4am. Red weather warning. Flight cancellation imminent.
Piled in the car to realise the engine coolant was frozen, with the risk of an exploding car we transferred into another and were on our way by 5.10am.
After the windscreen visibility slowly worsened due to snow and dirt we had to make a quick stop which consisted of a screen-wash battle in which we left with
water...
Arrived at dreamy *sarcasm* Gatwick Airport at 7.20am and headed straight for pancakes and bacon. After an emotional goodbye we entered airport security and into the unknown.
The flight was 7 hours. After Beth had gotten over the goddess-like look of the Emirates' air hostesses, we settled into films and games (Dan ended up engrossed in an American Pool game). Being the eager (and maybe a tad obsessive) planner Beth is, she really enjoyed the 'Discover Dubai' section and wrote down lots of notes, albeit probably filling a 2 week stay instead of the 5 days we have. The Dubai Food Festival got triple underlined for obvious reasons.
Landed at 8:45pm local time and joined the seemingly never-ending passport control queue. Have to admit, we were a little apprehensive of getting into Dubai as the laws and customs are rather different to the UK. We sailed through and attempted to catch the train and tram to our hostel. This proved trickier than planned and we ended up travelling 6 stops past our destination, paying for multiple tickets and having to ask passers-by for directions. Nevertheless the tram smelled like lemon cake and you could probably eat your food off the seats. 10 stars for Dubai transport.
Arriving at At the Top Hostel in the Dubai Marina, we were met by a lovely
receptionist who showed us to our small but private room. Bunkbed and wardrobe. The view from the hostel is INSANE, 66 floors up with a balcony overlooking the Palm Jumeirah. With slight vertigo we went out to the supermarket to buy two bottles of water and an orange. An attempt at health after 16 hours travelling.
Eventually we got into bed at 1am. Best. Feeling. Ever.
The hostel was surprisingly quiet and the room cool despite not having a window to open.
Night and speak soon!
Love,
B&D
- At The Top Hostel, Dubai - £26 per night per person for private double room (bunk beds) with shared bathroom and kitchen.
- Today's temp... 24 degrees C.