The next day in Dubai we were able to get off quickly, not having to do the immigration processes. We were booked on a Red Bus trip, taking us generally down to the old historic area along Dubai Creek.

Slobro was eager to get onto the top deck to get a good view. Now although the Red Bus has air conditioning it struggled, it was 100 degrees F and humid to boot. Our first stop was to join a Dhow cruise up and back down the Creek for an hour.

This experience highlighted the old problem with Red Buses. We got off the bus and had to wait half an hour for the cruise to start. Shade was at a premium. Then after the cruise we had to wait another half hour for the next Red Bus to come along. So we did an hour there. But the cruise was pleasant catching all the life along the river bank. Dhows being loaded and unloaded, people rushing around and going back and forth across the Creek in small ferries.

Back in 2007 we had spent a few days here in Dubai and the old historical district and sites were somewhat familiar to us. We had stayed in a nearby hotel. Allthego had done some research on eating establishments, looking for a place offering a traditional menu and ambience. The Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant came up with good reviews. The trick was to find it, we had the address and lo and behold the Red Bus went right past it. But we had missed the stop and had to walk back from the next stop. Again luck was on our side as we walked right past a post office and Allthego was able to get his post cards away, including one from Colombo!

We were not disappointed with the food at Al Khayma. A really good beetroot salad, some chicken shawarma samosas and lamb machboos.

The lamb dish is a cultural favourite in this region. Also done with chicken. The lamb is slow cooked in water and a great swag of various herbs and spices. The broth is then used to cook the rice and absorb the fluid and spices. Served with the lamb.

A bit more complex than that but that’s the guts of it, there seems to be various recipes and methods. Tastes wonderful. A big fresh orange juice and a minted lemon tea to drink. Would go back again for sure, a memorable lunch.

Jumped on the Red Bus and headed back to the ship for dinner! Dubai is an interesting place, a cultural melting pot in a traditional society. All the ‘bigness’ and razzmatazz makes it all seem a very plastic and artificial place. Nice to visit but wouldn’t want to live here. The ship sailed away later that night at around 10 pm. City all lit up against a dark sky.