Coming in to Land

:))

My last comment from yesterday's journal should have said "hot and sunny Dubai!!"

Seriously. Landed at 7am and it was already 32degC! Dubai Airport has a special escort service called Marhaba where passengers are accompanied from the aircraft, fast tracked through immigration, given assistance with collecting their luggage and then finally delivered to whoever has come to pick them up. It's a service that been going since the mid-80s and is very popular here.

Well, for the first time ever in my whole life, I experienced it this morning! A lady was standing with my name on a board as soon as I got off the aircraft. I got a ride in a buggy to the immigration area where I have often waited over an hour. NO problem with my paperwork. [Thank You Lord!] Think I was at the luggage carousel within 20 minutes, but unfortunately, as I had whizzed through the other processes, my bags (or rather the lack of them appearing) caused considerable delay! Oh well... It was still an awesome experience!

Both SweetArt469 and Geraldine came to pick me up. We got home and it was almost immediately time for G to get to her RT session, so after some faffing, we headed out to do just that. Boy, I can't believe how hot it is! Sorry! I'm not moaning. It's a fact! One layer (thermal) had to come off right away.

Fortunately we came straight back home so I could shower and get some rest. Got only 90 minuntes sleep on the plane. The rest of the day has involved unpacking all goodies brought for G as well as Saturday's Pink Limo Ride. Went to visit my sponsor stepmum and saw Tass who is alive and well. Then went to a bake shop so Sandy could get what she needed to do some cupcakes for Saturday. Finally went out for a meal to one of our fav restaurants. It was a beautifully warm evening, so we were able to sit out and enjoy it. I have to say, I actually LOVE dressing for the cold, but don't like it too cold. It is lovely to walk out in jeans and tshirt. No jumper, fleece or jacket. Wunderbar.

Back to this picture... this is the typical view you see of Dubai when you fly in from the West. The prominent building is the Hyatt Regency with its revolting revolving restaurant that even after 33 years, still has a lot of appeal. You can also see the mouth of the Creek and what was Port Rashid (now the Cruise Ship Terminal where the QEII is berthed awaiting its conversion to a floating hotel).

I was on a 777 - a very technologically advanced aircraft. During the night, they had what looked like a dark sky with glittering stars to give effect. Well, this morning, as I was looking out and trying to capture the amazing colours of dawn, I was sure I heard birds tweeting. I thought, "there can't be birds in here" but sure enough, the aircraft was playing us the dawn chorus!!! How original! I didn't have the best seat for photos, but it was fascinating to see all the different ways that the wings move.

It's good to be home. I'm sorry I've not been able to keep up with all of you these last 2 days, but tomorrow I will get to you!