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| Hanging out near the port in Dubai’s old town |
I made it to Dubai! Today was my first day in this dynamic city. I am loving it here so far, but boy, getting here was a DOOZY.
You see, I told you in this post that I was supposed to be leaving for Dubai on Friday night and arriving on Saturday morning. The key phrase is “supposed to”.
In reality, I didn’t end up leaving London until Sunday evening. I took a night flight and landed here in Dubai this morning, Monday, 48 hours after my scheduled arrival.
Can you guess what happened?
Those of you who follow me on Facebook know my tale of epic failure and travelling woe, but for those of you who don’t, here’s a clue: I made one of the stupidest mistakes a traveller can ever make when travelling, one which severely affected my travel schedule.
Of course I’ll elaborate later, but I’d love for you all to guess what boneheaded thing I did. Leave a comment and let me know what you think!
In the meantime, here are some lovely pictures from my first day in Dubai. I can’t believe I’m here!
T
Psst! Don’t forget to “like” me on Facebook if you haven’t already! Your support is much appreciated!
{ 54 comments… read them below or add one }
Something to do with visas?
Beautiful pictures! Can't wait to hear more about your trip.
Was a bit of trouble associated with a visa? I just had to make sure if I needed one for my trip to Chile in a couple months…
I want to go shopping in that jewelry store!!! Enjoy Dubai baby!
Gorgeous as usual.. I'm sure it wasn't that much of a bonehead mistake.
Awesome photos!! And tons of birds… ah, crazy!
Anyway, did you oversleep??? Ah, I am tempted to check out your FB page (in fact, I'm going there right after posting this comment!)
Yah…i was there last month. Make sure you go for the desert safari.
I'm going to agree with folks that passports and visas were at play. Every time someone gives me a lift to the airport they demand that I check for my passport before I can get in the car. Sweet of them, although I would one day like to graduate from helpless child to something approximating adulthood.
Let me guess!
You didn't realise Canada is the only Western nation with which Dubai/UAE authorities require citizens to pre-arrange a visa before arriving at a UAE airport?
The visa requirement for Canadians was imposed in January 2011. All other western nationals (UK/Western Europe/America) can enter visa-free apart from Canadians, who need to stump up about £150 or so I heard!
Believe it or not I was actually going to post a little message on your facebook fan page saying I hope you remembered to sort out a visa, but I didn't because I thought you probably already checked!!
Umm..you boarded the wrong plane?
J/k:)
Just call it the "Dubai Adventure":) Great first day…pics from the Burj al Arab please!
I have a feeling maybe you forgot your passport? Can't wait to hear more about your trip. Dubai sounds amazing!
Hey Welcome to Dubai! I love it there but the UAE and Canada are having issues so yea getting here has become more difficult for Canadians. It's totally worth it though. Love the blog btw.
Didn't calculate the time difference correctly? I've done that…
Your photos are absolutely beautiful! I want to go jewellery shopping there so badly…
I like how you've shown the old side of Dubai to start off rather than the sites everyone is already familiar with.
Visa!!!
Awesome pictures
You took forgot you travel documents? Looking lovely in the pics (LOV-ing hair!)
I'm not sure if this would apply to you, but I booked a ticket for the correct day & date, but the wrong MONTH once (since Feb normally only has 28 days, Feb & March line up perfectly). I showed up to the airport only to be told "You're a month early and the flight you actually wanted to book is oversold. Come back tomorrow." Fun times! Fortunately, it was only a short domestic flight from LA, not an intl jaunt.
Looks awesome ! I'm looking forward my trip to Dubai next month.
Have a blast there !
Hi – I'm guessing:
You arrived at the airport at the Arrival time in Dubai instead of the Departure time in London…why? Because I have ashamedly done this…
im one of your facebook fanpage fan. So i will second what TA already mentioned. Those jewelries are shiny btw! Also, who took the second picture for you? I suppose you travel with more than one camera since you have one around your neck. Have a safe travel. i hope to get all my travel tips for dubai from your trip.
So sorry to hear about your visa issue. It's great that it was resolved. I may need to pick your brain for some Dubai advice.
Look at all of those jewels! Oh my! Are you traveling solo? I always wondered how viable it would be to travel to Dubai as a female solo traveler.
Gorgeous! I was just telling my b/f that we should consider living there…
yes yes yes!! Post forthcoming… ugh!
You are correct! You need one for Chile but you can get it on arrival! When are you going?! I loved that country!
Thanks lady! There are many of them.. lol
Ugh, but it was… Thanks!
hehe, did you go to the page?!
Going on Friday! Cant wait!
LOL! It s always good to double check!
Argh I didnt!! Sadness… But got it straightened out!
haha! That hasnt happened to me… yet!
Just went there today!! They are coming!
It sooo is! I love it!
Thank you!! Where are you teaching? How long have you been here? I would love to get your perspective!
That happened to me in Spain once and I missed a bus!!
You should! You look so great in jewelry!!
We figured we d hit up the cultural centre first! Thanks!
Correct! Thanks!
Love it! The buildings are so pretty!
I'm travelling with my boyfriend, but wouldnt hesitate to do this trip on my own!
For sure!
Liebling took it for me! We are travelling with two cameras!
haha oh no!!!
Nice! How long will you be here for?
That happened to a friend of mine!! Poor thing!
Thanks! It's already growing back!
only 3 days…..I don't think that would be enough
I'm teaching in a small town in the Al Gharbia region of Abu Dhabi…it's about 3.5 hours away from Dubai. I've been here a year and it's never dull that's for sure
Hope you have a great time!
I'd missed your FB post – oh no! I never think to check stuff like that until the last minute, which with my UK passport isn't usually a problem, but I'm just waiting for the day I find out Chile has some crazy restriction and have the same thing happen. Glad you made it eventually!
Do you have a Chilean passport or residency card that you can use when you re-enter Chile?
Oh no, I meant Chile as in for Rodolfo when we go somewhere else, and it turns out Chilean citizens need visas. Sorry, that was really unclear. I don't have any problems coming back in, I'm a permanent resident.
Great pictures, I look forward to reading your other posts about Dubai. This is not necessarily a place I would absolutely want to visit, but I'm curious to know about your experience.