The Beach - Finally!

One thing that was wonderful, is that I actually got some time on the beach!  And Marshall, equally thrilled, got some time to sit in the hotel and watch sports on TV.  Bliss, for both, in our own fashion. 

I had two beach options, I could have bought a day pass - for a reasonable $35 or so - to a private resort that had an arrangement with our hotel, and use their facilities.  However, they seemed to have a small beach, and I didn't want to spend hours and hours there, so I opted instead to visit the Jumeirah Beach Park.  The guide books said it was lovely, and a woman downstairs working at the hotel said I would be perfectly safe there alone during the day. 

The beach park costs a whopping $5 dirham, which is less than three bucks, and for that they have huge nice changing rooms, a snackbar, lifeguards and a place to rent towels, chairs and umbrellas cheap.  It was very clean and fronted by gardens and volleyball courts.  The water was a gorgeous clear blue, but wasn't super warm, though it was easily swimmable once you got used to it.  I got in and paddled up and down the beach a couple times.  Heck, if I come all this way, and dealt with all I've handled in the past few days, I'm getting IN the Gulf baby!!  Though, once again I am reminded why I need to pack my bikini when I travel internationally.  Not as bad as Brazil, where absolutely NO ONE had on a one piece suit, but still my little Lands End grandma mu-mu was not very fashionable.  Especially since it has a skirt on it.  I got some looks.  But oh well. 

Though I must admit that I am a felon now in the UAE.   At the entrance to the beach is a HUGE sign with about 25 beach rules on it.  One of which is that photography is strictly prohibited.  Not sure why, but I found that to be a huge bummer.  Granted, after watching person after person snapping photos, and taking video, I figured it was highly unlikely I would end up in jail taking a few quick shots.  So here you go, the fruits of my illegal labor...

Delay getting home?  3 days.  Stress from trying to get rebooked?  Incalculable.  Lost wages?  Don't even ask. 
Sitting on the beach in Dubai, just you and your shadow?  Priceless.  :)

 

My view to the left, sitting on the beach. 

Cultural note.  You'll detect that most of the beach bums are white.  Locals do NOT hang out in swimsuits, as you might imagine, considering they spend the rest of their days covered up from head to toe.   However, that said, they must come out at some point, since I believe Mondays are "women and children only" day at the park.  So that is nice.

This was the coolest part of this beach.  Look one way, you see Burj Al Arab  (small, far right side on the horizon)

Look the other, and you see Burj Khalifi.  (between the palm trees, center shot) You can see both better from the water, but I obviously didn't take my Canon into the Gulf with me.  Not that dedicated a photographer. ;) 

The round open ampitheatre you cross going out the main entrance. Fabulous skyline view, with Burj Khalifa on the left.