1st Trip to Dubai

      Many of you have already seen my pictures from Dubai, but I’ll repost for those of you who do not visit Facebook or who don’t have me listed as a friend (shame on you!).  Ashley and I decided on Sunday of Eid break to go to Dubai to let me see if for the first time and to do some shopping! For those of you who don’t know, Ashley is my UAEBFF and my church buddy.  She keeps me young!  We originally were going to Dubai to use tickets we got for the Ice Lounge, but we could not get reservations because it was full.   So, we will return on Dec. 2 to get into the Christmas spirit while freezing our  _ _ _ _ _ off!

Burj Khlifa, Dubai

      So, we started the day at 8 a.m., got gas and then stopped by Starbucks.  I had my first ever “London Fog” which was Earl Grey tea made with steamed milk.  It was delicious!  Not a big fan of Starbucks, as I don’t really drink coffee, but London Fog I can do!  Then we were on the road to Dubai!  One hour later, almost to the minute we hit the town.  You drive through 120 km or so of desert and then it just pops up out of nowhere.  I expected the Burj Khlifa to be the first thing I saw, as it is the current tallest building in the world (I think it still is) but I saw many other buildings before I saw the Burj! 

Entrance To BIG Roundabout

Mall of the Emirates

This is Ashley!

     We entered town and Ashley informs me that we are about to enter the biggest roundabout in the UAE, maybe even the world (not!).  Glad she waited to tell me because roundabouts here have their own set of rules and they make me very nervous!  Well, in Dubai the roundabouts have traffic lights and that makes all the difference in the world!  With Ashley’s expert guidance we hit The Mall of the Emirates.  We saw the PF Changs in the picture, and then did a bit of shopping.  I bought a music bead for my Pandora Bracelet and ordered a CAMEL!!!  They hope to have it in in time for our next big trip, Dec. 2.  We also saw the ski village in the picture.

Ski Area in Mall of the Emirates

     Next we were off to Dubai Mall where I was meeting some friends I first met in Abu Dhabi upon my arrival.  We met at the Texas Roadhouse and I had the first steak during my stay here in Abu Dhabi.  Yum!  After hitting a few more stores (Bath and Body Works!!!!!)  we were then off to find Ikea in Festival City Mall.  I needed a desk and heard they had Christmas items, as well.  Got desk, got Christmas items!  Now it was time to go home.  Thanks for a fun day, Ashley!