The Dubai DO - June 24-27, 2011
Jun 26, 2011 | 3:12 am
#482
Moderator: Emirates Skywards and Qatar Airways Privilege Club
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: 12R/30L
Programs: EK Gold|EY Gold|Bonvoy Ambassador| IHG Plat|HHonors Diamond
Posts: 2,853
As some of you will be travelling later tonight, the dinner will be held at 8pm.
The place is called Labneh and Zaatar, it is located at the clock tower square, I will vist the place at lunch time and will try to book around 15 seats, will keep our leader EIGHTBLACK informed.
The place is called Labneh and Zaatar, it is located at the clock tower square, I will vist the place at lunch time and will try to book around 15 seats, will keep our leader EIGHTBLACK informed.
Jun 26, 2011 | 3:22 am
#483
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: SCE, GRU
Programs: UA MP Premier Gold (Life), Hyatt Explorer, Various other hotel FS pgms
Posts: 195
With all the praise and superlatives being heaped onto this event and its organizers by everyone on this thread, it seems that there is nothing more to say--except that it is all true and deserved.
This DO didn't happen by accident or luck. It obviously took a lot of effort and planning. Eightblack, umg1, mrtdxb, and Emirates really went all-out to make sure everything was fantastic. This is a weekend I will talk about and remember for a long time.
For me, in addition to the events, I also enjoyed meeting so many friendly, interesting, and truly generous people from all over the world. How can you measure the value of an experience like this? (Answer: you cannot.)
Please add my thanks to everyone who made this weekend possible.
This DO didn't happen by accident or luck. It obviously took a lot of effort and planning. Eightblack, umg1, mrtdxb, and Emirates really went all-out to make sure everything was fantastic. This is a weekend I will talk about and remember for a long time.
For me, in addition to the events, I also enjoyed meeting so many friendly, interesting, and truly generous people from all over the world. How can you measure the value of an experience like this? (Answer: you cannot.)
Please add my thanks to everyone who made this weekend possible.
Jun 26, 2011 | 4:24 am
#484
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Exile
Posts: 16,066
It's been a while since I've been to a Do, but this one strikes me as one of the best yet. Why? Well, it had the perfect balance between organised activities and informal activities. The size, at around 30-50 people at most for each event, was also ideal. It allowed folks to circulate but also to catch up with pretty much everyone else.
Huge huge thanks to the organisers, especially to eightblack for putting together an amazing weekend. ^^^
Huge huge thanks to the organisers, especially to eightblack for putting together an amazing weekend. ^^^
Jun 26, 2011 | 11:12 am
#485
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2006
Location: TUN
Programs: TK E+
Posts: 11,230
As a first timer with do's, I had a really enjoyable day yest, great events and company. Massive appreciation for all the effort you put into organising this simon, ung1 and the EK team - you made it look easy which I'm sure it wasn't. It was insightful and fun beyond anything I expected! Hearty thanks for the kind hospitality from mrtdxb, and for the idyllic location and food!
Broke up a heated argument between a passenger and a taxi controller on the trek home, it was just like a Saturday night back in the UK... haha
Broke up a heated argument between a passenger and a taxi controller on the trek home, it was just like a Saturday night back in the UK... haha
I will start with a big round of applause for eightblack and ung1 for organising this wonderful DO. They went all out and did a marvelous job especially given they are both based out of Dubai. Food and drink was plenty and of top quality...... It was my first but will definitely not be the last. It was nice to finally put face to handle and everyone was truly pleasant.
A special thank you to EK, everyone from the Skywards team, Service Delivery and not to forget the wonderful Pursers who took care of us. It was truly a great experience that money can't buy. Thanks to the senior management who took time out of their day off to be present for the event.
Last but not least cheers mrtdxb for being a gracious and generous host to invite us all for a bbq at your humble abode. I'm sure all will join me in saying we appreciate it, it was a great party and hope you didn't regret it afterwards
See you guys at dinner tonight....
A special thank you to EK, everyone from the Skywards team, Service Delivery and not to forget the wonderful Pursers who took care of us. It was truly a great experience that money can't buy. Thanks to the senior management who took time out of their day off to be present for the event.
Last but not least cheers mrtdxb for being a gracious and generous host to invite us all for a bbq at your humble abode. I'm sure all will join me in saying we appreciate it, it was a great party and hope you didn't regret it afterwards
See you guys at dinner tonight....
With all the praise and superlatives being heaped onto this event and its organizers by everyone on this thread, it seems that there is nothing more to say--except that it is all true and deserved.
This DO didn't happen by accident or luck. It obviously took a lot of effort and planning. Eightblack, umg1, mrtdxb, and Emirates really went all-out to make sure everything was fantastic. This is a weekend I will talk about and remember for a long time.
For me, in addition to the events, I also enjoyed meeting so many friendly, interesting, and truly generous people from all over the world. How can you measure the value of an experience like this? (Answer: you cannot.)
Please add my thanks to everyone who made this weekend possible.
This DO didn't happen by accident or luck. It obviously took a lot of effort and planning. Eightblack, umg1, mrtdxb, and Emirates really went all-out to make sure everything was fantastic. This is a weekend I will talk about and remember for a long time.
For me, in addition to the events, I also enjoyed meeting so many friendly, interesting, and truly generous people from all over the world. How can you measure the value of an experience like this? (Answer: you cannot.)
Please add my thanks to everyone who made this weekend possible.
It's been a while since I've been to a Do, but this one strikes me as one of the best yet. Why? Well, it had the perfect balance between organised activities and informal activities. The size, at around 30-50 people at most for each event, was also ideal. It allowed folks to circulate but also to catch up with pretty much everyone else.
Huge huge thanks to the organisers, especially to eightblack for putting together an amazing weekend. ^^^
Huge huge thanks to the organisers, especially to eightblack for putting together an amazing weekend. ^^^
Jun 26, 2011 | 11:17 am
#486
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 11,969
Jun 26, 2011 | 12:27 pm
#487
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2006
Location: TUN
Programs: TK E+
Posts: 11,230
Jun 26, 2011 | 12:37 pm
#488
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 19,831
Just to add my thanks! Absolutely fantastic time, and I hope to meet you all again soon.
Sorry I didn't make the meal tonight... I've been feeling terrible all day (I wonder why!).
Has the FTer who was fast asleep in the Belgian Beer Cafe when I left woken up yet? I won't name him publicly. One of my favourite songs is Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush.
Cheers,
Rick
Sorry I didn't make the meal tonight... I've been feeling terrible all day (I wonder why!).
Has the FTer who was fast asleep in the Belgian Beer Cafe when I left woken up yet? I won't name him publicly. One of my favourite songs is Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush.
Cheers,
Rick
Jun 26, 2011 | 1:02 pm
#489
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: SCE, GRU
Programs: UA MP Premier Gold (Life), Hyatt Explorer, Various other hotel FS pgms
Posts: 195
Sorry I missed the farewell dinner; I just thought the timing was too tight for me. Airport (Terminal 1) is mobbed. It took an hour from when I arrived until I was at the lounge.
After stamping my passport at immigration, the agent looked closely at the page. She called her supervisor over. He told me to stand aside the wall and disappeared with my passport. A long three minutes later he came out of an office followed by a policeman dressed like a soldier. Halfway to me they separated with the police going another way. Then the supervisor tried to give me someone else's passport. (He's looking at me and the passport and wondering why I don't look like "my" photo.)
Got that cleared up pretty fast. Asked if there was a problem and he said "no problem," pointing to the stamp the immigration person originally made. Apparently the stamper had not impacted the paper correctly and the date was unreadable. He had stamped CANCELLED across the front of it and she put in a new legible exit stamp.
Now leaving the Maharaba lounge near gate 123. Flight gate is 109 and everything is really spread out here so it takes time to get around.
After stamping my passport at immigration, the agent looked closely at the page. She called her supervisor over. He told me to stand aside the wall and disappeared with my passport. A long three minutes later he came out of an office followed by a policeman dressed like a soldier. Halfway to me they separated with the police going another way. Then the supervisor tried to give me someone else's passport. (He's looking at me and the passport and wondering why I don't look like "my" photo.)
Got that cleared up pretty fast. Asked if there was a problem and he said "no problem," pointing to the stamp the immigration person originally made. Apparently the stamper had not impacted the paper correctly and the date was unreadable. He had stamped CANCELLED across the front of it and she put in a new legible exit stamp.
Now leaving the Maharaba lounge near gate 123. Flight gate is 109 and everything is really spread out here so it takes time to get around.
Jun 26, 2011 | 1:44 pm
#490
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: CO Plat, Starwood Plat, Hyatt Plat, Hilton Diamond, CO Pres. Plus, Hertz #1 Gold
Posts: 1,223
A great final dinner for those who were still around. Thank you, smart51, for arranging the place and the menu. Very naughty of you to have picked up the tab. Really just a pleasure of food and company.
Today was a day of lounging with leisurely breakfast at the PH, followed by some time at the pool, a bite of lunch with eightblack and paranoiatx before taking the car from the PH to the Hyatt Regency on the Corniche with a room that overlooks some water along with the rooftops of the old town portion of Deira.
Have to admit that the Corniche and water part are not what I was expecting. Thought there'd be beach, but it's just a wide walkway with large boulders leading to the water, and there are some cargo-container-appearing large islands across what's really a canal. The rooftop view is interesting, and in cooler weather, I'd definitely be walking through this area. So, as it is, I'm glad I'm here for just the one night. And they were kind enough to give me a 6PM checkout tomorrow, and a car to the airport at 8PM. Flight back home via FRA is at 1:45AM.
Can't write it enough times: great Do (thanks again to EK, eightblack, ung1and mrtdxb for organizing and providing), with fun activities, and a fabulous group of people I look forward to seeing again at any time any place.
And should you make your way to NYC in the meantime....
Today was a day of lounging with leisurely breakfast at the PH, followed by some time at the pool, a bite of lunch with eightblack and paranoiatx before taking the car from the PH to the Hyatt Regency on the Corniche with a room that overlooks some water along with the rooftops of the old town portion of Deira.
Have to admit that the Corniche and water part are not what I was expecting. Thought there'd be beach, but it's just a wide walkway with large boulders leading to the water, and there are some cargo-container-appearing large islands across what's really a canal. The rooftop view is interesting, and in cooler weather, I'd definitely be walking through this area. So, as it is, I'm glad I'm here for just the one night. And they were kind enough to give me a 6PM checkout tomorrow, and a car to the airport at 8PM. Flight back home via FRA is at 1:45AM.
Can't write it enough times: great Do (thanks again to EK, eightblack, ung1and mrtdxb for organizing and providing), with fun activities, and a fabulous group of people I look forward to seeing again at any time any place.
And should you make your way to NYC in the meantime....
Jun 26, 2011 | 4:14 pm
#491
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: UA MM *G, AA EXP/OWE, DL Plat/ST+, Hyatt Globalist, GHA Titanium, Bonvoy Plat, Gold everywhere else
Posts: 840
My high school English teacher would be so proud that I actually get that reference...
Jun 27, 2011 | 12:52 am
#492
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: England
Posts: 411
Kudos to eightblack and ung1 for their enthusiasm and persistence in pulling all this together and coming up with a fantastic agenda, and not least to Emirates for their genuine efforts to provide this eclectic group of travellers with some very unique insights and experiences! ^
Last edited by -Heathcliff-; Jun 27, 2011 at 1:11 am
Jun 27, 2011 | 1:55 am
#493
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Living in SIN™, trying to make it through a year in BLR
Programs: SQ Pew Pew SSSS, Marriott/Accor Plat, IC Dia Amb, GHA Tit, Avis/Hertz PC
Posts: 6,770
Thanks to eightblack, ung1, mrtdxb and Emirates for putting up such an amazing weekend. It was great to meet up with new faces as well as some FTers after many many years. The Emirates event was fantastic.
My SQ flight AUH-SIN this morning had a go-around on short finals due to an obstruction on the runway. I was nodding off as we descended and woke up with a start - had visions of the emergency evacuation running through my head
My SQ flight AUH-SIN this morning had a go-around on short finals due to an obstruction on the runway. I was nodding off as we descended and woke up with a start - had visions of the emergency evacuation running through my head
Jun 27, 2011 | 1:56 am
#494
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Living in SIN™, trying to make it through a year in BLR
Programs: SQ Pew Pew SSSS, Marriott/Accor Plat, IC Dia Amb, GHA Tit, Avis/Hertz PC
Posts: 6,770
Jun 27, 2011 | 5:25 am
#495
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Delta 3MM, DM, AIA IR Shs and MLBabe
Programs: Prefer to stay where the herded cats are staying, IHG , Hyatt gold, bottom fish in other chains
Posts: 2,451
DXB Wow DO
I would like to add my thanks and awe to eightblack and ung1for putting together a most wonderful DO here. I know I missed alot of the activities due to my cracked rib but for the brunch and the Emirates Experience
it was well worth the trip.
I would like to get Hans to come with me next year if another DO is organized. He would have loved the Emirates experience, loved the brunch too much (into food coma) and would enjoy the interesting architecture in this city. He would NOT have enjoyed the Dubai Mall where I went yesterday but a trip to the top of the Burj Kalifa would have enticed him......
To mrtdxb who I have corresponded with by PM, another thank you for the bbq I didn't get to....next time!
Eightblack or ung1, when time allows, please pm me and probably all other attendees with the email names and addresses of the lovely people who shared EK with us on Saturday. I certainly want to send a personal note of thanks to each and every one of them..even if it is by email...
Cheers all and see you again somewhere in the world....
Dede
it was well worth the trip.
I would like to get Hans to come with me next year if another DO is organized. He would have loved the Emirates experience, loved the brunch too much (into food coma) and would enjoy the interesting architecture in this city. He would NOT have enjoyed the Dubai Mall where I went yesterday but a trip to the top of the Burj Kalifa would have enticed him......
To mrtdxb who I have corresponded with by PM, another thank you for the bbq I didn't get to....next time!
Eightblack or ung1, when time allows, please pm me and probably all other attendees with the email names and addresses of the lovely people who shared EK with us on Saturday. I certainly want to send a personal note of thanks to each and every one of them..even if it is by email...
Cheers all and see you again somewhere in the world....
Dede