If you have ever been in an aircraft and, as it makes its descent towards Dubai airport, found yourself wondering where the city has gone — as you peer through the window trying to work out where all the places you know have disappeared — join the club.
It's funny. Because, although given a bird's-eye view, I always seem to get lost, like a misguided pigeon with its satellite navigation on the fritz.
However, flying 2,000 feet above the Arabian Gulf in a seaplane was a completely different story, because this pigeon knew exactly which way the wind was blowing.
Arriving at one of Seawings's check-in bases at Jebel Ali Hotel, I peeked into my handbag one last time to make sure my passport was safely tucked inside, before handing it over to be copied for receipt of my boarding pass — which looks more like a gift voucher.
Passports are mandatory for all passengers as part of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority regulations, which I found hard to programme walking towards the dock of the hotel's marina to board the aircraft.
Shining star
Glistening in the hot sun, the white, single-engine Cessna Caravan gently bobbed up and down in the water, proudly fitted on two floats, surrounded by boats and yachts — and looking like something right out of a James Bond film.
Having been tipped off that the best aerial views could be enjoyed from the back seats of the aircraft, my companion and I lingered, waiting for the other passengers to board before making ourselves comfortable there.
While buckling up, I looked around the beige interior of what was the most cramped aircraft I have been on. It consisted of five rows: two seats at the front, one of which was for the pilot, two at the back, where I was, and three seats on either side in the middle.
As the propeller rumbled to life, Andrew Kennedy, the pilot from Fiji, welcomed a handful of us on-board and told us what to expect during our 30-minute excursion along the coastline of Dubai.
Up, up and away
Take-off was relatively smooth and definitely not as intense as that of a commercial airliner. Looking out of the window, I could see a trail of foam behind us where the float had gained speed on the sea's surface. And then, up, up and away we went.
It was very quick, because by the time I had gotten used to my surroundings, we were circling above the Palm Jebel Ali.
Depending on which side of the aircraft you are seated is obviously the order in which you will see things. And the initial part of my experience was looking out and down over inland Dubai.
First up came aerial views of the Jebel Ali, Al Barsha and Al Quoz areas including Ibn Battuta Mall. Crossing over Shaikh Zayed Road, out popped the Palm Jumeirah and the World Island.
Glorious sight
Then curving round, aligning parallel to the coastline emerged a beautiful view of Burj Al Arab, standing there in all its glory, its reflection sparkling on the surface of the sea. I had been lucky enough to fly on a clear day. Everything glistened in the sunshine, seemingly in silence, for the only audible noise was the humming of the engine.
While flying back inland, as the Burj Khalifa and the towers surrounding it came into view, I thought of how peaceful it was up there, gliding over the chaos that Dubai can be sometimes.
When it dawned on me that this was the perfect escape for those feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the city, I made a mental note: I want to learn to fly a small aircraft.
But strangely, as Port Rashid came into view, I began to get a little nauseous. Not usually prone to motion sickness, I felt a little confused. Later, Kennedy said the nausea was probably because I had been filming throughout the journey.
As the Palm Jebel Ali came into view once again, the vast blue sea got closer by the second and the foamy trail appeared behind us once more; I could not help but feel a little relieved that the journey was coming to an end, if only to avoid a potentially embarrassing predicament.
Ramadan offer
During Ramadan, Seawings is offering sunset flights over Dubai's landmarks, followed by an iftar buffet dinner at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club for Dh699.
Repeat and referral
The Repeat promotion offers passengers the chance to enjoy 30 per cent discount on a seat when they re-book a flight.
For every four people a passenger refers to Seawings, the Referral promotion presents the passenger with a free seat on a flight.
Visit www.seawings.ae for more details. Bookings can also be made through Arabian Adventures (www.arabian-adventures.com).
Other air adventures:
Hot air balloon
Arabian Adventures offers a unique view of the UAE from the sky. An early-morning pickup takes adventurers to a desert oasis just north of Al Ain, where the flight begins. The flight duration is about an hour but the excursion lasts five hours, subject to weather conditions. Excursions operate daily in the mornings and cost Dh950 for adults and Dh800 for children. Prices are valid from October to April 30, 2011.
Helicopter
Aerogulf Services provides private and corporate helicopter tours of Dubai. Departure is from the Dubai international airport and carrying your passport is mandatory. There are 30-minute tours for Dh3,200, 45-minute tours for Dh4,800 and 60-minute tours for Dh7,400. Prices are for up to four passengers. Since single seats are not on offer for tours, it's best to gather a group of mates and split the cost. Visit www.aerogulfservices.com
