Shore Excursion: Walking Tour of Dubai
We were very excited to be sailing in for views of this distinctive skyline and were perched up in La Veranda for some iconic shots. Not quite what we had expected though as just "a promise" of a view started to emerge. Dubai's dense vista of skyscrapers and towers was shrouded in the dusty evidence of its penchant for moving dirt, rocks and stone. And there appeared to be one building on fire - it was billowing smoke.
I had slid open the blinds and door at 5.30 am for a sunrise shot and a little portion of the dust had caught in my throat and set up an annoying tickle reflex. I had joined the group of "coughers of Dubai" and keen to nip that in the bud I dipped into my "registered because it's on the banned list" drug supply.
It was a later morning dock at 10 am, again in an industrial port, and our Walking Tour assembled at 10.45. We joined the non-citizen @Stuart for a short bus ride to deliver us to Old Dubai for an up close and personal look at this side of Dubai Creek.
And of course, by the time we commenced the 3 hour walk, it was close to midday and some of our northern hemisphere friends were definitely feeling the heat. The cool corridors between the reconstructed walls of Old Dubai contrasted strongly with the heat reflected from the open walkways. Not a worry for the Aussies - we enjoyed the heat and definitely knew about "shade-hopping" to take advantage of respite from the sun.
This area - Bastikia - has been specifically "recreated" for tourism - and featured a Bedouin village, complete with camel, lots of alleyways, doorways and arches, water towers, the fort, museums and the opportunity to enter one of the homes. I particularly enjoyed this look inside one of the multi storeyed homes. So large - ground floor open living space, upper floors bedrooms. Settled in for a small sampling of tea and some insights before we off outside again to explore more of the alleyways and building facades.
Hospitality tea
We made a bit of a mad dash through the Textile Souk. Very enthusiastic traders were in the doorways of their shops - encouraging and inviting members of Group 21 to stop and buys their wares. Huge variety from fresh produce to spices, trinkets and treasures and of course fabrics lengths and fashions and stuff. @Stuart kept his smile in place and his flag raised and repeated "No time for shopping" as he herded us through.
After a hot stroll along the banks of Dubai Creek we were welcomed into the coolness of the Perfume Museum (not on the itinerary) which explored the history of perfumes in a building of a renowned perfumer who was an aunt of the current Emir of Dubai. The experience is set up so that you can "experience" the perfumes - funnel shaped containers activate a gentle sample of the scents as you try to recognise the roses, myrtle and ouds used in the perfume production.
A little more navigation through the hot open walkways and we arrived at the second museum (not on the itinerary) which was a museum devoted to the history of Dubai Creek. This saltwater inlet is a major tourist attraction with its wooden dhows and old style markets and effectively divides the old and new sections of Dubai. The museum had lots of hands-on displays and chances to interact.
As an aside, the description of the tour provided when we selected our shore excursions some months back - was not reflected in our reality today. Covered off paragraph one - definitely did not get to "wondrous highlights" described in paragraph two. We had lots of wrong turns, delays, closed venues, skip bys, false starts and missed turns. Definitely need headsets on walking tours when you are airing out and can't hear. Fingers crossed we get a wider view of Dubai in the days to come and that we get lucky and score a tour leader who is a little more present and definitely less engaged with communication technology (wink, wink, nod, nod.)
Actually, was fortuitous that we were "lingering longer" because there was a gentleman locked inside one of the venues. @Richard had to put on his Superman Cape and fly to the rescue to unlock a series of doors to facilitate the guy's escape.
Back in our suite, we were greeted by suitcases "conveniently" placed on our beds to motivate guests for the packing routine. Of course, we complied (with little enthusiasm) and wrestled with the reluctant contents. Had to get ourselves organised because all bags needed to be out by 10 pm. Had the backpack sorted ready to take the PJs and toiletries we would need in the morning and a change of clothes.
All dress codes were lifted this evening - and we made our final appearance in Compass Rose so that everyone could indulge in their last favourites. A very quiet night on board - seems as if many people are flying out later tonight or in the very early hours of tomorrow morning. Felt we had most venues to ourselves.
We rolled out the bags at 9.50 pm, all appropriately stickered and labelled, and set the alarm for the early morning exodus. Everyone needs to be assembled in a public area by 8 am and our disembarkation time is 8.20 and then the crew will turn their attention to the 500+ new passengers they welcome on board.
So, that's it really. Has been a blast. And now to our post trip excursions as Regent's guest
Weather: 33 - it was a warm
Steps: 11431
#RegentSevenSeasExplorer #RegentSevenSeas #RegentCruise
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