just does not step to a hotel of this caliber without pre arranged business. Definitely no place for gawkers and looky-loos. Our guide handled all the formalities and we were ushered to the restaurant   Again, it seemed like a Kattrax only affair with 7 reserved tables and a spread that included everything imaginable. Lunch was a mere $110 per person including the gratuity.  We dined to our hearts delight  and then strolled through the expansive lobby, snapping photos  of the opulence including the “Gold ATM”.  Yes, make a purchase of a few grams of gold dispensed at your fingertips.  OMG, I almost forgot to mention several of our participants ordered the signature 24k Gold Cappucino. Yes, gold flakes on top.

Soon we were on our way back to Dubai but not before making a pit stop at Ferrari World.  The world’s largest indoor theme park for the fast and furious. It was officially opened in 2010 on Yas Island.

Our time is winding down and its been one heck of a ride. Tomorrow morning will  be at our leisure until our late afternoon pick up for our “Desert Safari”.

A Lovely Day in Dubai

Burj Al Arab

Beautiful sandy beach

Burj Kalifa – reach the 124th floor in less than 1 minute

Yvonne, Kat and Nikki ready for the evening cruise

Part of the group – East Meets West. Ready for the evening.

Our Dhow, the world’s largest

Each morning our included bountiful breakfast is in “K Grill” which is truly a gourmand’s wish come true.  So after breaking bread this morning we were off with our guides on a city tour.  We passed the skyscraper area of Sheikh Zayed Road, passing the Palace of Sheikh Mohammad. We stopped at the best spot to take photos of one of the most iconic hotels in the world. There we were standing in front of the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf — what a beauty to behold.

The Burj Al Arab has no rooms, only suites with the smallest being 2,000 sq ft at $1100 a night and the largest 8,000 sq ft.  We passed buildings with residences that with a purchase comes a Lamborghini or a Bentley .

We stopped at the Dubai Museum which depicted life before the discovery of oil. Afterwards we crossed the Dubai Creek in a traditional boat called an Abra. This took us to the Souk which stands for market place. Gold is serious business in this part of the world  and we had serious shoppers from our part of the world. After leaving the Souk, we stopped at a spice shop where some purchased teas and saffron which is said to relieve your stress after dropping a bit in your tea.

We were able to get some fantastic pictures of the Burj Kalifa, the spiral shaped building with 124 floors. Several group members have reservations  later in the week for their much talked about 7 course brunch.

Soon we were back at the hotel resting for a few hours before being picked up for our dinner cruise. Oh what a night!  The cruise was aboard a traditional wooden vessel which is called a “Dhow”.  Ours happened to be the world’s largest. It appeared Kattrax had the entire boat exclusively as we glided along the Dubai Creek under the starlit sky.  The food was prepared by highly trained chefs,  the service was impeccable, the food so divine and our entertainment was absolutely the best.

Everybody had a great day and evening.  Tomorrow can only get better and we are ready  for a full day tour in Abu Dhabi  which includes lunch at Le Vendome located inside the most expensively built hotel in the world…..Emirates Palace

Arrival in Dubai

Our nonstop United flight from DC  was a smooth one.   I’m serious about my  frequent flyer miles so I’m really glad I didn’t jump  on the  Air Emirates bandwagon especially  after speaking with one of my travelers who flew Emirates .  In her opinion, she didnt see a major difference in economy other than twice the normal number of movies to watch.  When I can  afford to pay 10k for their First Class , I guess then I will experience it but until then, I’m Team Star Alliance.

Three movies and a short nap and we were landing.  Our excited group of 33 got through Immigration without a hitch.  After claiming our luggage we were greeted by 2 Reps with Kattrax Signs  who ushered us to a very large air conditioned motor coach. They tagged our bags with room #s so that’ our bags would be sent directly to our rooms.  Our drive to the Kempinski Hotel at the Emirates Mall was pleasant and quite informative. Our guide Vijay pointed out landmarks along the way and fielded questions from the curious.  Dubai is 41 years old and prior to that there was no water, no electricity, no Tarmac roads.  How much is gas here?  38 cents a liter , the same as a liter of water.

Dubai, a very safe city, features some of the worlds finest hotels, ultra modern sport and leisure facilities and of course spectacular shopping.

One of the hotel managers met with the group on level 2 and offered a brief overview of what this luxurious hotel has to offer as well as info on  Ski Dubai and the mall next door as we sipped our fresh juice cocktail .

Later, a few of us took a taxi to the Dubai Mall, see the Dancing Fountains, stroll around, check things out,  and have dinner before calling it a night.   Tomorrow after breakfast, we will have our half-day city tour .  Stay tuned…….

Oh My, Dubai

Living room at Kempinski

Entry to My Suite

Bedroom

Bedroom

Bathroom

Shower Room

View from living room with Burj Al Arab in the backdrop

THE ADDRESS – another fab hotel adjacent to the world’s largest , the Dubai Mall

Prelude to the “Dancing Fountains” at the mall

Exterior view of world’s largest aquarium located in the mall. Also has a shark dive for the adventure seekers