Stage 1 - 11th January, 2014

Arrived at Dubai after a, largely uneventful trip from London Gatwick; I say largely uneventful because an armed policeman boarded the plane before take off and removed a passenger - it's happening too often! We had upgraded to business class so the food and wine was rather special - Champagne before take off and at any time during the flight.  Picked up by the hotel's limo at Dubai airport and taken to the Dusit Thani hotel - our preferred hotel in Dubai - where we were met by Archy and given the key to room 3401 - the same room we've stayed in for the last three or four visits - it's like coming home. Now unpacked and ready for a beer.