It doesn't feel like I've been away from Dubai at all. It's automatic to hop in the car and drive on the other side of the road and the money and way of doing things is familiar.
However Ramadan is very different this year, it's cooler for starters as it occurs 11 days earlier each year and most of the restrictions of previous years have changed and as long as you eat or drink in a cafe or restaurant there is no need for screening from the rest of the public. More places are open this year due to not requiring a permit to operate during Ramadan.
Smoking, eating and drinking whilst walking around or in your car is still prohibited during day light hours.
I've been back and forth to the Drs for yet more blood tests, thankfully my phosphate levels have corrected themselves with medication but they really do need to get to the bottom of the iron deficiency anaemia as the side effects of the infusions are causing other issues now and I really don't want to be on more and more medications long term.
We managed to get away for a few days, but if I'm honest I'm not a big fan of hotel stays. The staff were excellent but a lot of the guests refused to wear masks in communal areas both indoors and outdoors, but this is what happens when people visit from other countries, they don't recognise the laws or think they can do the same as they do at home but in the sun. The hotel was also very tired, soft furnishings were stained and towels were thread bare and a good clean was needed in the rooms. The communal areas looked ok as they were being cleaned throughout the day.
107 Saturday All change with Ramadan. We went to the Outlet Village and other than coffee didn't buy anything.
108 Sunday Stopped at the beach on the way to the Doctors
109 Monday A mini break in Ras Al Khaimah at the Rixos.
110 Tuesday Days split between the beach and the pool side and dinner and a show in the evening.
111 Wednesday Some of the entertainment leaves a lot to be desired such as Baby Shark throughout the day and the Macarena at night, thank fully it was relatively quiet with numbers.
112 Thursday Morning by the pool and the drive home, stopping at the local mall for a coffee and a food shop for the week.
113 Friday Whilst we have a lot more freedom in Dubai we are required to wear masks 24/7 including outdoors, in parking lots etc. Both Peter and I are used to wearing them when out the house, I'll just have to remind him that he can take his mask off in open space when he's back in the UK. I attempted to sit out in the garden, but by the time I'd swept and put the cushions out I had overheated, so spent the day trying to sell the garden, organise Bupa to continue when we relocate (quoted £23,000 per annum for medical aid) cancelling internet and sorting out investments.
I am glad things are better with the medication. I hope they get to the bottom of your iron deficiency.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, the hotel stay doesn't sound great. Such a shame people refused to wear masks. The beach and the pool sounds lovely though. x
it was a lovely stay apart from the people lol
DeletePeople who won't conform to wearing masks are just ensuring these rules will stay in force for longer, but they just don't see that.
ReplyDeleteI hope they get to the bottom of our iron deficiency.
it honestly drives me up the wall
DeleteFingers crossed that they get your levels sorted out once and for all. Masks and people - don't get me started. Glad you got to have a break away together even if the hotel wasn't as plush as it could have been. Hope the relocation plans go smoothly for you both #365
ReplyDeleterelocation plans on track at the moment
DeleteHope that the doctors manage to get the bottom of things with your iron deficiency anaemia. Sorry to hear that your hotel stay wasn’t as nice as it could have been. That pool looks very inviting though. #project365
ReplyDeletethank you, more drs this week
DeleteGlad you have settled so speedily into Dubai life. I'm still not even thinking about going out and about so am in awe of you! #project365
ReplyDeleteit's all so very different here than to the UK
DeleteI'm glad you are feeling better. It is nice you got to have a break but the hotel sounds interesting. If we ever get to visit that part of the world I will have to ask your advise on where to stay. I think the UK are funny on facemasks. We went to Disneyland Paris in August last year and had to wear them all the time. It felt very strange being back here being told we didn't need them as much #365
ReplyDeleteIt makes me very uncomfortable when people don't wear masks. Dubai is good for a stop over but very expensive to stay here
DeleteHope they manage to get your levels sorted once and for all. Sorry about the mini break. I am so fed up with people not wearing masks here it drives me nuts. Wow that sounds like a lot of money for medical insurance
ReplyDeleteI'd never really considered the cost of medical insurance, it was just something provided by my husbands employers
DeleteHope they get to the bottom of your health issues.
ReplyDeleteThe hotel sounds like a place I would avoid but nice to get a bit of a break. Think Baby Shark would irritate me too!
thank you
DeleteYikes I would love a breakaway but not if I have to face Baby Shark on repeat! Pool photo I love though, have a swim for me, and hubby and you look happy in your photo! Bet your so pleased to be back together. You have done amazing going back and forth to the UK and still had a smile on your face! x
ReplyDeletethe past year has been hard work going back and forth with all the ever changing regulations
Delete