The World's Tallest Adventure

Our adventures were not over.

Much, much later in the afternoon after our harrowing desert experience, we headed out for our special tour of the Burj Khalifa.

Looking up at the Burj Khalifa.

When we entered the building we were ushered into a very nice lounge where we were served coffee and sweets. Our guide told us a bit about the building and what to expect.  Then off we went to the 148th floor of the World’s Tallest Building.  Right!  148 (The top floors after 160 are only available by ladder.)

The view was spectacular (expected) and the building impressive (also, expected).

Our hotel is to the right over my shoulder.

Two engineers enjoying the view.

I held my phone outside the glass of the observation deck to shoot this picture down towards the ground.

Here is a puzzle for all the architects out there. The lights clamp to the outside ridges of the building and are gorgeous at night. Were these lights in the original design or were they an add on?  

Amazing view.

This is the top of the Dubai Mall with our hotel to the right.  The mall is huge.

ML is still resting from the desert experience. Isn't she cute?

After the 148th floor we went down to the public viewing area located on the other side of the building on the 124th floor. Again, great view of the other side of Dubai.

The lower observation deck looked out the other side. It was just as impressive.

Here is my selfie looking up from the 124th floor.

Our dinner reservations were for 9:00PM in the restaurant located in the Burj Khalifa on the 123rd floor, At.Mosphere. Luckily we had a few minutes to rest and change before we headed out to At.Mosphere.

The entrance for the restaurant was on the private residence side of the building so we had a chance to see the opulence of the tower if you were to live there.  AMAZING!

Roads and buildings.

Some of downtown.

The fountain all lit up.

Our hotel with roads and traffic.

Again, the view was fantastic and the food impressive. We had a wonderful time. At the end of the dinner, I excused myself to go to the ladies room.  I never imagined what an experience this was going to be.

The sink was surrounded on both sides by floor to ceiling windows. You could see all the way down while you washed your hands. It was unbelievable! When I returned to the table, I sent D and ML to the powder rooms so they could have the same experience.

Back at the hotel, we fell into bed exhausted.  What a day! Dubai lived up to its reputation for a city full of wonderful experiences.

Our flight the next day was not until early evening so we had the entire day to relax and enjoy our hotel, the view of the Burj and the infinity edged swimming pools.

This was my view sitting at the pool.

We cruised through the mall.  Heck, I am missing a sale at Pottery Barn!

Our bathroom was filled with art.

Unfortunately, ML had work to do for school however; she camped out in our room on our wrap around couch with food from the lounge - including several variations of chocolate. I don’t think I have ever seen her enjoy working on schoolwork quite so much.

Our view of the fountain from the pool.

While D and I were down at the pool, she put her computer on the balcony and was working with the Burj in the background.  It is a rough life.

As our driver made his way back to the Dubai airport, we had one final glimpse of the Burj Khalifa and downtown Dubai. 

Dubai was wonderful. Our experience with ML was just as wonderful.

ML’s last day was the day following our return from Dubai. After a poolside lunch with my Bahraini friends, DW and NS, we spent the day at the Ritz in the spa. Then we had ML’s hair blown out in the Ritz beauty shop.  I think she felt completely relaxed by the end of the day.

All that was left was packing and the long trip back to the United States.

I was very sad to see her go and I can’t wait to plan another trip with her.

Cheers,

Brenda

As you leave the tourist area of the Burj Khalifa, there is a great sign over the door and it is fitting for the end of our trip. We had a wonderful time in Dubai and a FANTASTIC time with ML.  It was sad to see her go but soon D and I will be off on another adventure - to Jordan!