Al Ain (UAE) - 17th of September 2010

Mainly because Warren wanted to go for a spin in his new car, we hit the road inland (east) from Dubai for about 2 hours to Al Ain. It's the UAE's 3rd biggest city, and thanks to its underground springs is literally an oasis in the desert - the reason why its been inhabited continually for about 4000 years.

We blew past the city and up the rocky outcrop of Jabel Hafeet for some views over the desert and a stop for some lunch.
...before heading back into town for a quick stop at the Palace Museum...

...and a drive through the oasis, basicaly a huge forest of palm trees, before making our way back to Dubai.

Kuwait - 10th and 11th of September 2010

Thanks to some issues obtaining Ange's Dubai visa we had to leave the country to refresh her tourist visa. Booking last minute we decided that Kuwait was nice and handy, so off we went very early Friday morning.

It was third time lucky once we got there. Firstly a failed trip to the Friday markets (which were rubbish), and a waste of time trip to the acquarium (which was shut), we made it to the Kuwait Towers for a look out over the city and sea.

Back to the hotel for a snooze and the Warriors match, before returning to the acquarium late afternoon. Sitting next to Kuwait's coastline, it has excellent views back towards the city.Having ticked off Kuwait's only two real tourist attractions on Friday, and having a lovely Lebanese dinner with a work colleague of Warren's on Friday night, we took it very easy on Saturday. Making the most of the hotel's 1pm checkout time and pool we finally dragged ourselves away for a trip into town to some of the old souks before our flight back to Dubai.