Sunday 10th of April 2011 - Dubai, UAE
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Arrived at Dubai International Airport just after lunch time… I approached a ground staff of Emirates Airlines to ask if Emirates can assist me in getting a new ticket AT THE TOP of Burj Khalifa, which had expired with ‘NO SHOW’ due to unforeseen emergency landing at India. We had to pay 4 times of what we had originally paid if we would queue up and get a new ticket.
In a bit rude and sarcastic tone, the Emirates staff told me that it’s our problem… Emirates Airlines is only responsible for our flight and he even said… “Emirates can’t do anything. If you want, you can go to Consumer Affairs and raise a complaint.”
Grrrrrrrrr! What a “good” customer service from Emirates!!! After being stranded for a night in India and losing a day of our holiday! I felt sorry for those in the same flight who missed a night booking at places like Atlantis in Dubai in exchange for a night at Chennai provided by Emirates.
On our way to custom, I saw a Customer Service booth… I was under the impression that they’re staff from Emirates, hence, I approached them… hoping that I could find a staff who is easy to talk to. Luckily, I found one very helpful Filipino in the counter who kindly gave me an email address to inquire and also kindly printed the history of our trip, including the information about the involuntary re-routing of our flight. He said that, if ever I would drop by at Burj Khalifa, I may be able to use it to request for reconsideration.
We found our way to train station connected to the airport. Oops! Another Filipino at the train ticket counter. "Hey, have we really landed in Dubai?" We bought 3 daily pass tickets and took the train to World Trade Centre. From there, we took a cab to the hotel. We were welcomed by Filipino personnel at the reception... Hehe! Quite surprised seeing the number of Pinoys we encountered back when we visited San Francisco... but this impression was beaten by Dubai.
Now...the official ‘first day’ of our holiday trip. We saw a black Lexus car in front of the hotel waiting for passengers… We asked him to take us to the nearest station and he dropped us off to Metro station… two stations away to Burj Khalifa.
The driver’s name is Raju from Chennai, India… What a coincident! I have asked him on how much would be his charge if we would hire him. He quoted 75AED per hour. I got his number… ‘told him I might call him, as we’re still looking at our options to get around Dubai.
Highlights:
- Burj Khalifa
After explaining at the front desk of Burj Khalifa of the reason why we weren’t able to show up on the date and time of the ticket AT THE TOP, she allowed us to use our expired ticket. We entered Burj Khalifa on the same date and time (6:00 pm) without a need to queue up.
AT THE TOP means taking you at 124th floor of Burj Khalifa in a minute or two. The fastest elevator in the world (according to Justin.) It was a very ambitious project with a magnificent view of Dubai. We’re lucky that our timing was just right. We got to see Dubai at day time and night time from Burj Khalifa.
- Dubai Mall
Amazing.. mannequins on display, wearing black shrouds, some with flowery designs etc on the sleeves for the fashionistas in Dubai. Really a place for shoppers… Wish we had more time to get around and do a bit of shopping. Justin had started complaining with his shoes and sore toes… So lucky him!!! He got a black/blue Reebok shoes just before the shop closed.- Dubai Dancing Fountain.
Just like the Bellagio Fountain at Las Vegas... it's spectacular to watch the dancing fountain at Dubai accompanied by Arab music.
Our first day ended with a stop over at Starbucks before going back to the hotel.
Super like!
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