Dubai from the Sky

Another balloon being filled.

Up, up and away!

With a 4 am meeting time, I arose shortly after 3 to be absolutely certain I did not miss this long anticipated event. We loaded into three SUV's then rode some forty minutes into the desert a different direction from that of last evening. Finally, to my astonishment our three vehicles pulled into the UAE version of Seven Eleven and up to the gas pumps. Here it was announced that we could leave the vehicle for a twenty minute break once we had signed our life away promising that neither we nor or heirs would sue the company. Okay, I expected that, mere routine but for goodness sake could they not have filled their gas tanks prior to picking us up? Time was wasting, let's go! I did not express any of this to our guide as he had totally disappeared. Okay, rule number one on this adventure: never pass up a facility. What seemed like eons later, our guide returned, started the engine and we took off. (I later learned that the reason for that stop was to get instructions as to which launch site we were to use. Makes senses, but he could have told us.) Shortly thereafter we arrived at the launch site where he pointed to a particular balloon and said, "That's your balloon. It holds twenty. You may go now." Upon stepping out of the vehicle we were issued safety belts, offered coffee, which was sorely needed by me, and allowed to snap pictures of the balloons being filled. Then almost magically appearing out of the early morning darkness was a falconer and his falcon. One for each balloon being filled. The falcons served multiple purposes: entertain us while waiting for the balloon to fill, perform for us once we were airborne, and most important of all, they each have a GPS attached to their backs to aid the chase team in locating our precise location. That is enough of the technicalities.

We all eagerly climbed aboard our balloon, some with less difficulty than I, but board I did. More rules were explained requiring our close attention only if we wanted to land safely. I listened carefully! Then we started floating upward! For over an hour we floated above the desert, name of which I never learned, the only sound that of the pilot replenishing the hot air and our hushed exclamations of pure joy. I hope these few pictures give you at least a glimpse of this most wonderful experience. For me it tops both sky diving and parasailing because it lasted longer and I was able to absorb more of the beauty below.

The upscale residential section near today's launch site.

Off to work?

Sunrise over the desert near Dubai.

Each island planted with trees to spell D U B A I

The shadow of our balloon on the dunes below.

The launch site was adjacent to some very upscale housing, residents of which must really dislike the very early morning disturbance. I saw nothing in Dubai that was not upscale. No slums, no liter, no graffiti, no junked cars, nothing unsightly in any way. The gazelles grazing below fled with lightening sped over the dunes and out of sight. We floated over a reserve surrounding a large lake with islands of trees planted spelling out D U B A I. And we watched the sunrise. What a sight. The falcon preformed with perfection. Then after the performance and he was once again hooded, all who wished could have the bird perch on their arm. My second opportunity to do so within a period of twelve hours or so. I did not do so again and now I regret that decision. I simply could not take my eyes off the serene beauty below. The hour plus of blissful floating high above these miles and miles of beautiful dunes ended all too soon when our pilot announced we would be landing now, assume your positions. We all obeyed and softly landed about fifty feet from our chase team.

Getting out was even more difficult than getting in but I managed to do so without breaking anything. A short stroll through this soft, soft sand and we are back in our vehicles to go to breakfast. A delicious breakfast was served in the corner of something of a corral where two beautiful horses and two not so beautiful camels were tethered. After breakfast, those who wished were allowed to ride either or both. Having ridden horses a few times in my distant past and a camel in 2020, I chose to sit that one out. What an incredible day and it was not yet 10 am!

The world's tallest building, some half a mile high behind these rather interestingly designed buildings.

My ride for the next adventure.

Let there be beachfront.

Dubai's Infinity Bridge.

Our driver dutifully delivers us back to the ship in time for me to take a nap prior to my next excursion at 12:15 - a helicopter ride over Dubai. As it turns out, two of the guys who were on the balloon ride had also signed up for the helicopter ride. Seems I'm not the only one wishing to squeeze as much into this stop as humanly possible. We once again sped past The Frame, The Infinity Bridge, beautifully colored skyscrapers including the tallest building in all the world and other landmarks to the Dubai Police Academy from which the helicopters operated. The old story, hurry up and wait was true here. We signed the obligatory releases, we were each weighed, we watched a safety film, we donned safety belts, we stored our belongings, and we waited. (Even after a visit to Job's Tomb, I still have little patience.) Two helicopters carrying five persons each were operating, but we weren't the only ones who wanted to take this tour. Deep breath, relax and wait, Ruth. After what seemed like forever five of us were lined up in the order in which we were to board the helicopter to achieve the proper weight distribution. Unfortunately for the sake of safety I was assigned an inside seat thus was not able to snap as many of the breathtaking scenes as I would have liked. No worries, they happily sold me both stills and video of the entire experience! All I had to do was sit back and ENJOY! Some mental notes I made: (1) Want a beachfront home? Simple, fill in the gulf and let there be beachfront, miles and miles of beachfront! (2) Money is of NO CONCERN! (3) New is Better! (4) I MUST come back to this place and spend some time on the ground. Our amazing flight ended far too soon. At least I can experience it again and again via the video.

Upon my return to the ship perhaps two hours before we were to depart, I collapsed for a long long nap. It has taken a couple of days to recover, but was it ever worth it!!!!!

Today Is Someday! Fly High in the Sky over Dubai!