From Cape Town we took a very comfortable Emirates flight into Dubai. Our plan is to stay in the United Arab Emirates for a month, to meet up with Dave’s sister who lives in Abu Dhabi, and the rest of family Bartlett who are flying over for Dad B’s 60th birthday.

Before making the journey to Abu Dhabi, we met up with my friend from Leicester, Annie, and her boyfriend Martin, who are now living in a lovely apartment in the Jumeriah Beach Residence in Dubai. As we stepped off the plane in Dubai at 6am, we were hit by a wall of heat and humidity, comparable to stepping in to a steam room. It’s a lot stickier than Africa and is so overwhelming that it’s difficult to do anything outside in the day, or even the evening.

Despite that, Annie showed us a great time. We enjoyed an Ramadan Iftar buffet (evening break-the-fast dinner) at a fancy hotel tent, drank cocktails on a roof bar and drove her sporty soft top car along Dubai’s six lane highways at night, when the city was all lit up. It is a relief to stay in one place with a comfy bed and clean shower for three nights after our trip through Africa! Thanks Annie for having us, it is great to see you and introduce Dave to Dubai :o)