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Good Morning from The Burj.... #192081 03/27/07 06:36 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084
petlover Offline OP
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Good Morning from the Burj Al Arab. We made it here safely from Mumbai. Of course getting to the airport yesterday morning in Mumbai was quite an experience. Mumbai is one of those cities that you can't describe, you really need to experience it yourself (and everyone should). There are thousands and thousands of people everywhere....many families living on sidewalks, sleeping bodies all over, hungry naked children, etc, all so sad. There are cows crossing busy streets so traffic has to go around them as, of course, they have the right of way.Things like lanes painted on the road, speed limits, even "one way" signs are merely a "suggestion" and nothing is enforced whatsoever. By the time we arrived at the airport we felt like we had already been on "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride". Going by memory but as I recall India is about 1/2 the size of the USA but has 3 times the people living there. It is a complete zoo.....It all came back to me from 2 years ago and I was happy to say adios to Mumbai.

We're traveling with friends Bruce & Judy. Our flight on Emirates Airlines was very nice and everything went as scheduled. We were picked up at the Dubai Airport (what a GORGEOUS airport!) which is about 30 minutes from the hotel. Once we arrived here we were greeted by a man while another man takes your luggage. While you sit down, they check you in, a process which sets the whole scene for the pampering and service this hotel is known for. We were taken to our room and one of our 4 butlers who work around the clock showed us all the bells and whistles inside our suite. There are so many things....curtains can be opened by the TV remote control, if someone rings your doorbell the telephone rings on all 8 (yep, EIGHT) of our telephones and you can talk to them as well as see who it is on your large plasma TV screen. Just little things like I'm sure we all have in our homes LOL. It is nice having a complimentary laptop and fax machine inside our suite. The internet is so fast....nothing like on the Voyager. Each suite is 2 stories with one side of each level all glass. We have a beautiful view of the beach and water. I found out that not only is the Burj Al Arab the only 7 star hotel in the world, it is the tallest all suite hotel in the world.

The entire hotel is so over the top. Some things seem elegant and opulent, some things just seem downright gaudy. There is gold everywhere....knobs, frames around plasma TVs (we have 2), mirrors, facets, you name it!! The decor is all in blue and gold, even has a large mirror over the bed. The Versage gold circle insignia is through out as well. The service is impeccable, yet very friendly, and they just can't do enough for you. After unpacking we wandered around the hotel. Tom wanted to check out the fitness room which has everything you could want for! They also provide drivers to take you where ever you want to go. Yesterday we were driven to a large Souk (means market) Mall to check out various restaurant options for the evening and do some window shopping. We chose an Italian Restaurant. We came back to our suite and I relaxed in the jacuzzi tub with all the bath salts provided. It was heaven. Tom and I each received a whole set of "his and her" Hermes beauty supplies like cologne, shampoo, bath oils, after shave lotion. They're in large full size bottles so need to figure a way to get them home.

Our Italian dinner was perfect. The food and wine was great and at a fraction of the price from what the Burj charges. We ate outside next to a lake with perfect nighttime temperature. After dinner the 4 of us returned to the Burj and went up to the 27th floor bar for a night cap and espresso. The place was packed and many were such young adults. We can't figure out how they have $$ to be here. I guess their Daddy's are all Sheiks!

If you're a guest at The Burj you have access to many things including the private beach, the Jumeirah Waterpark, and their other Jumeirah sister hotels. This afternoon after the golfers return, we're going to the waterpark so that should be fun. Yesterday we took the boat ride all around....such beauty everywhere!! Just in the 2 years since we were here, the city has sure grown. Dubai is easily the resort capital of the world with lots of fancy, elegant properties being built everywhere. (even "The Donald" has a mega resort planned)

Before dinner last night the 4 of us had our picture taken all dressed up in Arabic clothes. It was some little shop where they dress you all up for a small price and take your picture. It is hilarious and a souvenier that will make me laugh for years to come. As we're all blue eyed, We do NOT look the part at all!

Tom just woke up so we're off to Starbucks for some coffee. Room service breakfast is something like $80 USD....I don't think so!!!

Just wanted to say hi and let you know we're here safe, sound and SPOILED ROTTEN!

Adding: I've taken lots of photos but can't download them until I get back to the ship but if want, you can see lots of pictures here:
Photos of Burj Al Arab


Marcie

Re: Good Morning from The Burj.... #192082 03/27/07 07:11 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
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gf Offline
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Hi Marcie,
Love hearing from you; looking forward to the rest of your stay in Dubai! Are you planning shopping time in the Dubai airport?


Another Kathy
Re: Good Morning from The Burj.... #192083 03/27/07 08:31 PM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,051
Mrs. Masaki Offline
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Can't wait to see your personal pictures, Marcie!

Re: Good Morning from The Burj.... #192084 03/27/07 11:19 PM
Joined: Aug 2005
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CruiserPK Offline
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Love your updates Marcie. Enjoy your time at that splendid hotel!

Cheers, Pam

Re: Good Morning from The Burj.... #192085 03/28/07 01:57 AM
Joined: Jan 1970
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KarenS Offline
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Marcie, how are you ever going to adjust to every day life again! You have been spoiled beyond the point of no return!


Karen

Live long and prosper
Re: Good Morning from The Burj.... #192086 03/28/07 02:07 AM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,447
Sue&TomInGeorgia Offline
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Marcie my "at home" world cruise only keeps getting better and it is all thanks to you! Keep up the good work of having FUN!!! :app:


Sue
"A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in" Robert Orben
*******
Re: Good Morning from The Burj.... #192087 03/28/07 02:07 AM
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cruiseluv Offline
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Wow, sounds like an experience from another world! How can you top that??!!

Re: Good Morning from The Burj.... #192088 03/28/07 02:15 AM
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cruisinfanatic Offline
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I don't know what we here at home would all do without you Marcie!! Your reports are, as always fantastic. Sounds like you are being pampered totally. Enjoy!!!


JoAnn
Re: Good Morning from The Burj.... #192089 03/28/07 02:22 AM
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petlover Offline OP
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Yes. this is a life that could you could settle into REAL QUICK! Since posting this morning....I found 2 more telephones so this brings the total just in our suite to 10 !! There are 4 in the master bedroom and dressing area alone and of course, doesn't everyone needs 2 in their master bath?


Marcie

Re: Good Morning from The Burj.... #192090 03/28/07 03:06 AM
Joined: Mar 2004
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Betty K Offline
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Marcie,
All I can say is WOW!!!!!!!!!!!

You are so sweet to continue to enchant us with your reports, of your wonderful adventures! I for one, am loving every bit of it!!!!!

The next SPY GUY game could be in Marcie's suite. We could try to find all the phones. ;)
cheer


Betty

[Linked Image from i4.photobucket.com]
Re: Good Morning from The Burj.... #192091 03/28/07 03:23 AM
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Posts: 4,395
southernlady Offline
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My goodness, Marcie, what an experience. Thanks for posting. The question for the day is: how many phones can you talk on at one time? I'm so glad you are on this adventure. Makes my day to read about it.


Donna

I write about active travel for baby boomers: www.myitchytravelfeet.com
Re: Good Morning from The Burj.... #192092 03/28/07 05:50 AM
Joined: Jan 2005
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Nancyp Offline
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Wow Marcie, the Burj sound incredible. so glad that you are able to experience all the luxury. thanks for letting us travel with you vicariously.

Nancy

Re: Good Morning from The Burj.... #192093 03/28/07 06:12 AM
Joined: Jun 2005
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Michele & Don Offline
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From Mumbai to Dubai - Fantastic, Marcie! We're really enjoying your experiences! Well done :app:


Michele
Re: Good Morning from The Burj.... #192094 03/28/07 09:42 AM
Joined: Feb 2004
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robert Offline
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Sounds amazing, M! Thanks for sharing and I can't wait to see your pics.


Robert

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined.
-Thoreau
Re: Good Morning from The Burj.... #192095 03/28/07 10:41 AM
Joined: May 2006
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kirky5 Offline
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Marcie, I am green. This trip sounds like the ultimate experience that can never be duplicated. How in the world will you ever top this? It has been a fabulous virtual reality time.
Lynn

Re: Good Morning from The Burj.... #192096 03/28/07 11:35 AM
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bebop bonnie Offline
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Marcie, once again, thank you for sharing this incredible adventure with us! Just two words for you when you go back to the souks....GOLD JEWELRY! :app:

Re: Good Morning from The Burj.... #192097 03/28/07 11:43 AM
Joined: Oct 2004
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azgkrudi Offline
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Marcie, that hotel sounds absolutely incredible!!! I am so glad you are getting to experience these wonderful indulgences (which are well deserved!), and like the others here, I have enjoyed your posts immensely and felt like I was right there with you.

Continue to enjoy to the FULLEST!!!


Kristin

Paul Gauguin's Tere Moana-12/14
Voyager-10/08, 11/10
Navigator-05/07, 5/09, 10/11
Paul Gauguin-6/06, 12/07
Silver Shadow-12/06
Silver Whisper-11/05, 12/04
Silver Wind-4/04
Re: Good Morning from The Burj.... #192098 03/28/07 11:46 AM
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Beth Offline
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Marcie, I thought being on a World Cruise was in the lap of luxury. You must have only been on the ankle until you reached The Burj. Sounds like a fabulous hotel. Enjoy it to the hilt.

Re: Good Morning from The Burj.... #192099 03/28/07 03:48 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
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Denise Offline
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Fabulous, Marcie! Nothing short of fabulous!


Denise

Retired and loving it!
Re: Good Morning from The Burj.... #192100 03/28/07 09:44 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,681
ITravelNow Offline
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"How ya gonna keep em down on the farm after they've seen Dubai?"

Marcie.....what a great time!


Margo
Re: Good Morning from The Burj.... #192101 03/29/07 04:15 AM
Joined: Mar 2007
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Quilters Duet Offline
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I don't know who is enjoying your trip more, you or all of us following you. I'm sitting here watching it snow thinking of the wonderful time your having. I have to put Dubai on our list of must see places. That's amazing.

Thanks Marcie!


[Linked Image]
Calm down, I'm in charge.
Re: Good Morning from The Burj.... #192102 03/29/07 06:59 AM
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victor Offline
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marcie
great story and great pics but my wife would go crazy there so please when w eboard do not even mention


maybe one day when i am rich like tom!!


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