We are back from holiday.  Had a short trip to the Oman for some sun and swimming.

We travelled out on Friday evening on Qatar airlines, landed in Doha, catching a connecting flight to Dubai. Once in Dubai checked into our hotel and met up with the other Explore punters.

After a shower and snooze we met up for a walking trip around Dubai.  We split up into four taxis to meet at the ferry to cross Dubai Creek.  Alas no taxi ended up in the same place.  We waited for 30 minutes at the ferry crossing before deciding on striking out to the museum.  Here we eventually met up with the others, learning they had all come different ways.

After an interesting visit we had a ferry trip around the Creek seeing some magnificent hotels.  Then it was time for supper at an Egyptian restaurant.  We ate a mixed set of starters, and I ate a mixed grill for my main course.

Back to our poor hotel, Sun and Sand to go out for an evening sight seeing.  First stop was the Emirates Towers Hotel, where we went to the 51st floor bar for a cocktail.  Here we had a bit of a problem with one of the group being rejected because of trainers.  Eventually was allowed to stay.  You could feel the building sway in the wind.  Great lift ride down from the 40th floor in a glass lift over the reception area.

Caught another taxi to see the Burj al-Arab hotel, (the hotel build like a sail), here we could not get in unless we had a reservation, so just admired the building illuminated by a changing blue and purple light.  We walked to the nearest hotel, The Jumeirah Beach Hotel which overlooks the Burj al-Arab.  The hotel supprts the Wild Wadi water theme park.  At this hotel there was an English bar called the Dhow and Anchor.  Would have taken a picture for our local Plough and Anchor pub, if only there had been some wothwhile signage to be seen.

Found the time was nearing midnight, so back by taxi to our hotel.

Sunday up and out on a coach to drive to the Oman, stopped on the way several times to view other cities.  We boared our motor dhow and set sail.  Soon stopped at Cable Island for lunch and a swim, then more cruising before supper and going to bed.  We split between those sleeping on the land, and those on the boat.

Next day we set off for the Indian Ocean.  On the way stopped at various villages and saw around some houses in a very remote village.  This delayed us somehwat, and after going through the Strait of Hormus we were in rough water in the dark.  Many got sea sick.  Eventually stopped short of our destination and stayed at a fishermens village.  Again split between those who stayed on the boat and slept in a villagers house.

Next day we returned back to our starting port, had a trip in four wheel drive vehicles around the near mountain, climbing up to 2000 meters.  Back to Dubai late at night, just in time for supper, but no shopping.

Wednesday was just the reverse trip back to London, and the cold and snow.