In order to have a bit of a holiday before arriving in the UK we decided to do a four day stop over in Dubai and stay at the completely over-the-top Atlantis The Palm. We were not hugely excited about Dubai but we've been completely won over - what's not to like about guaranteed sunshine and lots of lounging by the pool! Atlantis The Palm is right next door to one of the world's largest water parks which we, as guests of the hotel, had free access to. We headed there on the first day and the kids and Jules had a ball. I was a bit more chicken but was very happy to float around the rapids. Tom got stuck in one of the rides - it's one where you stand in a plastic coffin, there's a countdown from three and the floor beneath you gives way sending you shooting up and down a series of tunnels. Tom was borderline on the weight front and sadly didn't make it up the first steep incline. He was remarkably cool about it all when he got stuck, had a look around, saw a trap door, let himself out and climbed down the outside of the ride. Meanwhile Tess and Jules were freaking out because they'd seen him go in but hadn't seen him come out. We were just about to go and talk to security when we saw him come out of a different ride cool as a cucumber!
An added bonus for me was catching up with Rossana, one of my best friends from University. We even managed a vaguely "cultural" outing of dune bashing and camel rides. I have to admit that the dune bashing was not for me (going at top speed in a 4WD up and down terrifyingly large sand dunes) but I loved the landscape and was very happy to finally ride on a camel. On our last day the kids got taught the basics of scuba diving and are both hooked.
Atlantis The Palm
Rossana and Lenka
We got to catch up twice!
Camel riding - a highlight for me
A crocodile made from towels left by room service one evening
Tess learning to scuba dive
Tom learning to scuba dive
Lounging by the pool bar
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