My first time of traveling out of the country to one of my dream country,Dubai,it was a very interesting experience that I always smile whenever I remember!!!
Hi Guys
Here is my trip report for Dubai where I stayed for 3 days between Aug25-28. Here you go!
It all started when I bordded the airoplane to Dubai,I sat on my seat looking at everybody,and pretending like I've been traveling for long,I kept all my money inside my foot socks and wear my shoe,for thief not to rob me,
When it got to eating time,I refused to take food from the hostess because I don't want to spend more than my budget, though I latter agreed to take some little things thinking this supposed not to exceed my budget.
When we were about to land,I was expecting them to come for money,but I didn't see anybody,I was happy that I have escaped from giving them money,
I narrated what happened inside plane to some people after landing,they were just laughing at me,
that experience pain me like.
Day 1(Aug 25) : Landed in Dubai around 7am in the morning, went through immigration quickly (opposite to what I thought, as there were many immigration officers serving), then greeted by an Arabian Adventure assistant who gave us his contact and all necessary information regarding hotel booking in Dubai. Took some snaps at Terminal 3, which is amazing. After a short while we were taken to the hotel. A small trouble occurred when I noticed I have forgotten all my credentials at the airport, so immediately after reaching hotel,I went back to the airport, and after much waits I couldn't find it and came back to the hotel. My hotel was Admiral Plaza Hotel, which was good 3-star hotel.
After resting for couple of hours, I went to Dubai Mall. Honestly, it was HUGE, although very beautiful and elegant. The Aquarium was nice, took soo many snaps almost on every floor :) There were guiding assistants almost everywhere in case someone got lost, although there were direction boards almost on every turn which was good. I found the prices of stuff there far higher then what we see in Nigeria, so didn't do much shopping.
At 6.30pm I was booked for Burj Khalifa top, so I rushed to the Top counter, and after short wait in the queue, we were in the amazing elevator which went to 124th floor very fast. Only thing look weird to me was the elevator size which was small, so people have to queue and wait to go up or come down. Anyway, the Burj Khalifa top view was AMAZING...one can view miles from there. I saw Burj-al-arab, world islands, and fascinating view of Sheikh Zayed Road from there. Shortly the sun set and the lights were on, which multiplied the beautiful view. It was worth going there. Every corner you go will give different view of Dubai and it was soo beautiful. Stayed there for more than hour. Went striaght to Dubai Mall Food Court, had KFC which was good. You really need strong legs to walk in Dubai Mall, one have to walk alot, since its huge :)
After dinner, went out to see the fountains show,which was good. Took many snaps behind Burj Khalifa, Souk-al-bahar, and the Address hotel. The only difficulty standing outside was it was too humid and warm even in the night, which forcefully shortened my stay outdoor. After that took a taxi back to the hotel. I must say, the Taxi rank facility was amazing, and so was Taxis. They were extremely comfortable, air-conditioned, and metered. I really enjoyed taxi rides.
Day-2 (Aug 26): After having nice breakfast in Hotel, went straight to Mall of the Emirates. It was a nice, very beautiful mall, but much smaller as compared to Dubai Mall. The shops were almost same and so the prices. Saw Ski Dubai, didn't fancy going inside, took many snaps. Had Texas Chicken in lunch at the food court (as I like fried chicken very much). From there took a taxi to Palm Jumeirah monorail station as I decided to go to Palm Atlantis via monorail. The monorail was good and the views were amazing. The train was almost empty so we sat at the front to get best views.
After getting down at Aquaventure, walked to Palm Atlantis main entrance. The humidity was killing, but somehow get ourselves adjusted with it. Atlantis was good and the beach sunset looked beautiful. From there decided to go to Jumeirah Beach Walk, but unfortunately stuck in traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road, and it took almost an hour to get there. It came to my surprise that there were no lighting on the beach, and the beach was totally dark. I assumed
there will be lights on the beach if someone want a beach walk(as we have in Seaview, Karachi), but there wasnt. The hotels and building were nice though. I Went back to hotel from there, and my friend took me out for a treat at BBQ night buffet in Bur Dubai which was awesome.
Day-3 (Aug 27): Went to my family friends in Karama, and in afternoon went again to Dubai Mall :) Saw the leftover areas like the Waterfall and Dubai Ice Rink. Once again had many snaps, and spent couple of hours there. In evening, went to Jumeirah Public beach, and spent sometime in hot water :) From the beach it was a nice view of Burj-al-Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel. I Went to the hotel after that as I was too sweaty, had a bath and changed, I went to Deira City Centre with my friend, and after that had a nice dinner in some Pakistani resturant near Dubai Creek (didnt remembered the name). I also stood for a while near Dubai Creek to see NBD building and twin towers. Came back to hotel earlier on cz I need to pack once again for my early morning onward flight to Nigeria.
Overall, I found Dubai simply amazing, highly modern, and a must-see place. The roads were huge with people driving at high speed. Loved Sheikh Zayed Road, it was huge and lovely, I cant express in words! Weather was bit of a problem which made staying outside difficult for me, but apart from that, I found my first time short stay nice and good. Honestly, Dubai is amazing and can't wait to come back (but in winter.. ha ha)
Also, many many thanks to tripadvisor users for providing tons of useful information which helped alot planning my stay....Thanks guys!
Thanks for reading folks
Olorundare Johnson Olawale
(Wale Success)