surprise cont...
Surprise cont...
As some of you know I went on a wee trip to Dubai a couple of weeks ago to surprise my sister for our *cough* 21st birthday :)
The ticket was a present from my group of close friends, all of which are too fantastic for words. They knew I hadn’t been able to go over and see her this year so I was so so totally chuffed and taken back when they told me.
My friend and I got to Dubai safely and early! Though we almost missed our flight from Heathrow as we were too busy watching the live broadcast of the Chilean miners being rescued. Got to gate just after the last call – bit of a movie moment there :/ Relax! Wine and gin and tonic, thank you very much!
After spending the first morning on the beach and getting progress text messages from sisters OH (who had also managed to pick us up from the airport the previous night without sisters knowledge) as to when she will be home etc.
Managed with ease to get in to her building with no keys as the security guards thought I was sis (one of the perks) Up to her floor, we were slightly early so hid around the corner from her door to wait. Put a birthday card on her door mat, to confuse her as it was in my writing.
We heard the ‘ting’ of the lift open, then that familiar sound of flip flops echoing through the hallway. Got camera ready.
Sis picks up card and looks at it for a long time while trying but failing to put the key in the door. (The security guards down stairs would be confused by now) We peep around the corner and sing happy birthday and she bursts into tears, and then clings onto me like a koala bear for ages, wetting my shoulder. She was so happy and we had such a great trip.
This was my 3rd time to Dubai and every time I go it changes, building being finished off, roads changing etc. I recommend to everyone to visit if they can, well worth it.
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17 Comments
Glad you had a great time.
I think you're right about needing someone to show you around Dubai to get the best out of it. I went out to visit hubby a couple of years ago - the sub had pulled in to the American Naval Base - and I hated it. We actually stayed in Fujairah - the next state along from Dubai - and Rich had to work for five of the ten days that I was there. I felt very vulnerable when I was on my own and didn't venture out of the hotel complex. Even the male hotel staff would ask me 'where is your husband?' when I went to order food etc. Add that to the fact that it rained for the last five days and we both got E-coli food poisoning and it wasn't my idea of a good holiday destination.
It gave me the creeps to be quite honest and I didn't fly out to see him the next time the boat pulled in.
But it certainly sounds like you and your sis had a brill time. How did you cope with the whole 'women as second class citizens' thing? Did you get any hassle?
And being on the beach... in October ! Heaven x
No I have never had any hassle over there, at all! The people I have met have always been really polite and helpful and willing to help you with directions etc. I find the locals were a lot more direct and less animated when you come in to contact with them but that is just their culture, I never found it a problem.
I think with it being so Westernised now, the people are getting more accustomed to other ways of living. Though there are of course different rules and regs over there, which you have to respect and if you do, it is not any different to how you are treated here.
The first time I went, it was just me and my mum, my sister was working and we coped fine being out and about, went to proper markets and souks. Took in all the hustle and bustle and made it back home in one piece. If I had been by myself, the first trip, it’s true I would probably of felt more vulnerable. If I was to go by my self now, I would be fine.
You could say it’s a bit like Bovril – love it or hate it...:)
Mac, sorry what's wrong with your ****?? ;)
Yes Minxie, it was a picture...:)
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