Time: Apr 16-24 2011
Place: UAE - Sharjah, Dubai, Al-Ain
Company: Family
Highlights:
Day 1: 16th: Took the Airarabia flight at 0430 hrs to Sharjah. First international flight for my daughter Paavani and first flight for my mother in law. Reached Sharjah at 0630 hrs local time but due to immigration formalities which took almost 1.5 hrs, could get out of the airport only at 0830 hrs. Brother in law picked us up from the airport and took us to his house in Sharjah.
Relaxed entire day but in the evening, went to Ajman Beach near Sharjah. UAE is comprised of states which they call as Emirates. Sharjah, Ajman, Dubai, Al-Ain (?), Abu Dhabi, etc are Emirates. Ajman beach is a nice hang out for kids especially as it has some play arena.
Reached home and celebrated me and my wife’s first birthday with our daughter.
Day 2: 17th: Left home at 10 am to go to Dubai which is just an hour away. First stop was on Jumeira Beach. This beach was filled with Europeans. Beautiful beach, nice waves, bluish green color of the sea. Beach is adjoined with a nice park to relax and have snacks. Wonderful atmosphere.
Next stop was Wild Wadi park but only to take snaps in front of Burj Al Arab since even an entry into Burj Al Arab is very expensive. Then went to Atlantis – the 7 star hotel that’s built recently in Dubai. Picturesque architecture standing like a gate to Dubai from the ocean. Atlantis also acts as the head of the palm tree that’s constructed on the sea. Best part is there is a monorail that goes through the stem of the constructed tree and one can see the branches branching out of the stem with each branch containing villas with private beaches which only the filthy rich can own.
Next stop was for lunch at one of the innumerous indian restaurants. Then at 4 pm went to Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building. It is about 250 odd floors but visitor access is only till half the number of floors (127?). Amazing view all around. Then got down to the Dubai mall and also saw the musical fountain. Finally headed back home.
Day 3: 18th: Did nothing in the morning but went to Desert safari in the evening at 4 pm. Never expected it to be like a theme ride! These SUVs have raw power to rip through the desert sand dunes like anything and drivers tend to go over them like a ride. One will be tossed here and there during the ride. Fun for the first few minutes but gets boring after some time. Finally went to a camp-like setting under the open sky – with all the seating arrangement pointing towards the center stage which was later occupied by the belly dancer and other traditional Dubai dancers. Camel ride, motor bike ride, costume, henna, etc too were present. After a nice dinner, headed back.
Days 4, 5, 6 : 19th – 21st: Relaxed. Went to a nearby park and played shuttle after a long time. There are lots of parks in Sharjah and nice places to relax and spend time. Place called Cornish was in within walking distance. A nice setting to spend with family amidst the back water.
Day 7: 22nd: Went to Al-Ain wildlife park. This place has animals & birds from all parts of the country. It is extremely vast and needs almost 5-6 hrs to completely see this park. Once done, we went to Jebel Hafeet mountain. Wonderful drive up the mountain with steep ascent but beautiful road. Once atop, one can see the desert in its pristine glory. Very nice climate. Localites performing dance all around. Apparently, it goes up till midnight plus some motorcycle stunts. But we headed back after sunset to avoid the traffic. Another huge park right below the mountain. Finally reached home at 9.30 pm.
Day 8: Time to go back. Stayed home. Took the Airarabia 1030 pm flight back to Bangalore.
Overall: UAE is a wonderful country which accommodates for the well being of a family. Lots of Indians, Pakistanis, Afghanistanis, etc living in a country that is made beautiful by the Government. Just shows that if India, Pakistan, Afghanistan is made beautiful, then the citizenry can indeed keep it beautiful. Enjoyed the trip thoroughly.
