Day 1 - Dubai

We are safely ensconced in Dubai - 37 degrees and of course we are exhausted.

I am not really sure why I am here but hopefully tomorrow when we are less jaded we will find some adventures. I think we have been awake far too long today to be able to yet appreciate a new place. I fear that if this a liberal Islamic state then the world is a worrying place for women. As we came through customs the young man cloaked in traditional garb could not bring himself to speak nor raise his eyes to us and there truly is a distinct lack of female presence as you move through the streets. Generally, males stands in groups on sides of dusty roads or corners and certainly put out no vibes of friendliness, quite the opposite. I think I'll need to acquire the appearance of deference, lower my eyes at all times when passing them. Even the women that we have encountered seem taciturn and closed. But tomorrow is another day and we will bravely go into the souks in search of Arabian treasures and may even be guided by this guy who approached us last night as we were seeking for pamphlets. He assured me he would do a particularly good price for us for a city tour, gave me his number to phone and of course did say he worked in some capacity for the hotel. We might check with the hotel first to see if he is legit. I have decided

oncoming traffic wrong direction and cautious ways from past trips holding mine to contact with

have to stay something that

But good people encounters have On the flight Emma and Matthew, stewards, spent a long time chatting to us when and wrote many suggestions for sights for us to explore in Dubai. There must be something about two middle aged sisters traveling together that allows people to feel relaxed. Maybe it is that naive traveller abroad aura that emanates from us.

And so we continue: Adventure before dementia!

especially after I stepped out into after having carefully checked the

that it must be Rob's discerning that have brought me safely home overseas. I do rather miss his hand cross the streets and he making strangers for me. I know "I'll just present and alert etc but it is not comes easily to me"

continued.

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