Good morning... well, at least it still was when I finally got going today. After breakfast, the first thing on the agenda was doing laundry – that's just part of vacation sometimes. Since I was in a slow mode again today and didn't get out until late, I decided to drive instead of taking the train.

First destination: the Dubai Frame. A huge, 150-meter-high picture frame in the middle of a park, squeezed between several highways. Of course – how could it be any different in Dubai – the frame is gilded and shines from far away.

For about 15 euros entrance fee including parking, I treated myself to the ascent. At the top, a great view awaited me – although, like the last few days, it was quite hazy and you could only see a few kilometers. Still an impressive experience, especially the glass floors in the middle, through which you can look straight down.

After that, I continued towards Dubai Creek. Finding a parking space was relatively easy – but paying for it... that was a little adventure in itself.

Everything here runs through the public transport app. Yesterday I already had difficulties recharging my Nol Card. Today it took four (!) attempts before the payment for the parking space finally went through. Welcome to the digital age, I'd say.

At the Creek itself, I first strolled through a few bazaar streets. Of course, it didn't take five meters before the first merchants approached me. Fabrics, spices, souvenirs – all "best price just for you, my friend". Unfortunately, you can hardly stop and look around in peace without immediately being drawn into sales conversations.

With a traditional Abra boat, I then crossed to the other side of the river – to the legendary Gold Street. It was pleasantly quieter here. The merchants were present, but much more relaxed. I was looking for something suitable for Steffi, but gold is simply not her thing – and subtle silver was hard to find here. One or two pieces might have fit, but they were set with diamonds and were in a completely different price league.

It was impressive nonetheless: entire robes, crowns, necklaces – real works of art made of gold and gemstones. Much of it would belong in a museum rather than around a neck. I actually wanted to treat myself to a small gold coin as a souvenir – one with a Dubai motif. But the price expectations of the merchants were... let's say: creative.

For a small 1-gram coin, they wanted 150 euros. For comparison: The pure gold value today was about 72 euros, a minted coin costs around 82 euros in Germany. Negotiate? No chance. So I left the coin and continued without a souvenir.

After this small frustrating detour, I strolled a bit more through the alleys, soaked up the atmosphere, and let myself drift. Eventually, my stomach started to rumble.

Since I hadn't discovered a suitable restaurant on this side of the river, I promptly took the next Abra back to the other shore. The small wooden boats shuttle tirelessly across the Creek, and even these short trips somehow have their own charm here.

Back on the other side, I found a small, cozy restaurant right on the riverbank. By now it was dark, and the many small lights on the shore were reflected glittering in the water – an almost magical atmosphere. I ordered a freshly made chicken wrap, sat at a spot outside on the street, and enjoyed the view of the Creek flowing calmly by.

Full and satisfied, I finally made my way back to the hotel. There, I let the evening wind down relaxing by the pool. I sat on one of the loungers, my feet in the pleasantly cool water, while a mild evening breeze blew across the complex. Meanwhile, I was texting with Steffi and a few friends via WhatsApp – a bit of home on the screen, while the palm trees rustled around me.

And so ended a long, but really beautiful day.
See you tomorrow.