Hmmm, hanuman, I thought you were at Oxford..... wink wink Are you back home now, ready to receive B and K?

Hi Carol - I'm still in Bangkok but will be leaving early April. Sorry but will missed Brad's gala again. It's very, very hot here now so you're in for a hot time in Bangkok.

Pook. I sent you an email - did you get it?

Just replied!

Glad to read your trip report, but must say it's not on my bucket list. Friends went previously and said their desert camel ride was their highlight. I'm sure you had a blast in Thailand! No need for reporting as we wouldn't want to take away from relaxation.

see you soon Pook... the gifts are coming overland by camel train.

where are we going for dinner??

Kathie---don't you just love linda and peter !!!

Yes, we do love Linda and Peter and had a fine time with them.

Read your report with interest as we have been to Dubai 5 times . We live in Scotland and it is one of the few semi-long haul destinations we can fly direct to , by Emirates which I would agree is a world class airline . Dubai certainly seems to divide opinion although many of the people who run it down have never visited . My wife loves the place mainly because of the Extensive shopping available , only place I have been that may compare for that is New York.
On the plus side the hotels are fantastic , probably better than I have experienced anywhere else in the world . The weather is superb , warm and dry with very little cloud or rain . Probably a bit too hot for most in Summer although our first trip was in August which we found ok as the pools were chilled . Most extensive shopping I have ever experienced . Often find very upmarket designer labels that have perhaps 3 stores in the World , Dubai Paris and New York . Shopping not necessarily cheap but great prices for Gold and Diamonds and also Persian carpets , remember to haggle hard.
Lots of activities esp sporting eg 1st class Golf (not cheap) waterparks , tennis , go carting , scuba diving etc etc
On the down side , not really a cultural experience compared to many cities , everything is too new and modern. I have heard it described as a City without a soul and I can understand that . However if you know what you are going for and great weather fab hotels superb service food and shopping is a big part of what you are looking for then it has a lot to offer.

willie, which hotels do you prefer?

great time in bkk, never left the hotel. long flts home tomorrow via Dubai

Fantastic gtg with you and Karen but kind of a strange gtg in your hotel room! Next time please dress up for the event instead of wearing the hotel bathrobe with a room full of guests!

Somehow I missed this! Have enjoyed your report. I told DH about this and he wants us to follow in your footsteps. Hope you get lucky with an upgrade on the way home too!

Bob, our Swiss friends spent about 10 days in Dubai and really enjoyed it. They had a perfect view of the new years eve fireworks from their hotel balcony. They spent some time on the beach but said it was windy and felt too chilly to get in the water. Anyway, they would go back.

FLA... it makes a great stop over place..

rhkkmk, I have really enjoyed every hotel I have stayed at in Dubai . Jumeirah Beach hotel was great for our first visit with 2 sons aged 8 and 11 , ideal for families large water park attached to hotel . We are thinking of going back but lots of children so may not suit couples with no kids . Madinat , next to Jumeraih beach is also excellent , more adult atmosphere , less families with young kids . We had always chosen a hotel on the beach until a travel agent recommended The Address Downtown and as we were stopping of in Dubai after 5 days on Maldives we decided a beach was not essential . This is now our favourite Dubai hotel . Attached to massive Dubai Mall , overlooking fountains and Burj Kalifa , lots of restaurants around the fountain (no alcohol served at these as not part of a hotel) You really feel you are at the centre of things rather than at a beach hotel where you need a taxi to take you anywhere else. Do not confuse with The Address Dubai Mall which is a different hotel in same chain nearby . Get a room with fountain views . First time we got a club room with free food , alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks served in club room only (including large outdoor terrace with great views) 2nd visit we decided not to pay the extra for club room . I would say if you enjoy a good drink and are happy to eat in one place and not try a variety of restaurants Club room could be good value as alcoholic drinks are quite expensive otherwise . Neither my wife or I drink a lot now so on 2nd visit we decided against paying the extra. Great pool area , Happy hour at pool bar 6pm-8pm daily and 4pm-8pm Fridays . We only found out about that on our last day or we would have taken more advantage !
I would agree that visit to Old District and museum and Sheik Mohamed Centre for Cultural understanding is worth a visit , we had a walking tour of old historic district , visit to a mosque and a question and answer type session about Islam . Evening trip to desert in 4x4 vehicle with meal in desert , belly dancing , camel rides etc was also good , our kids loved it .
Shelleyk Savannah and Charleston appeal to me , any recommendations re hotels . Would like to spend some time by beach . We love visiting America and wonder where to try next . We have been to NY several times , Florida twice , San Francisco and Los Angeles , Boston and Cape Cod .
I loved our visit to Boston and Cape Cod , nice mix of City and quaint beach resort (Chatham) and wondered if similar type holiday could be had around Savannah and Charleston

Willie, as an American I'm always pleased when someone enjoys my country and returns to see more and more of it. I hope at some point you would include a visit to the heartland. Some call us flyover country, which is sad. The Midwest has a lot to offer. Chicago is a really great destination, as is St Louis, and also our Ozarks. Hope you will consider it at some point.

Bob: presume you are back home safe and sound. Most interesting trip. Never thought I'd like Dubai, but if it's on the way to somewhere YOU are, it would be worth it.

Still puzzled that there are no camels, even in this day and age.

My favorite visual memory of Jerusalem is a guy going by on a camel outside the wall, talking on his cell phone - that was 10 years ago.

willie---consider the coast of maine with some new Hampshire and Vermont to, but maine is special..

Kathie & Craig, as a resident of Dubai and now two years in Abu Dhabi, I'd say you are absolutely right, there are no sights of note and only mediocre food here for overpriced values.

Better to spend your ME travel dollars in Jordan, Egypt and Iran, which have lots of interesting things to see.