3 continents in 3 week - F adventure

[mmchow]

Today is all about Mega Structures; first stop, the Atlantis. We took a taxi and it cost us AED50 from the hotel. Access to the ground is limited to hotel guest so we ventured into the Aquaventure Waterpark. The big name restaurants are all here - Nobu, Gordan Ramsay just to name a few.

We took the monorail back to the Exchange, with a view of houses in The Palm, Dubai Marina and Burj from far



From the Exchange, there isn't a taxi stand and we were directed to a limo stand. The ride to Burj Al Arab is shorter than the one we just took and it cost us AED130 (rip off).
Arrive at the entrance and as usual, checks to ensure you are either a guest or have reservations to one of the restaurants. We arrived early and the security guard was a little hesitant in allowing us through. A few words later, he let us through. The view as you drive in;

 

[mmchow]

Jumeirah beach and hotel

The interior of Burj



We headed straight to the Skyview bar reception located at Level 1. It was unmanned and was told that the receptionist will be there at 12. 20 minutes later, we headed back and gave our reservation number to the receptionist (indeed we are early but we wanted the best table and we got it). At 12:45, names were called based on first come first serve basis and we were up to level 27 in no time.

 

[mmchow]

The tunnel to the dining room

She played the entire time we were there

Our table

The view of the dining room

The menu

 

[Pushka]

Is this the afternoon tea on the very top level?
i.e. Here:


Trust you took the buggy ride round to Madinat.

 

[Pushka]

Did you receive the choccie gift? I didn't see it on the menu. I also asked for the Burj al Arab white pen the credit card man was using. Cheeky.

 

[mmchow]

Is this the afternoon tea on the very top level?
i.e. Here:
View attachment 84667

Trust you took the buggy ride round to Madinat.

I asked myself the same question too when I was there and I'm pretty sure it is judging the size and shape of the venue.
I followed your TR in details. I asked but they said they said it is strictly for in house guest only we walked, missing out on a few nice shot of Burj.

Did you receive the choccie gift? I didn't see it on the menu. I also asked for the Burj al Arab white pen the credit card man was using. Cheeky.

I was expecting a box of chocolate but no, it did not turn up. No Burj white pen, just ordinary. Cost cutting?

 

[Pushka]

I asked myself the same question too when I was there and I'm pretty sure it is judging the size and shape of the venue.
I followed your TR in details. I asked but they said they said it is strictly for in house guest only we walked, missing out on a few nice shot of Burj.


I was expecting a box of chocolate but no, it did not turn up. No Burj white pen, just ordinary. Cost cutting?

Definitely cost cutting! At least we are now pre warned. The gift was written on the menu!
And a shame about that ride then - maybe they will take pity on two old ladies

I just kept thinking when I was there - just WOW! I am actually here.

Are you posting photos from your phone? If so, just crop the very bottom off them and post those - that might make them the right way up.

Your photos are excellent btw

 

[mmchow]

Definitely cost cutting! At least we are now pre warned. The gift was written on the menu!
And a shame about that ride then - maybe they will take pity on two old ladies

I just kept thinking when I was there - just WOW! I am actually here.

Are you posting photos from your phone? If so, just crop the very bottom off them and post those - that might make them the right way up.

Your photos are excellent btw

What about takeaway packs for unfinished sweets back when you were there early this year? I saw them packing the scones/ sweets for guest to take home.
I felt the same way too - seeing your photos early this year and now I'm here. Now I can say i've done it
Thanks for the tips. Will try on my next update

 

[Pushka]

What about takeaway packs for unfinished sweets back when you were there early this year? I saw them packing the scones/ sweets for guest to take home.
I felt the same way too - seeing your photos early this year and now I'm here. Now I can say i've done it
Thanks for the tips. Will try on my next update

Oh, packing up the left overs sounds like a great idea! Thanks for THAT tip

 

[mmchow]

There are 6 tables in total overlooking Dubai downtown. Unfortunately visibility isn't that great. Was told the day before was better.

Champagne was then offered followed by an explanation of the menu. Its a 5 course menu, with the last 2 a tiered selection of sandwiches and scones/ sweets. Tea and coffee orders are taken throughout the session and you can have as much as you want.

The salmon and chicken sandwich was great and contemplating to go for seconds. Thinking what the next tray going to be, I decided against it.

Take away pack is also available for those wishing to pack any leftover with them. We were stuffed by the end of the course and we could not eat/ drink no more.

 

[mmchow]

We decided to head over to Madinat Jumeirah and asked if a buggy service can take us there. We were told this service is only available to in house guest only. Sadly, no stop along the beach for a nice photo so we walked to the souk.
The view of Burj at the entrance

Madinat Jumeirah is an up market souk, with a selection of souvenirs.


You can also take an abra ride here (AED80; ouch).

 

[Pushka]

Madinat has the best views of al Arab. Would make a great place to watch NYE fireworks.

 

[mmchow]

From Madinat Jumeirah, we took a taxi to Emirates Mall of Dubai.

Where do we even begin? Huge mall with an indoor ski slope


We wandered around for half hour and ended up in Carefour - love to check out the local supermarket when I'm in a new country.

We were exhausted by then so we took the metro back to the hotel. We were still full from the afternoon tea so we decided to have a few drinks in BlingQ (happy hour).

Drinks in Dubai (hotel) are generally expensive. On the two nights we were in Westin, we've spend at least $AED500 on happy hour. Not complaining given the rates I paid per night and the complementary drinks

 

[mmchow]

Next stop, Dubai Mall to see the fountain show. The walk from the metro to the mall was long - 820m and the mall is massive.

Checked out a few shops and came across Dubai Aquarium and the fountain.

 

[mmchow]

Next stop, the fountain. As usual, it was crowded and were we there just in time for the show. It is very similar to Bellagio, and I think this is shorter?


Wanted to do the A380 experience but when we get there, we were disappointed. Thinking it would be similar to the pilot training pod, unfortunately the simulation is only on the front two screen.

On the way out from the A380 experience, came across this

 

[Pushka]

Next stop, the fountain. As usual, it was crowded and were we there just in time for the show. It is very similar to Bellagio, and I think this is shorter?
View attachment 84715


On the way out from the A380 experience, came across this
View attachment 84718

Love these two pictures.

We never made it to the first mall - which of the 2 did you prefer?

Agree re the cost of alcohol there which makes the Club rooms very worthwhile.

 

[bPeteb]

Am I the only person on the planet that is left cold by Dubai? The ostentatiousness (so can't be a word) turns me off completely. Saying that, I'd happily close my eyes while on the ground to be up in the air in the bling of EY and EK F!

 

[Pushka]

Am I the only person on the planet that is left cold by Dubai? The ostentatiousness (so can't be a word) turns me off completely. Saying that, I'd happily close my eyes while on the ground to be up in the air in the bling of EY and EK F!

Lots of people don't like Dubai. So not on your own. Laughed at you liking the livery on EK which is as bling as Dubai. Why the difference?

 

[bPeteb]

Well you may ask Pushka.

I like all things 'plane, train, ship and automobile', bling or no bling, preferably the latter.

EK J on points to AKL from BNE is our only EK experience. The horrible brass/gold and shiny 'wood' were soon forgotten once the champagne and coughtails started flowing. We were shown F on the way out and it was an even blingier version of J, but if I'd had my arm twisted I would have sat up the front EY looks much more stylish than EK (to my eyes).

Having studied design (many years ago when white was good), most modern Arabic commercial interior design sears my eyes, hotels especially.

We've now flown J in BA, EK, QF and most recently NZ, I'd fly NZ first because it's the least pretentious of the lot.

 

[Pushka]

Well you may ask Pushka.

I like all things 'plane, train, ship and automobile', bling or no bling, preferably the latter.

EK J on points to AKL from BNE is our only EK experience. The horrible brass/gold and shiny 'wood' were soon forgotten once the champagne and coughtails started flowing. We were shown F on the way out and it was an even blingier version of J, but if I'd had my arm twisted I would have sat up the front EY looks much more stylish than EK (to my eyes).

Having studied design (many years ago when white was good), most modern Arabic commercial interior design sears my eyes, hotels especially.

We've now flown J in BA, EK, QF and most recently NZ, I'd fly NZ first because it's the least pretentious of the lot.

EK have been very good to us travelling as SG and WP - upgrades on almost every flight - from Y - J, and J - F. F is truly memorable. I had been drinking Moet in their lounge and was pleased to realise that I would be able to continue on the plane. Got that delightful red light as I went to board - from J to F. I asked for Moet on the plane - "Ah sorry Madam, we serve Dom Perignon here". Oh, well, just this once I will slum it.

I really enjoy the impossibility of Dubai and now one of our clients is there so my partner is off to work there next week. And I will be back in April with another AFF'er. I know its not 'real' but its a nice escape.