I can't believe it's already been a few weeks since I returned from my second whirlwind back to back work trip of the season. In just a little over 2 months I went to Las Vegas, Venice, Panama City, Rio de Janeiro and Dubai - 4 continents in 2 months. Woof.
Social media may make it look glamorous because isn't globe trotting fun?! But what you don't see are the tears streaming down my face on the way to the airport because I just left my little girl, the anxiety that I'll test positive for the virus that shall not be named and not be able to come home for 2+ weeks, the overnight long flights where I can never seem to get sleep, or the super long (and stressful) days because helloooo I am there for work after all. That's the real side of the past few months. I'm blessed beyond words for these opportunities, and above all I LOVE what I do which is truly the greatest gift.
I was fortunate to return to Brazil for work after going there in 2019 to cover an event. (full recap from when I had more time to site-see in Rio during that trip can be found here). Rio is always my favorite stop on our EXPO world tour because they bring the energy like no where else inside the arena. Plus, I love walking around knowing it's the same arena where my girl Simone Biles made history at the 2016 Olympic games.
*Posing in the new product experience area*
I was excited to see the Christ the Redeemer statue from the airport before setting off on a long journey. We took a quick flight from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo before boarding a 14 hour flight to Dubai. Last time I was in Brazil, it rained the entire time. Even though I took the train up the mountain to see the statue, we were literally in the clouds and couldn't see much below. So this was a nice surprise even if from afar.
The big event season was over, but a few of us headed to Dubai to cover an incentive trip. It was my first time covering one, and I was amazed at the first class experience they provide to the lucky qualifiers. I kept pinching myself that I was in fact in Dubai, staying at the tallest 5 star resort in the world and visiting landmarks I had only ever dreamed of seeing in person.
I arrived utterly exhausted after working a busy event and traveling so far, but was in awe of the beautiful room at the
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel complete with a view of the Burj Khalifa - talk about surreal. We arrived at night, so it was easy to crash and get on their time as quickly as possible. I hit a wall the next afternoon, but other than that wasn't too affected by the time change. Due to daylight savings happening here while I was away we were 9 hours ahead of back home.
The beautiful hotel pool which I enjoyed on our last night. I swam a few laps to soothe achy muscles, and enjoyed the epic skyline one last time. It almost doesn't look real!
My first full day comprised of meetings, and then the welcome dinner outside under the stars. Again with incredible views of the skyline. I also made sure to stay conscious of the modesty standards there. Unless I was at the resort pool or at the beach club (later in the trip) I kept my shoulders and knees covered.
The next day was spent discovering "the land". The whole trip was a theme of land, sand and sea. We went to the Dubai Mall and up to the top of the Burj Khalifa.
We then made our way to the brand new
AIN Wheel which is 820 ft. tall (nearly double the height of the London Eye) making it the world's largest. The views were of course incredible, and it was another surreal experience.
We then headed to what felt like next door to the
Address Beach Resort for another dinner under the stars complete with a beautiful view of the AIN Wheel we were just on.
I took this photo sitting down at the table during dinner. I did my best to keep taking everything in, because it seriously did not look real. So impressive!
The next day we were treated to more views of the AIN Wheel and the Address Beach Resort with a day at Zero Gravity Beach Club. It was fun to run around and collect everyone's experiences and their first impressions of the trip. Being able to take a dip in the Persian Gulf - PRICELESS.
That evening the staff was invited to dinner at a Lebanese restaurant. It was DELISH! I think I took not just seconds, but thirds of almost everything!
The last full day was exploring Old Dubai on land before heading to the sand for a farewell dinner in the dessert.
Still can't believe the sunsets there - absolutely incredible! Photos of course don't do it justice, but I couldn't not snap a few to remember them by.
*I made a new friend in one of the adorable camels*
*Obligatory staff jumping in the desert in front of the sunset photo*
Because we flew Emirates, we had free tickets to check out the Dubai EXPO which reminded me of a Worlds Fair. The exhibits were incredible, and it was definitely a once in a lifetime experience.
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