Visiting Other Emirates

We had another early start today for a full day tour for the 6 of us. We were again collected from the hotel -  this time at 8.25am. No alarm malfunctions this morning! And, we had time to eat a solid breakfast - unlike yesterday. We were on a small coach for this tour. We started by driving by the mosque-shaped Sharjah International Airport, designed by the Sheikh who rules Sharjah. We continued through a multi-hued desert landscape to the oasis of Al Dhaid, before journeying through spectacular mountain scenery.

Just before Masafi we stopped at the Friday Market which sells fruit and vegetables (the mangoes were delicious), pottery, local crafts, cushions and carpets. In the mountains we stopped for a stunning view of the canyon and the wadis showing tracks used by nomads in the early days. When we reached Dibba, nature was calling and Liz found a toilet stop of which the guide was unaware - a kind government official in a government building came to our rescue. Ron was given a tour of the stage and lighting areas of this cultural performance venue.

Our lunch stop was at a resort called the Sandy Beach Hotel and Resort. One look at the photo and you understand why they came up with a suitable but obvious name. The temperature at our lunch stop was 43 degrees air temp, 30 degrees beach water temp and they stated the pool was 28 degrees. We swam in the ocean - our feet sizzled as we bolted along the sand to the water - there was no taking your breath away as you went into the water. It was my kind of beach (many would call it a bay) and temperature although I did find myself swimming around trying to find a cool current somewhere. The rock you can see from the beach is called 'Snoopy's'.

After the ocean we tried the pool - it felt hotter than the ocean! Time for a quick lunch (either outside with fans blaring on you or in the air conditioned restaurant). John and I thought we’d like to eat outside but soon felt we were melting so went inside to join the others.

After lunch, we drove on to Khor Fakkan, a picturesque fishing village. All of this was in extreme contrast to what we saw in Dubai. On the way, we visited the Bidiyah Mosque, the oldest and smallest in the United Arab Emirates, nestled beneath a 300 year old fort. We then followed the coast road through the lovely green town of Khor Fakkan. The city of Fujairah, once a fishing village is now quickly becoming a major port for oil refineries.

Our last stop was Bithnah oasis where we found the impressive fort still guarding the mountain pass, once the only access to Fujairah.

We made our way back to Dubai where we arrived about 6.30pm. I am unsure of how many kilometres we travelled but it would have been a lot. I had several little dozes in the bus during the day. Being so busy during our short stay in Dubai, combined with the heat, induced me to nod off. John had a snooze on our return to Dubai as did our lovely French tour guide. He did a great job of explaining the formation of the United Arab Emirates and also of the history of the area as well as a few political matters - I did miss some of his information though. He also recommended for us to try camel milk chocolate as well as 2 books on the history of Dubai.

On arrival back at the hotel we gave ourselves time to shower and repack our suitcases (ready for our 7.30am pickup for the airport in the morning) before heading off at about 7.30pm to Dubai Mall to see the fountain in all it’s operational glory. It did not disappoint! Just amazingly spectacular. After having some dinner we did some final shopping. We wanted to have a look at the Gold Souk which eventuated with another purchase. The mall is open from 10am to 10pm most days - although Thursday to  Saturday, it stays open until midnight. We made our way again by taxi (taxi fares are very reasonable) back to the hotel about 10.30pm. We were all ready for bed that night! It was another full day!