I was asked to speak at a conference in Trivandrum, India and jumped at the opportunity.  

Passed the Southern tip of Greenland along the way:

Then passed the southern tip of Icelend:

Yup ... that's my plane flying by Baghdad ... cheapest airfare indeed!

Iran from 40,000 feet:

After about 13 hours, we touched down in Dubai for a 5 hours lay-over.  Here's a Mosque in the Airport with "His" and "Her" entrances:

Had some nice views of Dubai as we departed:

After another 4 hour flight we passed right over the Leela Hotel on the way into the airport

This was my view from my room:

Here's the view from the lobby looking out to the Arabian Ocean

Here's a shot from down on the beach:

A beautiful flower in the gardens:

The local people heading to the beach:

A typical 3-wheeled buggy ... I saw as many as 5 people plus a driver in these!  They often drive at night with no headlights or tail lights.

An offering to Ganesh:

The former residence for the British when they ruled this part of the world

I thought it was amusing that the brand name for the toilet was "Hindware" ... maybe its only me.

The roofing tiles also had the trademark elephants on the underside:

What a beautiful gate!

The conference was held in this room and we had just over 70 people attend:

If you ever have an opportunity to fly Emirates Airlines, give them a shot.  Amazing food and service.  This was the "Fruit and Cheese" course which was AFTER the dessert course.

And here's the lounge that they provide: