Yes - we are still here - well somewhere!!

From the sad and facsinating reality of India to the opulence, harmonious and surreal unreality of Dubai.

Sorry if you missed us too much. I will try to get the India trip done in the next few days. One of our next 5 sea days have already slipped by with me in recovery mode.
Yes Dubai - dream it build it! We did a trip on our arrival back to Dubai - I slept most of it. But I did make the Berg Kalifa - the highest buildng in the world at 838 metres, and took the lift at high speed but hardly perceptibly to 124 stories for a magnificent view. We took photos of course but they are yet to be revealed. A young local girl asked for my help to take photos of herself and her husband - many photos, and she in her black coat and headgear. While I was lining them up an Arab gent nex to me, was lining up photos too, it could have been of the couple, or maybe as he protested it wasn't - just the view, but my man took exception to the possibility of someone photographing his wife. - I thought he was going to knock him flying but with the others extreme protestations nothing untoward happened and I continued being an obedient little photographer!!
We also visited the Emirates Mall where the ski fieldo complete with chalets, chair lifts and luige run are incorporated - all operational and kept  at  a constant 4Deg, manned mostly by shiveringPhilipinos. We also saw the Dubai Mall which we missed last time here; we had 2 hours for shopping but I was too exhausted, it was actually quite an ordeal. Hoppy finally found some batteries for his camera so he was a happy chappy. This Mall has a huge aquarium biult in where you can go diving with the rays and sharks - yummy. Everything in marble and brass and clean!!!! Ooozing money, money, money. Heavenly, according to our Italian guide. She has lived in the middle East for many years with her husband and two girls - just loves the place. Says it's so safe - you leave anything by accident somewhere and it wont be touched; keys in your car, house unlocked - all very civilsed - if you obey the rules!!
Well - another formal night calls and I was going to paint my nails - ooh la la - going wear my new Indian outfit - smashing. Who cares.
Love from us at a low 27.7C, 3.5 m seas ( a bit rough), hot strong winds (6 on the Beaufort) and
500 m visibility with sand driven by the wind, 86% humidity, and haven't seen the blue blue sky for several days, but still having fun and thinking of you all. XXXXXXXXXXXX