Easy Rider

To promote one of the restaurants down by the Marina, the owner has placed this unusual motorbike on display. I was so interested in taking a photo of the bike, that I forgot to look for the name of the restaurant. I think it's a case of a missed opportunity.

Fingers To The Sky

Here's an aerial view of the Marina, taken from the 52nd floor of the Harbour Hotel. All those prized yachts waiting to be taken out for a spin on the open sea, while cars whizzing past on the highway.
The problem with taking photos through windows is that you also take any marks or spots on the glass. Being so high up, it would take a very brave window cleaner to work that high. Perhaps they could use a hose on a helicopter instead.

Looking Back To The Future

I was a little disappointed that the new monorail wasn't finished and was taking passengers, as I was looking forward to having a ride from one end of Dubai to the other. It looks quite a good route and is bound to be a tourist attraction. I just hope the windows aren't too tinted, as it would spoil the photographic element. The stations look so futuristic. Like they belong in Bladerunner or Logan's Run.

All The World Is Blue

Most people know that Dubai is expanding at a great rate of knots. And here are some of the many hundreds of workers from the Indian sub-continent that are making it happen. One has to feel sorry for them, as they are basically treated as slave labour. Working long hours in the searing heat, for very little pay, and living in squalor in camps far from the glistening city. They can't leave because their employers hold their passports. It's one of the sadder sides to Dubai's success, and one that does trouble me a great deal. Unfortunately I think there is very little anyone can do to help them.

Skytrain

This is a photo of the new monorail that is currently under construction across Dubai. I wonder what the same scene looks like now? I'm looking forward to finding out and having a ride on the Palm Island section, which is now up and running. When it is finished, it should help the huge traffic jams that seem to be a constant feature of the city.

I Should Be So Lucky

Last time we were in Dubai, Gail and I were a bit sad as our holiday would be coming to an end, just a couple of days before Kylie was due to play a concert. We had the opportunity of seeing Queen. But it wouldn't be the same without Freddie.

I wonder what band will be playing when we are there?

The Countdown Has Begun

Next Friday (24th) Gail and I fly off to Dubai for a well deserved break. We thought about trying some other countries, but as we like the UAE so much, we just had to go back. This time though, we'll be staying in one of the hotels in the new marina. We normally reside near the creek, but I found this bargain. One we just had to try. As we'll be nearer the beach, we'll be able to explore that area for a change. We might even go and see what Jebel Ali has to offer.