Summary: The trip was very nice, and I wouldn't want to do anything differently under the same circumstances - on the contrary, I experienced almost everything I had wished and hoped for beforehand.

For those who prefer a bit more detail:
This trip to Dubai was primarily a break for me - a conscious interruption of everyday life in which I wanted not only to relax but also to broaden my horizons. I wanted to learn more about Arab and Islamic culture, travel to a country that Steffi "unfortunately" isn't interested in, and simply live a few days without a fixed plan.

I managed to do all of that. On the way to Dubai, I made a short stopover in Istanbul to stroll through the old town for a day and explore the Hagia Sophia. While I learned a lot about the history of the building, I learned little about the culture. I was then able to learn a lot about the culture - and especially Islam - in Dubai. At the Jumeirah Mosque, I took a tour and learned more about Islam and the everyday life of Muslim people in 60 minutes than I had ever known before.

I finally found the relaxation I was looking for at the hotel on Palm Jumeirah. However, it was often too hot for extended beach days - usually one to two hours in the sun was enough. Instead, I enjoyed the shady terrace right next to my suite with a great view of the Marina and the rest of the Palm Island.

I was also able to take away quite a bit in terms of culture. During a desert safari, I learned more about the life of the Bedouins in earlier times and how they were able to survive in the inhospitable environment behind Dubai. The desert was surprisingly green - and I was lucky enough to get a few animal inhabitants in front of the camera.

Dubai itself impressed me again. The palpable friendliness, openness, and omnipresent spirit of optimism make it a very special place. New residential projects are emerging everywhere, often appearing surprisingly affordable. A modern 70-80 m² apartment with its own pool and a view of the Marina costs around 250,000 USD here - in Hamburg, you probably wouldn't even get the storage room for that.

A real highlight was my visit to the Burj Al Arab. Finally, I could see with my own eyes how magnificent and at the same time tasteful the hotel - or rather: its suites - are furnished.

What I had firmly planned but then not implemented was the visit to other emirates or even neighboring Oman. The latter was already ruled out upon arrival in Dubai when I was told at the Europcar counter that border crossings outside the Emirates are not allowed.

I actually wanted to head to Abu Dhabi as well - first with a tour, later perhaps on my own. In the end, however, I was simply too comfortable for that. For my next stay in the region, Abu Dhabi is now firmly planned - but with two or three overnight stays right away.

Because one thing is certain: I will come back. It doesn't have to be immediately, but sometime again - perhaps even for a longer stay in winter to escape the northern German gray. Because here you really feel safe, and life seems to be more relaxed.

If I could plan the trip all over again, without having to take anything into account, I would change only a few things. First: Take Steffi with me, because I really missed her in some places. Second: Lower the average temperature by about five degrees - at 29 to 45 degrees, it was already quite hot in September. And third: Plan two to three more days to explore Abu Dhabi at leisure. Everything else I would do exactly the same way again.

Now I'm back home, have two days to repack my suitcases, take care of a few private and professional things - and then I'll continue with my Steffi to the next relaxing vacation in Greece.

So, now it's really the end of writing for this time.

All the best to you!

Until next time.