Reflections on Singapore ..... We both really enjoyed Singapore and would love to go back. The people are the friendliest we have ever met - always willing to help - if they see you struggling or lost they will approach you and help you. The hotel was fine, it is a walkable city with plenty to like (lots of shopping, gardens, bars and restaurants, Sensota island etc). It is very anglicised in the main city and feels a home from home (only warmer and friendlier!...

Went out for a small bite to eat last night (we had quite a big late lunch at Universal). Found a great complex of bars and restaurants called Chimes which opened out into a Courtyard and seemed a bit "posher" than Clarke Quay. Definitely "our scene". Very relaxed with a good choice of eateries. Had some tapas and then walked down to Boat Quay over the bridge was really nice. Boat quay has a range of restaurants and bars alongside the river - lots of ex pats out ...

So we are here on Singapore. What's it like? Well, rather good actually. People are incredibly friendly, our hotel is good, albeit the room is small and the weather is hot but very humid. They are so efficient here - through security into a taxi and right to hotel no problems - about 30 minutes in total max after another good Emirates flight. Good night sleep then yesterday we had a good luck around the city. Kept on getting lost at first. A kind old man on a...

Reflections of Dubai .... Its big, shiny and new. Maybe the last of the "new" great cities. Ideally located as a gateway to the Middle East and beyond. Lot of money thrown at this place and it shows. It's a city of the future and baring any changes (which could happen) in terms of the rulers philosophy (benevolent monarch), this place will be around for many years to come. Along with Shanghai, Dubai could make London look like a quaint village in the next ten ...

So we went on the desert safari .... We got picked up on time and set off up Hatta Road to the desert, sharing a Toyota Land Cruiser with a couple of Romanian girls and Chinese lads. First up, dune bashing on the way to the camp. This involved climbing huge dunes, sliding down and skimming the top at pace. Pretty full on, but the driver knew how to handle the car. Was not scary as such, but nauseating! After half an hour you're glad to stop. Time for a photo ...