What A Day & Night

Today we headed to EXPO 2020, runs for 5 months and next month it ends; delayed due to the pandemic. Did we feel blessed to experience this event. Its situated between Dubai and Abu Dhabi on over 1,050 acres. No way would I attempt to walk this out so Debra, Briana, Elvin and myself hired our own personal buggy driver for 4 hours. There are 192 countries represented and what a spectacle. The architecture of the Pavilions is amazing but my focus was on ALKEBULAN- The African Dining Hall. The food quite enjoyable and I was delighted to meet Burundi born, Belgian trained Chef Coco.

After this wonderful day, 8 of us celebrated Joey & Susie Smith’s 50th anniversary at ATMOSPHERE on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa. The chef showed us what he was working with. His Amuse Bouche and presentation truly made our mouths feel happy I and Joey had the Duck Breast, Susie the Lamb Shank, Tiny a pasta dish and Debra & Regina the unbelievable Seafood Platter. Not quite sure what Jack & Nana had as they were across the table from me but all were satisfied with their selections.

What a wonderful way to end a wonderful day. in the morning we are scheduled here at our hotel for our Covid test in order to return home.

The ”Wow Factor”

This tour has been nothing less than the WOW factor. When we stayed at THE W BARCELONA 2016, I said it was the sexiest hotel ever. Well let me tell you SLS DUBAI has got them beat.

Friday was a leisure day and everybody did their own thing. Regina, Tiny, Brianna and myself had a Spa day on the Palm at Talise Ottoman located inside Jumeriah Zabeel Saray. We all had the Sultan’s Massage,relaxation room, then steam room, then jacuzzi. One of the hotel’s cars took us and returned for us. Dinner was on the sunset cruise but I wasnt satisfied. It looks like I may come back and if so I will be replacing that with a fabulous yacht on a daytime cruise. My contact tells me since Covid-19 certain companies have disappeared and I so understand. We in tourism got hit harder than anybody. I thank God for getting me through to see a light in the tunnel.

Today was the City tour which included going to the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa, the gold souk where I understand several bought gold, gold and more gold. I stayed back and did Kat stuff which included a business lunch in the SO BAR here at SLS, level 71.

Tonight we saw the fabulous performance of Le Perle The theatrics and acrobatics were phenomenal. A few of us headed to Carna, a steakhouse on level 74. it was after 11p and we were served. The service impeccable and the food is outstanding,

Tomorrow we go to Expo 2020… stay tuned!

Dubai In The Sky, For Real

There are 35 fully vaccinated and boosted travelers in the group, mainly Californians and 2 New Yorkers, all flying Emirates. Would you believe another KATTRAX reunion? 12 were new to the family and had no idea what the experience would be like. This is Lucille’s 3rd time to Dubai with KATTRAX; Elvin, Joyce, Briana, and Jan’s 2nd time. Probably my 6th but each time there is always something new and exciting.

For starters several were in Business class where the service and comfort is second to none. We enjoyed the Super Bowl halftime show before dinner. What a show!

After landing we were driven 2 hrs to the capital ABU DHABI where we were guests at the 5 star RITZ CARLTON GRAND CANAL. It was nice to be welcomed back so warmly by name. On my agenda was the new Jamaican restaurant, KINGSTON 21. They did not disappoint. Truly a taste of authentic Jamaican cuisine in the United Arab Emirates. Also on my agenda was the Venetian Spa located on the Ritz property. Briana and I headed over in a buggy driven by one of the handsome guys on the Bell Staff. Briana had the Hot Orange Massage for 90 minutes and she hasn’t stopped talking about it

The city tour, Lunch at Emirates Palace, and a visit to the newly opened Qsar Al Watan at the Presidential Palace were definite high points.

Our driver and guide returned to drive the group to Dubai for our 5 night stay. Our home would be the 5 star SLS which isnt even a year old yet. Its beauty is jaw-dropping. Check in was on the 71st floor and the infinity pool is located on the 75th. My suite is on the 63rd floor with a panoramic view encompassing the tallest building in the world; the Burj Khalifa. Upon entering the suite there were helium filled balloons with cameo pictures of myself dangling from the ceiling. Also spread on display were flowers, wine and a gorgeous fruit arrangement. A soak in the bathtub offers a spectacular, unbelievable view.

Last night the majority of the group had reservations at Quincy Jones’ Bar & Lounge. We enjoyed good food, libations and good ole R&B stylings from a Washington DC brother.

So far, so good…more good stuff to come

BLACK PARIS, ANYONE? APRIL 21-28, 2022

Bonjour mes amis,
We have space for 1 – Single Occupancy.  Unfortunately, we are about at our max so we cannot accommodate a double. 

If you have a friend or relative that may be interested have them get in touch before Monday when I will release the space. 

R/t airport to hotel transportation
7 nights accommodation with daily breakfast

Restaurants from the African Diaspora – transportation in private Motorcoach

Tour with Ricki Stevenson of Black Paris Tours by private motorcoach

City tour – private motorcoach

Paris by night in stretch limos

Evening of jazz

Shopping & Museum Excursion

Land pkg is $3200 plus single supplement $1150. 

A bientot 
Kat

Our Hotel in the Upscale 16th Arr