"Sun, Sand, Shopping, Swimming and... " a Dubai Travel Page by plant_girl

Arrived in Dubai at the horrid hour of 5:30am and it was already 39 degrees!! Were imediately blown away by the construction in the area.

After an *interesting* taxi ride to our hotel (Oasis Beach Hotel) we were grateful for the iced fruit drink and cold towels.
The hotel was great, and, although dwarfed by the construction around it, was not actually that affected by it. The hotel staff were fantastic- got our room ready by 10am, and we spent the time between lounging by the pool. After a morning of lounging set off for.....

Dragged ourselves to the Mall of the Emirates, where I bought more memory cards for my camera! Resisted the temptation to double my luggage amount this early on into the trip. The Mall of the Emirates also has the only indoor ski slope in the world with and advanced 'black' run.
Went back to the hotel and crashed for the night!

Woke up feeling suprisingly unjetlagged, and headed for Wild Wadi waterpark. Had an amazing day there riding waterslides and trying to stay on the boogie-boarding simulator. Also got some great views of the Burj al Arab and Jumeriah Beach Hotel.

In the evening headed for the gold souk, which was pure sensory overload - shop after shop of bling. Had our first truly interesting moment when we got lost in the souk area at about 10pm at night, but made our way out OK!