Brink Family in Qatar: November 2009

Sunday 29 November 2009

Something special happened in Dubai

On our last day, the picture says it all!

And no, it has nothing to do with the escapades at Wild Wadi, it just fell out (with Johnathan's help!)

The Jumeirah Sceirah

The Jumeirah Sceirah is the biggest slide at Wild Wadi. It is 33 metres high and apparantly one can reach speeds of up to 80 km/hour. David made an attempt to go down on the second day at Wild Wadi but gave up as the queue was too long. That night, while having dinner on the beach there was much discussion about the Jumeirah Sceirah and whether not only David had the nerve, but whether Johnathan could do it (Monica having a go never entered the discussion!)

The next day, we got to Wild Wadi early beating the queues. The plan was in place, David would go down and if he thought it was ok then Johnathan would get to choose if he wants to go. David made the climb to the top, no queue at all. On the way down, there was a brief moment where he thought, "there is no way I can let Johnathan do this" but that passed in a nano second, only followed by the elation of the fun. At the bottom, judgement was passed, "of course Johnathan can give it a go". He willingly came along for the long trek to the top. He was instructed on what to do and off he went...

Dad and Johnathan at the top, ready to go!

Johnathan on the final descent...

Hmmm, is that an expression of joy or terror or both?

Dad comes down afterwards, the splash is somewhat bigger...

When Johanthan was asked if he wanted to do it again, he said "no that's ok". No fuss, no bother. He had done it, that was all.

Wild Wadi Fun In Dubai

As you could tell from the previous post, Wild Wadi was a major feature of our long weekend in Dubai. For those who don't know, Wild Wadi is a fantastic water park with water slides, wave pools, and other entertainment. One of the great features is that the water slides go up and down - high power water jets pump you up the water slides before the ride down - no need to climb the stairs (except for the terrifying Jumeirah Sceirah slide - more on this later).

Johnathan boogie boarding on the flow rider - he did really well until he got jettisoned out the back and bumped his head on the back wall - he was fine though!

Johnathan and dad on one of the water slides - the official Wild Wadi pic.

Dad and Susie in the Wave Pool with the Burj Al Arab in the background. Susannah liked the more sedate fun!

Long Weekend In Dubai

We just got back from a three night stay at the Jumairah Beach Hotel in Dubai. A great place to go for families with close to everything you could want on location. Our room was fantastic with floor to ceiling windows looking out over the gulf and the Burj-Al-Arab hotel. The kids were very impressed with the milky bars left on their pillows every night, along with all the swimming pools, the beach, the kids club, the delicious food, and of course Wild Wadi which was right next door and free for hotel guests (more on this in the next post).

Day one was an early start to get to the aiport for the 8am flight. Being Eid again, we were anticipating crowds like last time and were not disappointed however it seemed to be much more under control this time. After checking in, there was some pool time and lunch before heading to Wild Wadi. That evening we went to one of the restaurants for dinner and witnessed something truly amazing - Susannah fell asleep mid bite on a chocolate donut - Monica and I were not aware that this was possible!!

Day two - back to Wild Wadi in the morning before heading back to the hotel for some afternoon pool fun and then the kids club for a couple of hours (while parents enjoyed a quiet drink on the beach). That night, we had dinner on the beach - the weather was perfect and the kids could wander around and have fun.

Day three - back to Wild Wadi again!!! In the afternoon, time on the beach and some paddling in kayaks and on water bikes. That evening, the kids had a movie night in the kids club while mum and dad had a drink at the 360 bar (at the end of the marina) followed by dinner at the seafood restaurant, Marina.

Day four, a slow start to the day, enjoying our last breakfast buffet (truly spectacular) then checking out (at which point, a very special event occurred - see later post). Afternoon was spent at Mall of the Emirates to kill time before the evening flight home.

Burj Al Arab - as seen from our room...