It was R and R day. That is, rest and recuperate day. the day did begin with a 7.30 dog walk and it was a refreshing way to begin the day. All the doggoes seem to love it and there was as much sniffing as walking.
On our return, it was a quick breakfast and the day began. Wil was off to the office. Britty worked from home but put in some hefty hours so that at 2 we could go out to lunch and she could attend the nearby physio for a painful Achilles tendon.
Johnny did all the catch up work on the computer and then settled in for a rest in the hammock, After being stared down by Molly and Eddie as I tried to eat breakfast, I just cut to the chase and went straight back to bed, only getting up for the ring home to gin and Charlie at 10.
At 2 we set out for a really interesting place. It was once a textiles complex, but as the massive warehouses were no longer needed for that purpose, they had been redeveloped into a vast cultural district. With the vast size of the warehouses, it reminded me of the the Hollywood movie lots. I'm sure my words and photos will not be able to do justice to how exciting and varied the place was. There were large numbers of galleries, artists workshops, boutique shops and a vast array of places to et and drink. There was one store that was full of big name second hand good. Prada, Fendi, Chanel bags were all just sitting there is an open warehouse without a security guard or a camera in sight.
We had lunch at Nightjar, an incredible place that for all the world looked like a night time club venue. There was a DJ and the place was overflowing with hip young people who either worked in the many nearby businesses, or had driven in for lunch meetings or just a meal. The food was tasty and interesting. Lulled into a false sense of security by the aircon, we ventured out to walk the streets and take in the sights. Britt shot off to the physio for an hour of pain while Johnny and I trawled through several galleries. We even scored an invitation to a gallery opening tonight. It was such an interesting walk and we know we had barely scratched the surface when Britt rang an hour later to say she had finished.
While on that side of the city, Britt called her mechanic to see if her car was ready to pick up, but they were still waiting for parts so we Careemed back. In the late afternoon, Britt's fence afforded a little bit of shade on the footpath, and there, sitting at the gate were about 20 migrant construction workers waiting to be picked up by their bus and returned to their dormitory. Yesterday it was only 4. I guess the word had got out.
There was just enough time to get our evening clothes ready and lie down for a bit of a rest. Brittty had organized a night out with her great friend Rahni and her husband Jeff. Rahni was in the same business as Britt and had started her own company. We were going out to a Spanish restaurant, Tagomago at the Azure Residences at Palms Jumeriah. on the way there we saw the most amazing sight. The Burge Kalifa was so tall that it was wearing a tutu cloud half way up its long body. Amazing!
We had a great time over dinner, and as well as great food in a great location, it was an opportunity to meet Rahni and Jeff. Rahni and Britt do similar jobs so it was interesting to hear their take on working in the different middle eastern countries. We had a large table out under the veranda and it was a brilliant spot to watch the passing motor yachts as they paraded to and fro while we feasted. From this privileged position we could see many of the iconic Dubai buildings glittering across the horizon. A really lovely night with lovely, interesting people.
At 1am Wil is being picked up for a work flight to Singapore so we said goodnight and thanked him for his hospitality both in Dubai and in Portugal. If all goes well, we will see him on Melbourne for Christmas in 27 or so weeks.
