Skiing in Dubai

Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
After Simon’s run we met Rose and Myra in the lobby at 11.25 to catch the 11.30 shuttle to the Mall of the Emirates to have a look at the indoor Ski Field. When we got down to the lobby Myra was telling us to hurry up as the shuttle was leaving. Once on board Simon discovered his watch was saying 11.26 but it was actually 11.31! Oops when Simon changed his watch back the 8 hours he must have moved the minute hand as well. Anyway we got to the mall about a 15 minute drive and walked into a huge mall looking very much like any Christchurch Mall - Food Court, noise and boring / exciting shops. ( readers choice). We were on a mission to see the Ski Field but you couldn’t without paying. The hostess suggested going upto TGI Friday’s where they have windows that look out on the Ski Field. Not being a Skiers of the snow sort it was certainly worth a look but I am sure anyone who goes to Mt Hutt would not be overly excited by the Ski Field. Apparently a person who skied at recent Winter Olympics learnt to Ski here.
For our apres Ski event we went to the bigger Dubai Mall not to look at shops but to find out about going up the Burj Khalifa tower which stands at 828m in comparison the Eiffel Tower is 324m and the tallest building in Christchurch is the Pacific Tower in Gloucester St at 86m. Susan and Myra were happy to stay at ground level so Rose and Simon paid the AED525 to to At the Top. First elevator takes you to level 125 and the second to level 148. We were first taken to a wee lounge for some ‘tea’ and shortbread type biscuits before going through security (like for a plane) before entering elevator one. About 20 people and as the elevator goes up a video plays on the walls with a wee history of the project  while we climb at 36kmh to level 125 a bit over a minute my ears popped at level 100! Very quiet. At level 125 we change elevators ( some people only get tickets to 125) to carry on to 148. We arrive and get offered a juice and then left to wander around and go outside. Yes the sides are enclosed. We take pictures look at view it is amazing to look down on other tall buildings. We then headed back down to 125 where the souvenir shop and offical photographers are. Again you can go outside and also be Tom Cruise in a  2011’s Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol Virtual Reality  activity. Quite freaky when you are free falling from the top you do actually wobble!  Of course you aren’t the biggest for long as the Dubai Creek Tower at 1345m is planned to open in 2020.
After we returned to earth, Simon & Susan went to see a Van Gogh Alive art exhibition. Yes we did.  Van Gogh Alive – The Experience is an acclaimed art exhibition showcasing works by the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. It’s been touring the world. It’s more than just an exhibition, with over 3000 images, including Van Gogh’s vibrant paintings as well as other inspirational images. They’ll are displayed on the walls, the ceiling, and even the floor, with high-definition projectors. Some of the paintings are displayed in full, while others are broken down into sections, or magnified on a huge scale. We were able to enjoy a specially-curated classical soundtrack to link to some of Van Gogh’s most famous works.  We spent over 2 hours and really enjoyed it. We both like Van Gogh especially as both Rachel and Luke while at Redcliffs school each did Van Gogh styled paintings which we had framed and still have.
After all this culture and activity it was time to return to the hotel for a beer, swim and some food. It was after 7pm (sunset at 6.30pm ) so we had the pool to ourselves plus our own Srilankan Life guard to watch over us! We then dined alfresco with the buffet dinner again a 2for1 deal. Nice choice of salads. Tomorrow the day starts at 9am with a half-day Dubai Tour. Stay tuned. 
Postscript to previous blog 13th April was a religious day Laylat al-Minaj hence no alcohol until sunset on the 14th.          A few of you wondered if we were actually going on a Ski Trip.     We are but SKI means Spend Kids Inheritance. 
Photos 1: Ski Dubai 2: Simon at level 148 of The Burj Khalifa  3: View from The Burj Khalifa  Very hard to show the view, distance and scale of the Tower and view. I am sure google will give you better images. 4: Simon Mission Impossible Virtual Reaity 5: Stairs down from Level 125 to Level 124 6: Van Gogh Alive exhibition 7: Fresh Flowers in the hotel lobby 8: Simon dining Al Frsco at Flow
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Comments

Myra
2018-04-17

Great blog Simon. It is almost like I am there

Auntie Anne
2018-04-17

Am exhausted just reading all about your adventures in Dubai, and that is only the first days!!!! xxx

Sal
2018-04-18

Wow...thanks I am enjoying the journey...

Pats
2018-04-18

OMGoodness,how exciting,I’m feeling I’m on hols & didn’t get time off work. Thanks for sharing ❌❌

Jane
2018-04-18

Those poor children

Elia
2018-04-24

OMG Susan, you had me in stitches when I read "SKI means Spend Kids Inheritance". It looks and sounds amazing, don't believe I would have been as brave as Simon going to the edge to take a photo on lvl 148, even with a barrier and windows! Enjoy!!!

2025-02-10

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