Aw shucks guys...

Thank you so much for your emails and comments about my last blog – you’re so sweet. I’m just going through what sounds like you’ve all experienced – appreciate that most of you knew how I was feeling.
After re reading the blog on Monday and realizing feeling a little down is just not me, I jumped on last minute.com (love this site) and booked myself for two nights in a 5 star hotel in Dubai. It was only $260 NZ a night and sounded great.
So now I had a place to stay and had packed my bags, I needed to get there so I caught a taxi to the bus station! A wee experience all in itself – the bus station is crazy! As soon as I got out of the taxi, all these drivers rushed up to me trying to take my bag and telling me they’d take me to Duabi for 150 dhs. Well was I confused! Finally saw someone wearing a bus uniform, who directed me to the ticket office and got a ticket for 20dhs (much better price). Problem – bus was full – so I thought I’d have to wait for next one but no because women must only sit in the first two “rows”, they moved a young guy off the bus and gave me a little seat to myself – not too far away from the driver – which turned out to be a good thing coz he’s frown or shout at any guys who tried to talk to me. I just put my ipod on (thanks again for that amazing present you guys!) and watched the desert roll by.
Got a taxi from the bus station to the hotel – I was staying in downtown Burj Dubai. You may remember a while ago an email circulated with an amazing (and scary!) view from the top off a new building being built in Duabi? Well it’s called the Burj Duabi and my gosh it is TALL! It’s not finished yet but you can’t miss it.
When we pulled up at the hotel – I just laughed – couldn’t believe I was staying there. It’s called The Palace, Old Town and is just like a palace. When I found out what it normally costs to stay a night there, I can see why I was out of place in my shorts and t-shirt! Beautiful place, amazing room and lovely service – I wanna go back!
So I settled in, got room service and then headed to the Mall of the Emirates. Now this is the biggest mall in Duabi and has so many amazing shops. My credit card was smoking after that visit. It also has a massive ski field in it – my picture will not do it justice I’m sorry.
It was here at the mall I was reminded just how small this world is and how some people are meant to be in your life. A friend of mine Iain (who’ll love this story!) had hooked me up with a friend of his on Facebook who he used to work with in the UK – he’s now moved to NZ and she’s living in Dubai. So Rochelle and I had touched base when I got here, then she’d invited me to a hen’s party Friday night but I couldn’t go due to work and tiredness so I said to her I’d catch up with her when I was there this week. However I realized I’d left her phone number at home when I arrived in Duabi and was kicking myself. So I was in Boots (one of MANY shops in the mall), went to leave, couldn’t get down the middle aisles, went to the far one and headed down and walked past this person. Thought to myself ‘hmmmm she looks familiar”, then walked past a guy who also looked familiar (her partner Scott) so took a chance and said “Rochelle?” Now bear in mind I’ve never met this person – only seen her pics on Facebook. It was her – and she knew it was me once I’d said her name – what a laugh! Out of all the places either of us could have been that night, we ended up in the same aisle of Boots recognizing each other from photos. Needless to say we swopped phone numbers!
Tuesday morning I woke up and the clock said 11.30 – now I must point out I didn’t realize it was morning and thought to myself how strange – I went to bed after 11.30 – clock must be wrong. Imagine my surprise when I checked my phone and yes it was 11.30am! Darn dark curtains in hotel room! I’d missed my massage at 11am but the spa was lovely and moved it to 2pm. Got some pool time (fab pool), had a hot stone massage and then went sight seeing with the hotel driver. Yes girls I could go on and on about the amazing spa clinic and massage and treatments and freebies and service and ultimate pampering – but I’ll tell you about it when the boys aren’t reading! (Kalala – you and I are going here for a weekend- start preparing Tui!)
Went for a sightseeing drive – saw Burj Al Arab which is iconic for it’s shape – if you google an image, you’ll know what I’m talking about – it’s the one that looks a bit like a sail to me. Also went to The Palms – obviously you don’t get the same effect from the road as you do from the air – but the houses! The centre part is all apartments where you can stay (ie not permanent homes) and then out on the palms themselves are the most incredible places. Shudder to think what they’re worth. The World is still being built but am sure it will be even more extravagant. Reclaiming the land in such a design focused way is very typical of here.
Met up with Rochelle, her partner Scott and their friends Kirsty and John for dinner last night – went to Leftbank which was very trendy but relaxing. Then we realized it was Ladies Night in Dubai – which means free drinks – so jumped in taxis and went to a few places, collecting 2-4 free drinks at each. Fantastic! Ended up at an Irish bar which was great – very relaxed and crowded – lots of interesting people.
Was still tired when I woke up this am but needed to check out and get on the road for home – had a fab time away and so nice to make new friends and see new things – will be doing a trip back to Dubai as soon as I have my own wheels!
Am going to relax this afternoon – and unpack all my hotel goodies! Have the gym and other appointments tomorrow, work to do Friday, heading to Abu Dhabi with Dave on Saturday and back to school Sunday. But feeling a lot better – getting out and doing new things always helps!