Lets Get Wet - Dubai

Aquadventure on the Palm Islands is full of fun waterslides. Our first taste..a family tube sending us spinning and racing vertically up and down. Super fun.  So many thrills - roller coasters in tubes  - insane speed slides propelling you through tunnels and scary freefall drops – then lovely slow pace creeks you can float down to lower the heart rate! And my favourite,  a tube slide ending up in an aquarium. So cool floating through an oversized fish tank! Fabulous views too from the top of the towers before you plunge into the next adrenaline slide.

The park is set in beautiful surroundings, lush, tropical, surrounded by ocean. We had lunch overlooking the beach and the Dubai skyline. So peaceful with piped music, native birds chirping and friendly locals smiling. After our adventure in the wet we headed back to the hustle and bustle via the monorail. Fantastic views of the communities built on the palm fronds. Hundreds of 3 story sandy coloured houses with flat roofs and ornate arches. Like giant sandcastles.

A taxi took us along the beachfront past the rich gated homes of secret millionaires. We stood on the beach as the sun set and marveled at the 7 star hotel, the Burg Al Arab. A giant sail rising out of the ocean. It’s helipad looking like the Starship Enterprise..even had lights beaming out from underneath. Top security guarded the entrance and TV crews everywhere due to the 42nd celebration day of the United Emirates. We were even lucky enough to see the jet fighters put on a fantastic display with jets of coloured smoke in the national flag colours. Flags everywhere in fact, large and small, a big celebration.

After a spectacular sunset we headed for the Dubai Creek (river). Walked past lots of dinner boats all lit up ready to cruise. Ended up at the Silk Souk. Felt like we were in the Disney movie Aladdin. So many stalls inviting you in. Lots of gorgeous material…too many to choose. Took a traditional boat bus down the river…putting along…just like in the old days. A bargain at 1 dirham. Had tea overlooking the river. A delicious fresh pint of juice with an Arabian name I can’t remember and a traditinoal

shawarma (wrap). Yum! A great day!