DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

"Ski Dubai" in the Mall of the Emirates

Pedestrian Overpass - we need in Doha!

Long Tube is Ski Dubai ski run at the Mall



World's Only 7 Star Hotel


Helicopter Landing at the Hotel







Just got back from a 3 day Girl Scout training in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is a one hour flight from Doha, and feels like a trip into the future! There is A LOT of money in Dubai! The Mall of the Emirates is beautiful, and contains Ski Dubai, with an indoor ski slope, ski lift, sledding run, snow boarding hill, and ski jump. It costs quite a bit to get in, over $50 for 2 hours. But, that includes all the equipment you need: boots, coat, hat, gloves, skis, sleds, snow boards, etc; The temperature is a constant -3 celsius. They have snow making equipment inside. The ski run is short but, as you can imagine, quite a novelty in the Middle East! I did not go in - I am not a downhill skier and will not pay money to be cold! But it was fun to watch. The last night I was there we had a group dinner at a restaurant that was floor to ceiling windows overlooking Ski Dubai.
I was fortunate to be hosted by a Girl Scout, American, family in Dubai. They live in a huge house (think palace, 6 bedrooms, 5 1/2 baths and an elevator) - I had a beautiful room and a large marble bathroom with oversized tub. Super nice family, they have a daughter Erin's age and we have agreed that our 2 troops are going to be pen pals. The last day I was there they took me to the beach, and to lunch at the hotel next door to the world's only 7 star hotel (this hotel is on its own island and you can't go there unless you are a guest). I was so impressed that PORK was on the menu at this restaurant - wow! Dubai is a lot more open than Qatar.
Anyway, the purpose of this trip was Girl Scout training and I am so glad I went. The training was excellent - the Girl Scout program is changing and I think it is change for the better. Will be very busy here now as the other leader who went with me will be teaming up with me to train the other Doha leaders on this new program.
Other big news is that, while I was gone, Grant got his braces off! As soon as I can get him to stand still for it I will post a photo of his new smile. He looks great!