Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in between

[RooFlyer]

Friends and I recently fulfilled a long time wish to visit Jordan (think Petra, Amman, the Dead Sea, Lawrence of Arabia's playground and numerous sites from the Bible) - and what better way than to go via Emirates First in one of their A380s? We tried to get EK both ways, but had to content ourselves with QF going back. Spent a few days in Dubai going over and coming back.

First of all, who the heck were the Nabataeans who left such a legacy in Jordan and elsewhere (eg Petra)? I learned that they were basically traders and the middle men in the present day Jordan region, controlling the spice and other trade from the SW (Africa), Arabia (Saudi) east (India) and west (Rome) from about 200 BC. They left a spectacular legacy in Jordan and elsewhere.


Some highlights of this trip:

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, and views from the 124th floor:




The Nabataean city of Petra, with its temples and other buildings carved into the sandstone. Treasury left; Royal Tombs right.




Although I'm basically a heathen, these sites from the Bible impressed; view to the Promised Land from Mt Nebo, as seen by Moses; site of Jesus' baptism (north of the Dead Sea)




Floating in the Dead Sea, with a density 1/4 greater than fresh water was just plain weird. The sunset over the Dead Sea from our hotel was spectacular:




And ... OK, I confess. The shower in the EK A380 was a long awaited treat. There are 2 - this one is a bit larger than the other and is in the space where Qantas have their business 'lounge' next to the front stairs. I've had hotels with smaller bathrooms than this!!

 

[drron]

Re: Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in betwe

Thanks.I am now being reminded of one of our better trips.No not F on EK but Jordan.loved it.

 

[LadyC]

Re: Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in betwe

Thanks for posting. Great photos - Jordan is definitely on my must visit list.

 

[RooFlyer]

Re: Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in betwe

EK 415 departs at the hideous hour of 6:00 am. We overnighted at the Rydges at Sydney airport. Its a rather sterile place.

The room was OK:



but what do you think of the loo?



A gruesome 4:30 start for a 5:00am check-in. On to the Emirates lounge, which I hadn't darkened before, being a QF Flounge chap. It was large and pretty well appointed. Not too busy. I wonder if it would ever be close to being full? This pic doesn't really show the extent of the lounge.



Of course there were decent breakfast offerings, but we didn't indulge, knowing that we'd be fed on the flight to come. Again, these pics don't really do the selection justice. Not as good as the QF Flounge (as you would expect) but you would have to be pretty picky not to be satisfied if you were looking to have breakfast here. Probably better than the MEL J Lounge I went to a month or so ago.



Then onto the plane! Geez, I was looking forward to the F suite. My friends unfortunately had to slum it in J.

 

[Nizar]

Re: Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in betwe

Awesome pics thanks for sharing !

I was in Jordan back in 98 though unfortunately for us it was during the winter and though the weather apart from being cold was quite pleasant the night before we were due to go to Petra it snowed. Our driver didn't think much of it and we made our way to Petra. About 20mins from arriving there were police on the roads saying that all roads to Petra were blocked due to heavy snowfall.

We had to turn back and were off to Cairo the next morning.

We did the dead sea and the other sites but Petra was supposed to be the highlight. Which means I have to go back. It's on the list.

 

[RooFlyer]

Re: Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in betwe

On board, lots of gold and wood grain, as you would expect. The suites lay-out looks a bit cramped, but its not really. The second pic here is obviously in the sleep-ready position.



The Moet started straight away - I was assured by the very friendly FA that 5:40am was NOT too early. The wine list said it would be Dom '03, but it was 'not available'. A really nice leather amenities kit with Bulgari stuff in it (guy version); slippers and PJs. I didn't like the latter - an acrylic feel and the largest they had was tight-ish on my 'fuller figure' and I changed the top for a T shirt quite soon, out of deference to what my fellow pax would have to see wafting about the cabin. All the gear can be kept together by a nice carry-bag also supplied.

We actually pushed back at 5:50am, 10 mins ahead of schedule. The F cabin was no more than 1/2 full and a FA later told me the whole flight was about the same.

Breakfast was really good. the menu comes out in a leather-covered holder, so I couldn't nick a copy and I forgot to get a pic of the breakfast part, but the usual extensive range was available. I started with youghurt and mint, and followed up with a gorgeous chive omelet, snags etc.



Later came lunch, with these menu options (sorry about the quality of pics):




... of which I chose the Mezze selection appetizer, and the steak sandwich. The mezze selection was an enormous serve for an appetizer and I didn't attempt to finish it, although it was superb. The steak sanger was noted to be "from the menu of our partner Qantas" - well, maybe they were having a gentle shot at Qantas' cuisine, as it was no great shake, although you wouldn't turn your nose up at it completely.

Wines were a mix of French and Australian; Art Series Chardonnay '08 and Vasse Felix Semillon '12 for the Aussie whites and Curley Flat Pinot '10, Clarendon Hills 'Astalis' '05 and Tournon Pyrenees Shays Flat Shiraz '10 for the Aussie reds.



Two hours before landing came the wonderful shower (pictures in first post) - 5 minutes of watery bliss at 40,000 feet, with a heated floor! (and no stated total time limit - probably because of the few pax in the cabin) Interestingly, when I asked what happens if the seat belt sign goes on when I was in the shower, I was told just to sit down on the bench. There are no seat belts though :shock: . I recall another post somewhere here where some-one said that they had to immediately return to their seat and some-one was waiting outside the bathroom with a robe!! Fortunately all was smooth.

Upon returning to my seat a nice fresh fruit plate was waiting and I followed it up with tea, served as it should be.



the thing with the arc of lights is a make-up kit and mirror.

The service throughout was very good; very cheerful and eager to top up drinks etc.

We landed about on time and chugged into Terminal 3. Bit of a hike to immigration, which was nearly empty, so I saved the Fast Track card for another time. I was HLO, so after meeting back up with my F-deprived friends (fortunately still speaking to me!!) we walked the (considerable distance!) through the baggage hall, and customs, turned right to EK Chauffer Drive, was escorted into the heat outside and into the waiting car, and then zoomed abou 30 minutes south-west to our hotel - Hilton Jumeirah Resort on 'The Walk', near the marina.

Time to start the holiday proper.

 

[Major]

Re: Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in betwe

I just loved the history in that part of the Middle East...looking forward to the rest of the TR

 

[deka2]

Re: Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in betwe

We were in Jordan a few months ago.

When you get to Petra you should put in the effort and walk to the Monastery.

Start early as its a long way uphill, but well worth it.

 

[RooFlyer]

Re: Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in betwe

We were in Jordan a few months ago.

When you get to Petra you should put in the effort and walk to the Monastery.

Start early as its a long way uphill, but well worth it.

I'm back in Oz already ... didn't get to the Monastery due to an embarrassing navigational error earlier in the day but we did get in two high climbs.

 

[RooFlyer]

Re: Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in betwe

I first visited Dubai 20 years ago, en route to Saudi for a small work job. I think the only thing I did was to take an abra trip on Dubai Creek (first pic, hauled out from the archives ). Check out the crease on the trousers!! The second shot was taken on our recent trip ... shows that not all of Dubai is frenetic these days.




Dubai today, as many here would know, is a bit of an Arabian Las Vegas, without the gambling. Although taxis are relatively cheap, we decided to use the excellent Metro, which had a station about 500m from the Hilton. Bit of a challenge in the heat and humidity, but what the heck. the metro is mainly above ground and has large (very large!) air conditioned stations. It goes underground near the old town, but there's nothing 'old' about the stations there either. We found the carriges to be either packed to the gills, or virtually empty. This was the first experience:




First stop was Dubai Mall (world's largest shopping centre, they say) and the 830m tall Burj Khalifa, with its outside observation deck on the 124th floor. The mall of course comes with an aquarium, and we discovered the joys of an avocado smoothie. The mall is well sign posted and you were never in any doubt where you were (ie 'here' )




Outside the mall is a terrific fountain which puts on a spectacular show to music (not shown here .. that was a video job)




Can't get enough of the Burj Khalifa and the views from the 124th floor ....

 

[Major]

Re: Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in betwe

The fountain displays reminded me of the Bellagio in LAS, which I think is slightly better

 

[RooFlyer]

Re: Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in betwe

After the mall and the tower we continued on the Metro (day pass about $5) to Bur Dubai (western side of the creek). The Fort has been there since 1799 and is now a museum. The nearby Creek was very lively with abra crossings, but the cruisers seemed very quiet - row upon row of them tied up. Maybe they come to life in the cooler evenings? Everywhere we went people were saying tourism was well down.



After tramping around the Creek area in the hot early afternoon, we headed back to the Hilton. It has its own beach, and views across to 'The Palm' development. The water was about the temperature of a bath and while it was good to wash off the grime of the day, it wasn't that refreshing.




Around the Hilton were the usual apartment blocks, but the local street, or 'the Walk' was a nice place to stroll along, with good restaurants either inside in aircon or on the pavement. I'd recommend having a look at the Hilton Jumeirah Resort, although it is a bit far away from many of Dubai's main attractions. Of course there were new constructions either side of the hotel, but fortunately from my room, it was a bit away, and inaudible through the room's double glazing. Rooms on the other side looked directly into the construction site. There is a nice open air terrace on the top floor (9th only!). This is the view from the Executive Lounge, and of 'The Walk'.




We had a couple of hours the next morning before we headed off to the airport, so made a dash for Madinat Jumeirah - a canal/hotel/new souq development near the iconic Burj al-Arab. It was nearly deserted at that time of morning (9am) and we couldn't see how to get a ride on the abras cruising the canals. Something for next time - and maybe we might be able to afford to stay at the hotels in this development ...

 

[Dalescott]

Re: Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in betwe

I have just shown the wife, the F class, and now we understand why people pay the money. Also Jordan and Syria are on my bucket list, but also until the shooting stops I will not be visiting. Clearly this is my loss.
OH that before I die, that I can ride a camel in Wadi Rum.

 

[RooFlyer]

Re: Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in betwe

I have just shown the wife, the F class, and now we understand why people pay the money. Also Jordan and Syria are on my bucket list, but also until the shooting stops I will not be visiting. Clearly this is my loss.
OH that before I die, that I can ride a camel in Wadi Rum.

I can understand re Syria, but please don't let anything happening presently stop anyone visiting Jordan. I refuse to visit Indonesia (including Bali) because I don't think its safe, but no qualms about Jordan before, during or since.

 

[RooFlyer]

Re: Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in betwe

We had a 2pm Emirates flight from DXB to Amman, the capital of Jordan (3 hour flight time). So a Hilton car took us to the Business terminal of T3, arriving at 11:30am (he was a bit dubious about this when we said we were travelling Economy, but we knew the QF Plat cards would see us through OK)!

The express check-in took care of us in moments (we were all HLO), then through immigration and security quickly, then on the train to the T3 departure area. This was the first time departing T3 for all of us and this sight of elevator bank taking people up to the departure level from the train arrival level was amazing:



We headed straight for the First Lounge for lunch. As numerous people have commented before, the EK First Lounge at Dubai is very large and a bit hard to come to grips with at first. The two halves aren't quite symmetrical, but there is a 'fine dining' restaurant on either side, plus lots of other sitting areas, snack counters, washrooms, showers etc etc. There are fresh flowers throughout.

This shows some random lounge seating, a small flower arrangement on a table and one of the fine dining areas:



Lunch was being served (looks like the same menu for dinner as well):




I had the prawns and the steak. I've posted elsewhere here that the steak was one of the best I have ever had, anywhere, anytime, although a bit under-done for perfection. Probably an Australian 'rare' rather than the medium-rare asked for. I can't show you what the others had, because they said to stop taking pictures of the food - I was embarrassing them!




After lunch we waddled down to the Duty Free and departures level and boarded EK 903, row 7, which was 1 back from the front economy bulkhead on the A320. We all got a nice greeting (2 of us QF plats) and the FA came and took our (and 2 others near us) lunch orders first. None of us needed any more lunch . There was a printed Lunch menu for Economy. Shrimp coughtail appetizer, then choice of Meatballs with garlic tomato sauce or Oriental Chicken, then dessert, cheese & biscuits, tea& coffee. Wine & other drinks complimentary (I did have a 'Flying Solo' sav blanc-semillon). We flew over Saudi Arabia and were happily drinking the alcohol most of that time, if anyone wonders about that supposed stricture.

After lunch, I think the CSM it was who came and greeted us again, anything we needed etc (didn't mention being QF Plat, but pretty sure that was what it was about). Then again a bit later I think it was the J cabin service manager came and welcomed us, and offered us some Champagne from J (we all declined - still full and drowsy from the lounge lunch).

So a top effort by the EK crew for this EK economy run. Of course the could have saved all that trouble by simply upgrading us :mrgreen: .

Arrived at Queen Alia International Airport at Amman, realizing when we hit the passport/get visa queue that we'd all forgotten the 20 Jordanian Dinars ('JDs') cash fee for the visa. A quick dash to the strategically located ATM and the visa was issued in moments. Past the baggage area again (gee, that feels good) and to land-side.

There, the tour guy was waiting with the sign. We had arranged a 6 day tour with Jordan Select Tours, which were recommended by friends, and I'd recommend them again. The itinerary was designed by ourselves, in conjunction by e-mail with the tour consultant. We amended it again a few days before we arrived, for some additional cost. We were given the choice of 2 hotel tiers; probably 4 star or 5 star, all global chain names. We chose the 4 star package and would almost call every hotel we stayed at 5 stars. No money was paid until we arrived at the airport, although cc details were taken for a cancellation fee if we didn't show.

We had a large car in very good order (we were all HLO and ended up leaving one of the cases of combined surplus gear at the Amman hotel so it wasn't so much of a crush in the boot every day). Parties of more than 3 get a small van etc.

The driver was very good with English and no better or worse than any driver you would get in Australia. He was happy to chat about Jordan, its politics and history. A pleasure to be with, except for the chain smoking when out of the car! We talked over the itinerary and he had some suggestions for additions. This sounded like 'upselling', but after considering the suggestions, and the costs, we agreed. Only one we decided later probably wasn't good value.

He dropped us off at the Amman Intercontinental and we agreed to be picked up at 8am the next day.

The Intercon in Amman was the first international hotel in the city, and celebrated its 50th birthday this year. The hotel was showing its age, but not by much. We were in the 'Delux' wing, for 2 nights. My room smelled a tiny bit - some-one may have smoked there in the recent past, but OK. Smokers are everywhere in Jordan and the hotel has no 'non smoking' public or restaurant areas, which is rather annoying. I've struck this elsewhere in the middle east and north Africa.

The view out my room window showed 'cranes on the skyline' which is a good omen for the city's development, and I could also see the 'Blue Mosque'. Fortunately the calls to prayer weren't too loud.



Dinner at the hotel's Lebanese restaurant, then bed.

 

[RooFlyer]

Re: Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in betwe

Amman. Before the trip I didn't know anything about this city other than it was the capital of Jordan. I now know (credit in part to Lonely Planet) that its a relatively modern creation, becoming the capital of Trans Jordan in the 1920s. That's not to say that settlement here doesn't have a long history. There was a Neolithic (~8,000 BC) settlement in the area and the Citadel area (below) has been occupied since about 1,800 BC. The Romans occupied and rebuilt parts of the city in the 100s AD, and it was known as Philadelphia after the Emperor Philadelphus. The Old Testament refers to King David besieging the city ('Rabbath').

So its been around a while. Today, sprawling over a series of steep hills, its not a particularly attractive city. The streets are winding and often narrow and traffic is awful. Some tunnels are now being built to alleviate the worst congestion and a number of new hotels and office blocks are being built.

The car arrived at 7:45am and we were off at 8am. First stop the Citadel, built on the highest hill in the area. The fortress walls were first built in the Bronze age and re-inforced by the Romans, Byzantines and the Umayyad Arabs.

This is the Temple of Hercules, built in the mid 100s (second picture with a typical view of Amman in the background):




and another view of the Temple, and also part of the Palace built by the Umayyad Arabs in the 700s (the dome is recent):




Within the Citadel is the National Archeological Museum. Unfortunately the Dead Sea Scrolls have been relocated to the new National Museum, which isn't yet open :evil: . Never-the-less there are some very interesting exhibits, including "the earliest statue done by man" (Neolithic - pre pottery) found at Jericho (left), and another twin-headed Neolithic work, found near Amman (the blackened eyes are not a crummy restoration, but original features done in bitumen).




Adjacent and down the hill from the Citadel is the Roman Amphitheatre, built in the early-mid 100s and seating 6,000. It is cut into the hill rather than being a standing structure.




There is a smaller theatre adjacent to the main one.




That was the morning and the schedule put us on the road to Jerash, a Roman jewel not far to the north.

 

[Danger]

Re: Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in betwe

View attachment 19915

View attachment 19952

What are you using for these awesome panorama photos?

 

[Major]

Re: Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in betwe

There is a smaller theatre adjacent to the main one.

View attachment 19952


.

Do the Christians come out of the left tunnel and the Lions from the right or is it the other way around ?

 

[RooFlyer]

Re: Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in betwe

What are you using for these awesome panorama photos?

I us a Sony DSC-HX50V, but the previous model also had it and I've seen it in a Lumina as well. They are both 'compact' digital cameras. 'Panorama' function, select, then pan across 180 degrees and it stitches the pics together. Actually, the Lumina allows vertical panning as well.

Oh, I love this camera. 30 x optical zoom, and up to 120 x using digital zoom; 20.4 Megapixels, GPS and wireless! Fits into your pocket.

 

[RooFlyer]

Re: Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in betwe

Do the Christians come out of the left tunnel and the Lions from the right or is it the other way around ?

Either I think, but one of the two would have to make way for this guy!