Homebound

Well, we've been in Dubai for a whole month now.

Unfortunately, it's time for us to say goodbye. So before we hop on our plane tonight, I thought I'd post a few more pictures to commemorate our time here.

Thanks for following our adventures! It's been a blessing to share them with you.

Sand Dunes and Safari

On Saturday, Bruce and I experienced our first desert safari. We piled into a crowded 4x4 Land Cruiser and headed for the desert.

We encountered this falcon on our journey...

...and discovered the thrill of dune bashing. Bruce tried to snap pictures from the front seat, while I tried not to knock into the four Europeans with me in the back.

When we pulled into camp, I went straight for the camels.

Bruce joined me, too.

And the evening concluded with a BBQ dinner and performances by a belly dancer and an entertainer in traditional costume.

Burj Khalifa

This weekend we finally got our chance to go up in the Burj Khalifa. Measuring 800 meters and 200 stories high, it is the tallest tower in the world.

The elevator took us up to level 124. The view from our observation deck was incredible.

We stayed to watch the sunset. I think Bruce got a little distracted with the camera...

..and this gold ATM machine.

Afterward, we walked next door to the Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping mall.

Our food options were endless, but we finally decided on dinner at the MORE Cafe. Their homemade pasta was pretty popular, so Bruce ordered the potato gnocchi and I tried their "celebration pasta" -- fresh tortellini in the colors of the UAE flag and stuffed with a sweet cheese and date filling (oh so good!).

Thankful

I'm thankful today for email from friends and family...

...warm, inviting lobbies like this one in our new hotel at City Seasons Suites in Diera...

...cold, refreshing drinks to combat the desert heat...

...and good maps for navigating.