GreyBeard_the_Pirate

Ahhh, Dubai! Like Vegas--without the fun.

As you arrive at the airport look around at all of the "Third Country Nationals" (TCNs)--indentured servants working to support their family in some poor, far-away country. Typically their passport is held by the person who "owns" them, that is, the person or firm who paid for their work visa, flight to Dubai from their Third World homeland, and all the costs associated with obtaining a work visa, including the fees charged by the labor firms.

I lived in the Gulf for several years and the human slavery in Dubai is disgusting and depressing. Many of the TCNs know what they are in for before they leave their homeland; many do not. Dubai is the center of the Middle East sexual slavery traffic--as well as the world's hub for illegal arms trade.

Try to peel back the curtains and look behind the facade of Dubai--talk to the TCNs and ask them where they are from, who they support at home, and how long they've been in Dubai. In your brief encounter endeavor to build rapport so you can ask the questions which will dispel the heavily lacquered myth of Dubai.

When eating out, be sure to ask the server if she or he will get to keep the tip if you add it to the charge slip, if not, leave cash so that you know they benefit from your generosity. These people are salt of the earth people, and but for the grace of God there go you.

Aargh!

Hi

The food in the buffet for lunch is really good with many choices.

The Indian curry selections are always good there is also usually a dish of the day. In the evening there are steak stations where you can order and it will be cooked to order, there is also pasta, pizza etc available

"good curry" is an oxymoron.

My wife and I are booked on the Galapagos/Machu Picchu trip in November, but after Marriott fired a guy at the behest of the Chinese government I don't want to spend a nickel with any hotel associated with that brand.

Has anyone been successful in getting a credit for their hotel stay and booking their own room in Quito? I'm a Hilton guy myself and have reservations at the Hilton in Quito, but getting a response from Celebrity on the issue has been like getting the dead to talk.

Thanks!