was quiet and cool as the temperature outside was 47 degrees, a bit hot. The souk is located on a waterway with bars and restaurants and in sight of the only seven star hotel in the world.
I was able to find an interesting vending machine, one I have not seen anywhere else. Gold to Go!
Stopped a Costa Coffee, they were selling their hearts out, "what flavour would you like with the coffee", "no thanks", "would you lake a cake to go with that", "not at the moment", "how about a sandwich sir", "No thanks, just the coffee". "ok then take a seat and we will bring it to you". Like the barista, he never gave in. Next customer, same sales technique and yes she bought everything.
A bit of haggling on a couple of pashmina scarves and now ready for my visit to Burj Al Arab. it is next to the souk so I though I would walk round, couple of minutes and I am approaching the gate house.
"Hello, would it be possible for me to visit the hotel", in my best clipped English accent, "do you have an appointment" was the reply. "no afraid not". "Do you have a room booking at the hotel" "no I don't". "well you cant come in then" " are you sure, just want to look around, it is a professional visit as I work in hospitality. he then said " are you a doctor" threw me a bit as it wasn't the response I was expecting. No hospitality, hospitality. no sorry no entry. so this is as close I have got to the only seven star hotel in the world, the end of the drive way. I do understand that their guests don't want to be gawked at by tourists, people like me, however I wonder if I returned in my dinner suit and black tie they might just let me in?
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