A diverted direct flight, HKG-Dubai, on CX

Originally I was to take a CX flight to BKK and connected on Qatar Airways to go to Dubai via Doha.  Unfortunately CX flight got a serious delay (in fact, I noticed it was the pilot whom wanted the jet to parked to the main terminal) and therefore we couldn't connect the flight on Qatar Airways. Though CX has arranged a direct flight from HK to Dubai, we had to wait at the airport over 12 hours.  By then we should have arrived at Dubai on Qatar.  CX ground staff thought that it would be actually good for us to have a direct flight but I told them our purpose was to try A380 of Qatar Airways and the new Dubai international as DWC (Dubai World Central). 

Anyway, we got on board for this 7.5 hour flight from HK to Dubai but the meal and seat are not that good as compared to Qatar.  The amuse brioche was missed.  The main was in a tiny hot tray instead of putting it nicely on a plate.  See how the breakfast was (the last photo).  Just some pastry and a yoghurt. 

Terminal 1, Dubai Airport

I had quite a high expectation about this renowned airport.  From the time I stepped in the terminal ,went thru' the immigration and security, til I got to the departure hall, I didn't find anything it looks like a Dubai Airport as it should have been.  I doubt if that would be just this terminal getting outdated but not for the other terminals.

First class lounge, Dubai Airport terminal 1

A bit disappointed with this First class lounge in considering it's in the renowned Dubai Airport and further it served such prestigeous airlines as Qatar Airways.  The food wasn't too tempting.  Though they have a signature dim sum choices, it wasn't that good either.  Somehow it would be good to save room for the inflight meal.

First Class, Dubai to Doha with Qatar Airways,

Can't have a single word of complaint about Qatar Airways.  So surprised that they could have a full service meal for just a 37 minute flight from Dubai to Doha.  In starting with the meal, some dates and arabic coffee were served.  The meal is not in a small portion.  Nice kebab and the humus are so good to have the nan and bread to dip.  The dessert is a pastry puff by Laduree.  The crew served the meal without any hassling feeling.  Really amazing and professional too.

Symphony restaurant, Dubai Mall, UAE

The 2 local meals I have tried were surprisingly good to me, including this one.  Tried a greek salad and mixed grill platter.  The salad was made with a very light touch of olive oil and lemon juice and a dash of sea salt.  The veggie chunks were so fresh and chill that the salad really got you an appetite for the main.  The mixed grill platter was in a big portion.  The meat was very fresh and juicy.  The nans were freshly made to go with the grilled meat.

Angelina, Dubai Mall, UAE

Interesting that even this restaurant is worse than the branches in BKK, after trying Paul.  Their signature Mont Blanc (photo 4) was way too sweet.  The choco mouse cake was a bit better - at least with Angelina's chocolate.  The deco. is quite classic French and good for a break from shopping and shopping....

What do you think about this vehicle by JW Marriott Marquis Dubai

There are a no. of shuttle bus from the hotels nearby.  Don't know why JW Marriott chose this color and this shape.  One thing for sure we were sitting inside, not lying down.

Paul, French Bakery, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, UAE

Saw this good old friend in Dubai.  I had to try it and see if it was close to the French one, or BKK's.  Ended up it wasn't such a story.  The choco. cake was too greasy and sweet, so for the Paul's signature rhubarb tart being disappointing.  The iced mocha was just milk and light choco. with tiny trace of coffee aroma.  This Paul is even worse than the one in Taiwan.

Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, UAE

This skiing place in Dubai isn't anything new after it's been widely reported in various travel media.  Didn't get in for a try, but it's quite interesting to see it from the outside.

Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, UAE

This mall is on the way from downtown area to the Palm.  So on the way back from the Palm, I stopped by here.  The shops are more common than the Dubai Mall.  Didn't buy anything from here.