Tickets for Rio de Janeiro to Dubai

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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13 comments:

  1. What a whirlwind few months for you! Loved reading this recap and seeing your beautiful photos!

    Jill - Doused in Pink

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  2. I know it might not all be glam, but it sure does look and sound amazing!

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  3. It is wonderful that your job takes you to some fabulous places, but I can imagine its all such hard work!

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  4. GIRL, what a trip!!!! All of these pictures look incredible! And some, anxiety-inducing as well. Haha. I don't do well with heights, so I'm not sure I could have handled some of that, but man, what memories you will have from this trip! SO many bucket list checks!

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  5. So amazing! I love that you get paid to explore the world! I know it must be hard to leave your family, but these memories will be priceless!

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  6. This soooo makes miss traveling for work. What an amazing time. I have wanted to go to both and have never been! And Dubai has so much gaming there.

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  7. Gosh I miss traveling abroad SO much! Your trip looked amazing, and that food? DE-lish!!!

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

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  8. Oh, you got some amazing photos. At least the let you have a little fun and not all work. But, I get you... you're still there for work and I'm sure it makes for some LONG days. I can never seem to sleep on international flights either, even if I do bring special pillow, etc.! I love those desert photos, oh wow! And, 4 continents! Isn't that unreal?! I bet it was so nice to return home to your family. My husband used to travel all the time and he'd always bring the kids back a little gift (usually from the airport, lol!).

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

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  9. Omg I love this! I've been to Dubai before and it's awesome!

    Lots of love, Krissi of the marquise diamond https://www.themarquisediamond.de

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  10. I love seeing all of your travel photos but I know it is so stressful to travel right now and hard to be away from your family! Plus work travel does mean LONG days. I do not miss that!

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  11. it's fun you got to travel and see and do so much! Our international borders just reopened here in Australia recently, haha! most people are taking a wait and see approach though - lots of local holidays for a while!

    Thanks for joining the #WeekdayWearLinkup! Hope that you had a great weekend :) We had a couple fun Christmas gatherings :)

    Away From The Blue

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  12. Looks like a great trip even though it was for work. And how fun are those desert photos? You make me want to travel so badly! Prime example of social media talking, right? Btw, I love your smocked dress. So pretty and it suits you.

    Maureen | www.littlemisscasual.com

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  13. What a trippppp! You get to go to the coolest places, babe friend!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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