Additional metro stations have opended in the two years since I was last in Dubai, including the one at Al Karama. The district of Al Karama is one where 'genuine' watches, handbags and designer clothes can be bought. How do you like the bag below? Someone looks pleased with their purchase!
Away from all the glitz of Downtown Dubai is Bastakiya. Here, traditional sand and stone wind tower houses have been restored. The alleys offer calm and shade and amongst the art galleries and museums. There are small hotels such as the one below where we enjoyed a nice pot of tea!
An abra ride for 1 dirham is a bargain but don't sit at the front unless you want to get wet from the wash of a passing cruiser. Across the Creek from Bastakiya there are dhows loading and unloading everything from tractor tyres to three-piece-suites. As you can see, they are not the most modern of seafaring craft and it must be a tough life for the traders as they ply the Persian Gulf and contend with oil tankers and Iranian coastguards - 'Cigarettes? Of course not, it's all tractor tyres on board sir!'
It's a lengthy walk from The Address to the sea but worth it!
An abra ride for 1 dirham is a bargain but don't sit at the front unless you want to get wet from the wash of a passing cruiser. Across the Creek from Bastakiya there are dhows loading and unloading everything from tractor tyres to three-piece-suites. As you can see, they are not the most modern of seafaring craft and it must be a tough life for the traders as they ply the Persian Gulf and contend with oil tankers and Iranian coastguards - 'Cigarettes? Of course not, it's all tractor tyres on board sir!'It's a lengthy walk from The Address to the sea but worth it!
It is 160 floors to the top (828m) and though 'At the Top' (the observation deck) is a mere 124 floors up it is still quite an elevation. That's our hotel down below with the fountain area in front. The dark blue is that lovely pool I mentioned earlier and the Dubai Mall is on the left.
