Be careful what you wish for. Finally Sydney got massive storms and we had to sit on the tarmac for an extra 3 hours before our 14.30 hour flight. After seemed like forever we finally got there and made friends with our ‘aisle man’ who is a motor 7racing journalist and a regular visitor to UAE. We got a taxi from the hotel and gawked at the amazing architecture. The egg type building will be a museum for expo 2020.
The delay meant we missed our pre paid half day tour. We arrived at the Taj Hotel about 9.30 and we were treated like royalty, welcome drinks, an Indian blessing and a traditional necklace.- and this continued throughout our entire stay. A quick coffee each (which incidentally cost the same as the taxi from the airport- petrol is very cheap) A shuttle bus to Dubai Mall where we met our hop on hop off tour. A first for both Terry and I.
There were 3 zones that you could choose to tour, we did the red zone which went through the old town, past where the Sheik lives and included a 1 hour cruise on the creek. We went past this very tacky mini Egypt shopping area too. Dropped back at Dubai Mall – the biggest in the world, ( yawn), we checked the aquarium etc got a quick samosa snack and headed back to the hotel to FINALLY have much needed showers and check in.
An upgrade to our amazing view of the Burj Khalifa, present tallest building in the world and the 32nd floor was much appreciated. 
Bar hopping in the hotel, drinks on the balcony at Treehouse, a Margherita at the pub- the Eloquent Elephant. We wanted Arabic food so settled into the hotel Lounge bar for red wine and delicious lamb, chicken and Fattoush Salad. Stuffed and sleepy it was back to the room for bed.
Dubai is massive city and things like the Palm Jumiera and Burj al- Arab we really wanted to see but maybe next time. The weather was a pleasant 26 degrees, winter.
** apologies for the lateness of this post, have had massive technological issues. 😒
BT Travelblog2 
Interesting… what was the biggest Mall in the world about though!? Like what did they sell… fascinating… gorgeous pics. really interesting fusion of old school Middle Eastern Traditional architecture and modern Western style? Love this… was it super hot? Did you guys have to wear special clothes, can’t wait to hear details… plus love the pics of the city… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was 26 degrees and pleasant. The mall was the same as just about any other mall in the world. All chain stores mostly and lotsa luxury like Tiffany. No special clothes. XX
LikeLike