Our first day in Dubai didn't seem too hot as we set off to the local souks. After half an hour we were searching for the shade, 2 hours later and we wondered if we would made it back to the hotel without being fried alive.

We had a wonderful time in Deira in the Gold Souk until the salesmen got too much. Stan got wrapped in a headdress and they tried to put him in a white traditional dress. I tried on a scarf that I should have purchased, but the harassment to buy, and the man blocking the door so we couldn’t leave, ended with us running down the nearest side alley.

The afternoon involved a taxi ride to the Burj Al Arab for high tea at the Sky Bar. So glad I printed off the booking, for without documentation the guards don’t allow anyone within a mile of the place. Once there - it was awesome. The service, the food and the amazing view made the whole experience something to remember. We were one of the first to arrive so enjoyed a window table that looked towards the city. Even the ride in the glass lift to the 127th floor was spectacular.

From there we travelled back up the 8 lane Sheikh Zayed Road to the Burj Khalifa and the biggest mall in the world. We enjoyed the air-conditioning of the mall. The fountain that plays in time with music was spectacular in typical Dubai fashion – Big and man made. For a place that gets 99% of their water from desalination they certainly have a lot of water used for displays.

We were very much in need for a beer – none to be had in Dubai except in hotels. So after another 4 mile hike back to the taxi rank we travelled back to the Radisson Blu and headed for the Jazz bar on the 10th floor that overlooked the creek and enjoyed the beer.

Three taxi rides and three near death experiences. Crazy drivers, lots of lane changing, sports cars and road rage.