August 27th, 2019
Welcome to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) which is the home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa! In some weird way, Dubai reminds me of Las Vegas in the summer without the casinos of course. I have just traveled from Nairobi after completing my Safari Trip for the past week.
A couple of reason why I am here in Dubai, firstly, I needed a place where I can get a good shower and relax before my flight back to the US. Secondly, I wanted to check out the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa as I was at the world’s tallest Petronas twin tower a few weeks before.
Check out the link for the Petronas Twin Tower below http://www.pomusa.com/2019/08/04/petronas-twin-tower-malaysia/
Free SIM card and minutes
First stop after baggage claim is to get myself a free SIM card and service for all visitors to Dubai. Yes, it comes with FREE three-minute talk time, five SMS and 20MB mobile data. Check out the links below
https://www.etisalat.ae/en/c/mobile/plans/visitor-line.jsp
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/general/now-free-sim-cards-for-all-uae-visitors-1
Sofitel Downtown, Dubai
My first stop after the airport is the Sofitel Downtown Dubai. The hotel is magnificent as it has a direct view of the Burj Khalifa. Ironically, I spent some time at the pool before I pay Burj Khalifa a visit.
Next part is the infinity pool overlooking Burj Khalifa
The easiest way to get to Burj Khalifa is to walk in the above-ground pedestrian bridge that takes you all the way to Dubai Mall and then to Burj Khalifa. You really want to do that because it’s so freaking hot over here.
Pedestrian Bridge from Outside inside the pedestrian bridge
Next stop, Dubai Mall. Yes, they got all the American comfort over here including Dunkin Donuts, Mickey D’s, Starbuck, Johnny Rockets, etc…
Since I have been eating Indian food in Kenya, I had some craving for it and I stopped by this stall in the food court. The volume was too much and it was watered down.
Guess what I also found at the mall…
The Burj Khalifa
I present you the World’s Tallest Building in 2019…The Burj Khalifa located in Dubai, UAE
My appointment with the world’s tallest building is at 7 pm and I am on my way there. However, the Dubai Mall is so massive that I actually got lost for 15 minutes.
Yes, you will need to make a reservation online to get the time and the right price. However, you may purchase them inside Dubai Mall before you get to the entrance of the At The Top, Burj Khalifa.
More Picture of the building from the outside
I spent over 1 hour in the building before I head back to the hotel as I have to get up early the next morning for my trip back to the US.
Next morning, I checked the view from my hotel room.
Some pictures along the route to the airport…
Dubai Airport
All I know is that within the next minute, I am at the airport and on the Emirates flight back to the US.
Emirates offered us a little gift bag with sock, toothpaste, eyeshade, etc.. The only time I got anything like that was when I flew business class.
We got served breakfast, lunch and some sort of snack.
The flight took about 16 hours and it’s interesting that the route goes over the North Pole. Yes, Santa did not do a fly-by when I was over at North Pole.
North Pole route Tail Camera from the A380
Yup.. then…I made it home… now for my next adventure…
What’s your next adventure?
Not sure yet.. i will be up in oregon for a reunion.. i am hoping maybe Alaska during the bear catching salmon but that won’t be till next year.