Better Late than Never!

I normally try to blog each day when I am on my travels, but not this time. This is my "relaxation" holiday, and by that I mean, I will be sitting on the beach (or by the poolside) sunning myself and drinking the cocktail(s) of the day! 

It all started with a day at work, followed by a tram-ride to the airport for the 7.05pm Emirates flight from Edinburgh to Dubai. I have travelled Emirates on numerous occasions and have always seen them as a cut above the rest. This flight was not one of these occasions... It was cramped, the staff were verging on rude and the food was mediocre to say the least. We did arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of schedule due to a fierce tailwind though, so all was not lost.

Dubai immigration has definitely improved since the last time I was here around 15 years ago. I haven't mentioned it yet, but we are not actually staying in Dubai; I like staying in the more obscure places so I thought we would go to one of the lesser known Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah. I'm sure most of you know that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is made up of seven Emirates, the most well-known being Dubai and Abu Dhabi; I like to be different!

I booked our holiday through Emirates Holidays but the price we were quoted for airport transfers was crazy; the resort I booked is only a 50 minute drive from Dubai International Airport but I was quoted £167 return. After a bit of googling, I found the RAK shuttle. It is a state sponsored shuttle service and was only £35, given the current exchange rate of  GBP 1 to AED 4.80. After collecting our luggage, we headed to Costa Coffee, the meeting place just through the arrivals gate. Now, it wasn't all plain sailing as our driver didnt turn up, but the very helpful Dubai airport representative called the 24 hour helpline and the driver came to meet us about 20 minutes later then planned. With better organisation, they are onto a winner here!

The drive to Ras Al Khaimah, and our hotel Rixos Bab Al Bahr, was comfortable and we were provided water. It wasn't even ten in the morning, but we passed lots of people heading to work, along with a few camels and donkeys by the side of the road. I wasn't expecting to be able to access our room given that check-in wasn't until 3pm, but the hotel managed to accommodate us which we were extremely thankful for. We had only been up 24 hours but we were both knackered; the beach/pool would have to wait.


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