Flying sux.  Big time.  Especially with 6 angry, tired screaming infants on the flight.  The flight was only about half full, so we got 4 seats between both of us, and were able to take turns in lying down and having a bit of horizontal down time.  My entertainment centre wasn’t working, so I mostly read.  Love my tablet, makes carrying tons of printed books obsolete.  I downloaded loads of e-books from the library free of charge and can do so from anywhere in the world.

We arrived in Dubai completely wrung out.  Disembarked into 30 degree heat at 5.30 am local time. The plane landed several kms out in the middle of the airport and were ferried to the terminal by wonderfully airconditioned buses.  Getting through customs and  immigration was easy peasy at that time of the day and our transfer company delivered us to our hotel in central Dubai  by 7 am.  We had some breakfast, and then walked across the street to an enormous shopping complex to do a few laps and taking a few photos before heading back to the hotel. Check out the beautifully blingy burkas we saw in a shop window.  No prices.  If you have to ask, you can’t afford!! After a most welcome shower we fell into bed to catch up on some desperately needed zzzz’s.  Lunched in the hotel, and then went to spend some time poolside.  Pete had a swim and I just lazed.  The 4 pm call to prayer was fantastic.  Brings back fond memories of Istanbul, Debbie.  The man has a magic voice!  Could listen to him all day.  Hope to hear him again tomorrow morning (the first call to prayer for Muslims is a hour before dawn) before we are collected and driven back to the airport.

Ilze