The baggage claim area itself was a bit surreal, with a walkway flanked by palm trees on both sides.
Welcome to Dubai
I headed into the gulf’s most decadent city via the newly built Dubai metro. At the platform, I instinctively waited at the front of the platform and got on the next train. After getting in, I realized I was sitting in the metro’s gold class, which costs more than the regular ticket. I quickly hopped off and went to cattle class. I guess you can’t take the thriftiness out of me ;).
The metro was cheap, clean, and I was able to avoid the pesky Dubai traffic (yes they have traffic jams in Dubai). However, the trains can get quite crowded. If I had heavy luggage with me, I would have probably hailed a cab.
Dubai hotels are notoriously expensive, but Expedia was running a sale of $40 off for any four star hotel. I managed to book a hotel in Burj Dubai for a reasonable cost.
The hotel itself had a bit of Arabian charm, complete with the cigarette smell and Middle Eastern furniture.
At night, the rooftop bar upstairs turned into a nightlife hotspot, with a wide array of “interesting” characters. Quite a few Emirates flight attendants were also mingling.
My five days in Dubai passed by quickly, with just enough time to see all of the highlights.
Selfie on top of the world’s tallest building
Dhows in old Dubai
The highlight of my stay was the Holi festival, which as luck would have it, was happening during my brief stay in Dubai. If you’ve never gone to one before, just do it! The crowd was going nuts all night long.
Soon, it was time to head back home, and I headed back to the Dubai airport.
Unlike most airports, the Dubai airport has a completely separate check-in area for First and Business Class passengers. This included a separate immigration line and walkway.
The First Class check-in area was ridiculously huge, bigger than most check-in counters, with at least five agents to ensure no passenger waited.
What I found interesting was that the Business and First class passengers have their own separate immigration area. I headed to the Emirates First Class lounge, which is located on its own level in the terminal.
Since this was the “B” Lounge, I was expecting something a bit homey, but upon entering, I was struck by how big the lounge was. It spanned almost the entire terminal, with an open air ceiling, making it feel less like a lounge and more like a hotel.
The main entrance was grand, complete with mini water fountains.
I quickly settled in for a nice lunch. The dining room was gorgeous.
The hostess mentioned that they would start serving lunch in fifteen minutes but I was welcome to grab some food in the buffet table while waiting.
After exactly fifteen minutes, a waiter came and took my order. The menu was exhaustive and everything looked mouth watering.
In the end I went for a four course meal.
First came the quail salad.
This was actually the first time I’ve tried quail, and the chef did a great job of tenderizing the meat.
Next was roasted squash soup, which was placed in this artistic bowl. Simply delicious.
Then came the highlight of my meal, an amazing USDA Angus steak.
The steak was flavorful and tender; the sauce was a perfect complement to the steak
I was stuffed, but I still ordered dessert anyway.
The overall quality of food in the lounge blew me away. The steak was on par with some of the best steakhouses I’ve been to.
After lunch, I decided to walk around the lounge. Even if it’s the B lounge, the place is huge, a complete overkill considering the small amount of First Class passengers.
I finally sat down on one of the sofas and decided to grab some Moet champagne.
After a bit of lounging, I decided to take advantage of the complimentary spa treatment given to First Class passengers. I chose a haircut, because where else can you get a free haircut inside an airport lounge?
Feeling fresh from my haircut, it was time to take care of my shoes, which is also complimentary for First Class passengers. They even had a place to put your glass of champagne.
No shoe shine should be without champagne
Soon it was time to board, and like Melbourne, I headed to the aircraft via a private elevator meant for First Class passengers.
This time though I was joined by four other passengers in the walkway. Oh the horror ;).
I was greeted warmly by the one of the flight attendants and was quickly shown to my seat.
Like my previous flights, service was impeccable. Without hesitation, a very attractive flight attendant helped me with my bags and then poured another glass of Dom Perignon.
We soon took off from the Dubai airport.
After takeoff, my meal orders were taken. I was offered some canapés and some more Dom Perignon.
My first appetizer was another tin of Iranian Caviar. The balls exploded with each bite; it really is a unique eating sensation, and it doesn’t go away. I could see why caviar is the preferred food of the rich.
It was followed by a lobster appetizer, which was surprisingly fresh, considering Dubai is not known as a seafood haven.
And then another appetizer, this time some beef carpaccio. While not the best, it still was miles better than any beef appetizer I’ve had on a plane before.
My main dish was Seafood Biryani paired with a 10-year old Chateau Palmer. The rice was a bit dry, but the seafood was juicy and tender.
I am not a sommelier so all I can say is that it was a smooth and excellent wine. Perhaps the fact it is a decade old added to its charm.
Finally, I finished with strawberry cheesecake paired with some Johnny Blue Whiskey.
After dinner, I decided to take a look at the First Class bar. Yes, Emirates has a fully stocked bar of top shelf liquor and fruit just for First Class passengers. I actually never saw another passenger at the bar.
Our flight to Milan involved flying through Iran, which is more mountainous than what most people would think.
Sunset view over the Zagros mountains
After dinner, I decided to watch Interstellar. The TV screens in the suites are huge, and it was like watching a movie at home. Add the fact that you are in an enclosed suite, and with the beautiful view outside, I felt that life began to imitate art.
As darkness approached, I decided to take another plane shower, my fifth one of the trip so far.
As usual the shower was wonderful, although the heated floor must have been put to the maximum level, as my feet were almost burning.
We shortly began to descend into Milan. Once again, First Class passengers were let out first. As we left the plane, I knew I would cherish this flight forever. Like the jet bridge itself, it was simply art.
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