National Geographic reception at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel

Nat Geo selected the beautiful Jumeirah Zabeel Saray hotel on Palm Island as our kickoff for the NGTOA

Monday, February 19

Tonight is the official beginning of the National Geographic Tour of Asia.  We checked in and met the support staff team this morning and received luggage and name tags and other incidentals.

This evening, we enjoyed a nice cocktail reception on the hotel's seaside courtyard and met half a dozen couples joining us on the trip.  It was interesting so learn that probably 2/3 of the people had already been on a National Geographic trip – many on the NGTAW.  Like us, they enjoyed it so much they couldn’t wait to come back.

Carol Browder welcoming us to the expedition on behalf of National Geographic

Our dinner, at the Sultan’s Lounge restaurant,  included welcomes from our National Geographic host, Carol Browder and our three NG experts – Carroll Dunham, Jack Daulton and Jay Dickman, and our Expedition Staff Leader Eszter Foldvary.  Jack was funny and gave a brief slide show.  Said he was from the suburbs of Chicago and the most his family traveled was to go camping in Wisconsin (usually in the rain) – but they subscribed to Time magazine and the National Geographic, which inspired him to travel.  He’s trained as a lawyer, with expertise on Asian cultures and religions and architecture.  Looking forward to all their talks!  Jack also quoted Marco Polo, in his writings of “The Book of Marvels of the World” – that he only wrote half of what he saw in his travels to the center of Kubli Khan’s empire;  if he wrote all of it, no one would believe him.

Beautiful table setting, decorated with flowers and information cards from all the locations we'll visit

This dining room is an opulent vision of white filigree, mirrors and crystals

I have to say a little about the hotel they selected for our tour's beginning:  the Jumeirah Zabeed Saray hotel is one of the premier locations in the Jumeirah line of hotels.  They are all owned by Sheikh Mohammed ben Rashid al Maktoum, the current sheikh of Dubai.  This one was built about 10 years ago and its architectural detailing has an Ottoman Empire/Turkish theme.  It has a beautiful spa (included in the stay), an infinity pool and a sand beach, an abundance of restaurants, including a great Lebanese one that served us  our dinner last night.  Just a few photos to share:

The elegant entrance with dome, fountain and Ottoman style chandelier

Hotel front portico and fountains - Izmir style Turkish tiles on the portico and flanking walls

The hotel's infinity pool - looks across the Palm Island to the Atlantis hotel on the horizon

Beachfront at sunset

The Imperium Restaurant, where breakfast is served from 6 to 11 each day

The lounge with massive blue and garnet crystal chandeliers

Our hotel room - with couch, desk and outdoor balcony sitting areas

My favorite - the over the top spacious Turkish style bathroom complete with giant soaking tub

Lobby fountain

The attractive Turkish restaurant - with Izmir tiles in the niches and hand painted walls and ceilings

I'm easily amused - by this bank of lights on the floor in front of the elevator.  I love the design - and the fact that the light turned red when the respective elevator arrived!