Re-united at last!! We have waited for over a week to pick up our motorbike from Dubai’s seaport of Jebel Ali. It was meant to be available by 20 Oct, but delays at Karachi and Dubai have stretched out not only the delivery date, but also our budget and patience… UPS in Karachi turned out to be nothing more than a badly run local company under the brand name of an international courier. Everything was either miscommunicated, mishandled or misunderstood and logic was a totally foreign concept. Dubai wasn’t much better and if it wasn’t for our persistence, we’d still be waiting…

Although customs clearance at the Dubai port was a relatively painless (if lengthy) process, we have come to the conclusion that sending a motorbike by air is a far better option. It may seem more expensive at first, but once all the port and customs fees are added in, as well as the time/money spent waiting for the motorbike at the destination, there is virtually no cost difference.

Since arriving in Dubai not much has happened. We’ve either been on the phone with the shipping agent, arranging service and parts for the bike or just chilling out with beer in hand. After ‘going dry’ for a month in Pakistan, the duty free store at Dubai airport was like an oasis Apart from the duty free stores, UAE is officially ‘alcohol free’ and you need a license (basically a statement saying you’re not Muslim) to purchase any. The only other option is to go to a restaurant at a 5 star hotel.

Dubai is typical of a modern metropolis, created on-demand to service the interests of its wealthy landlords (which make up only about 1/4 of the population). The working majority is made up of Indians, Philippinos and Pakistanis. In many ways it reminds us of Singapore…

Our extended stay in Dubai has also given us a new appreciation for our motorbike and the freedom it provides. Dubai is a big city and getting around can be a nightmare. Public transport seems inadequate, taxis are expensive and traffic jams are everywhere!

One of the highlights of our stay in Dubai was seeing the opening round of the UAE Desert Challenge. Its one of the most difficult and famous of off-road rallies, taking place in the surrounding sea of sand dunes. Poland is well represented so we are following it closely. A fellow RTW (round-the-world) biker - Robbo (hardwayhome.blogspot.com) - is also taking part and at the moment he’s doing unbelievably well, considering it’s only his second serious motorcycle race.

Thanks to Lukasz (who we met at the rally), we’ve now got some free accommodation. Lesley and Nigel (along with their parot and a dozen or so cats) have been good enough to host us till the end of our stay. Thanks guys!!

Once we finish servicing our bike (probably on Sunday), it’s then on to Oman. It’ll be good to get back on the road again… We can’t wait!!

Petrol in UAE is around $US0.40 per litre. So there is always a positive…