Day 49~ Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Before we reached Dubai this morning, there was a sudden downpour out on the still blessedly calm seas. The rain came down in blinding sheets. It seemed odd to see so much rain near an area renowned for dryness. None of this moisture reached the thirsty desert though. As we sailed into port, I thought the air was just hazy. It was not.

Believe it or not, there is a large city beyond that big yacht.

A sand storm was raging in the desert beyond Dubai and the prevailing wind flung sand toward the city and the sea. Tiny particles pelted me on our balcony. (Yes, Ginger, I was wearing my health mask! Thanks again.) It filled the skies and completely hid the Dubai skyline. We couldn’t even see a faint outline of Burj Kalifa, the world’s tallest building.

Whether these abrupt weather changes triggered it we don’t know, but the DH was struck with an instant and intense migraine. I put him back to bed and he was asleep when his head hit the pillow. Then I went up for a quick breakfast and picked up a yogurt and OJ to bring back for him. After he  slept till about 11 AM, he felt up to making the trip across the pier to the terminal for a face-to-face with UAE (United Arab Emirates) customs and immigration—a requirement for all passengers on board the Pacific Princess. There was free wifi in the terminal, so we spent a little time catching up on emails and letting my temperamental iPhone download and run the updates it’s been whining about needing for the last six weeks. (It still won’t let me download the pics I took in Mumbai! Grrr!)

The DH was feeling quasi-okay, so we came back to the ship and had a light lunch. After that, we returned to our dark, cool cabin (I’d pulled the shades as soon as his headache hit) where he could lay down again. We were scheduled to go on an evening 4-wheel drive tour to the desert for a camel ride and a visit to an Arab camp from 4pm-10pm, but the sand storm was still coating the city with fine particulates. It would likely be worse in the desert. We decided not to go on the tour. We’d just let the DH rest, go to a lovely dinner with our friends, and see the Arab folkloric show after supper. That decision made, the DH took another migraine pill, promptly went to sleep again and didn’t rise till after 5.

At supper, Vicki taught me how to make a little Sydney Opera House with my napkin.  I told her I’d have to practice it every night until she and Craig leave us in Venice.

Tomorrow is the beginning of another segment of the world cruise so we are losing a number of passengers besides our tablemates, Kathie and Vaughan, and gaining over a hundred new ones. We will really miss Herman and Monica, who are leaving us here. They teach the ballroom dancing lessons on board and even though we don’t take the classes because of my shortness of breath, we love to watch them dance. They move across the floor together with such obvious joy.

The folkloric show was better than expected. For one thing, the DH was pulled up on stage yet again. I’ve threatened to start a YouTube Channel when we get home just to post all his impromptu entertaining! I won't be able to upload it until we have more stable wifi.

Tonight we saw the most bewildering, fascinating act. Even now, I’m not sure how to describe it. Have you ever heard of a whirling dervish? The performer came on stage in an elaborate costume and began twirling around and around. This went on for at least 10 minutes.

I’ve heard there is a spiritual component to this activity and if you look at his face, he seems almost in a trance or seized by religious fervor.

Then to my utter astonishment, his costume lit up!  

I have no idea how he twirled so long without becoming sick or staggering with dizziness.  

So our first day in Dubai, did not go to plan, but we still had a good day. Any day we’re together is a good day.

Tomorrow, we hope to do a city tour. Cross your fingers for us!