Had quite a chilled day yesterday relaxing by pool before heading off to the Dubai Mall for a spot of shopping. We met up with Kat and Med again for dinner at a Lebonese restaurant before they took us on a mini tour of Dubai including the Marina (which is a mini city on itself). Some of the architecture is amazing in terms of the buildings - there is a twisty one which was designed for each floor to rotate so you have a different view each day! They are built in...

Went on a bus tour of Dubai yesterday. Pretty Expensive. Dubai is bigger than we imagined - very long rather than wide. Saw the main beach and Burj al Arab and back over the Palm and through the city on Sheikh Zayed Road (which is the biggest road ive ever seen about 7 lanes either way), went through the old soak and gold soak were we got off to have a look. No rings bought (yet - Jean). Also saw spice soak, Dubai creek and Deira City Centre. Got off at Sheikh ...

Ok - so what did we do yesterday? Started by having a look at the Atlantis Hotel and visited the Aquarium there which was great. Some weird looking fish - remind us of a few people we know! Taxi to the Mall of the Emirates which was ridiculously big had every shop you can think of Harvey nicks.. American eagle... - couldn't find our way out so had a coffee and watched people on indoor ski slope instead. Finished the day off meeting Katja who picked us up from t...

Here safe and sound. Had a great flight with Emirates on the new Airbus A380 with good food, loads of films to watch and camaras so you could outside the aircraft. Massive queues at immigration and for a taxi meant we got in late around 3.30am. Hotel is excellent, weather perfect. Off exploring now ........

Through security and ready to go. Flight to Dubai slightly delayed so just chilling out with a cup of tea. Nervous and excited at what lies ahead. Been months in the planning so a bit weird it's finally here! Thanks to Bill and Jean for the lift!