Mike arrived a little ahead of time last week, and whizzed through baggage and check in. So Convenient! He is currently staying up on the 42st floor of the Emirates Towers overlooking the city of Dubai, within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, and with a Starbucks downstairs. As he returned this time, he needed to set up his Dubai international phone, and ran into some difficulties that Americans rarely even consider. Here were his thoughts and notes on the situation:

"We spend years complaining about our service from “Ma Bell” but we don’t realize how easy we have it. Knowledgable techs, everything done “for” you when you call, monthly billing versus filling up every time your prepaid minutes get low, phone number is permanent you don’t have to remember to renew it every year, a blinking light when you have a voicemail (not available with wireless systems and a pain in the rear)."

Here are some of his actual notes, which we found pretty funny and extremely beneficial if you are going to be doing business internationally!

Spent 4 hours and 5 different agents going through this!

-There is a language challenge: instead of saying pound for #, the all said “hash” for #
-They don’t enunciate the numbers when there are duplicates they say “triple 5” or “double
zero”
-They will not recognize the term voicemail it is “transfer call”.
-Various codes: (if you do not have them on your phone in the tools folder) check 1st to see if they are already on your phone because the tech will not suggest this.
**67*0555 678 161# VM when you cannot pickup
**62*0555 678 161# VM when you are talking
**21*0555 678 161# VM won’t allow any pickup
##002# cancels all VM commands
-AS OFTEN HAPPENS WHEN YOU WANT COMPUTER ASSISTANCE THE “LAST” TECH KNEW THE ANSWER;
-135 to initiate service for your SIM card use.
-NOKIA: Check out phone tools/settings/call divert/voice calls/
-Activate: Busy & Not Answered
-DO NOT activate If unavailable or out of reach unless you are activating again soon. You are charged for every voicemail.

Returning to... Abu Dhabi

As I write this, Mike is still reclining in the business class seating of an Emirates flight to Dubai. Yes, he is returning to Dubai, but this time without the whole family. Since the last trip was more of a discovery tour, this time Mike has a few different objective. He will be in the UAE from April 23 through May 8, and will be attending the Arabian Travel Market while there. He will also be familiarizing himself with Abu Dhabi, since Dubai was our primary focus during the last trip. Abu Dhabi is considered the cultural epicenter of the UAE, with amazing plans of development in the next several years. To give you a little background about Abu Dhabi, so you will be familiar with it, here are some key facts to know.

-Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It became the capital after the country's independence in 1971.
- It is the largest of seven emirates that comprise the UAE. The other six are Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain.
- The ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahayan, is also the first president of the UAE.
- Abu Dhabi is one of the world's most modern and progressive cities.
- Abu Dhabi is also one of the wealthiest states of the world. However, before the discovery of oil in the region, it was the poorest of sheikhdoms.
- Abu Dhabi has about 70 per cent of the UAE's wealth.
- Abu Dhabi city lies on a T-shaped island that juts into the Persian Gulf from the western coast.
- The emirate is bordered by Saudi Arabia and Oman, and has a total area of 82,880 square kilometers. Abu Dhabi's coastline extends to about 1,318 kilometers.
-Most of the citizens in Abu Dhabi wear the national dress. Women wear the full length black abaya and men wear the long white thobe or dishdasha.
- As per their religion, Muslims in Abu Dhabi are not allowed to consume alcohol in any of its forms. Non-Muslims need to have a special license to buy alcohol in the city.

We are excited to hear about everything that Mike will be doing in the UAE for the next 2 1/2 weeks. From what happened on our last trip, I'm sure that this will be quite an adventure!!

Secure Vacations - Feel as safe as you do in your own home.

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This is becoming more common due to numerous reports of instability around the world, as well as the myriad of risks that simply come with traveling. In fact, according to the International Travel Insurance Journal, one in three of us suffer some kind of problem while on vacation. Even with all these apparent risks in mind, have you ever wanted to vacation with the same level of comfort, safety, and security that you feel at home?

Understanding these risks that every family faces, Le Rêve offers a revolutionary approach to travel, called Secure Vacations. This innovative concept was brought about due to sensing the heightened security threats around the world, and the realization that ensuring safe travel is of paramount concern to many high net worth families.We have partnered with the best of the best in Risk Management to establish the security measures needed and the local expertise necessary to cover the UAE, the US, and other international destinations.

Secure Vacations allow your entire family to enjoy the vacation with the peace of mind needed to relax and rejuvenate!

Le Reve Returning to Dubai..Solo

Some of you reading this may recall that the Paige's journeyed to Dubai (along with a three-day trip to Oman per the suggestion of close friends) back in January and February. Although the whole family isn't going this time, Mike is getting a chance to head back to Dubai and Abu Dhabi for the first two weeks in May. The purpose of this trip will be to enhance the progress of unilateral business and leisure travel between the UAE, Southern California, and Aspen (Le Reve Diamond Destinations). Mike is looking forward to meeting with key business associates, attending the Arabian Travel event, and also just enjoy the beauty and culture that the UAE affords!

For most Americans, Dubai seems a world away, so we thought we would include some key facts about Dubai that may give you a better picture of what it is like there.

• Dubai by the Numbers:Population: over 1.3 million
• Elevation: 52 feet
• Average Annual Precipitation: 13 centimeters
• Average January Temperature: Low 58 degrees F, High 75 degrees F
• Average July Temperature: Low 86 degrees F, High 105 degrees F
• Major Industries: Trade, Manufacturing, Financial Services, Communications, Government services
• Ethnic Mix: 65% Asian, 18% UAE Nationals, 13% Arab Expatriates, 4%
• Electricity: 220/240 volts at 50 cycles
• Time Zone: GMT 4
• Country Dialing Code: 971Area Code: 4
• Did You Know?.........There aren't any street addresses in Dubai. It's True!!
• Orientation: Dubai is 1,510 square miles and is made up of two towns separated by Dubai Creek. To the north is Deira and to the south, Bur Dubai....(In fact, Dubai government authorities have a current architectural plan in place to connect the two sites of Dubai Creek. Their vision for Dubai’s new monster bridge will be known for its form and symbolism because it ”further advances the infrastructure and transportation initiatives in Dubai.” The form symbolises the surrounding dunes of the desert and the curvy Dubai Creek current. Connecting both sides the bridge measures 1,7km in length and 205m in height. Once completed it will be the tallest and longest arch bridge in the world.)
  

Hope this information gives a few interesting facts about the area that you didn't know before. Mike is looking forward to returning in May and to continuing the process of building connections between the UAE, Southern California, and Aspen.