My Burj Al Arab experience

A few months back, Toni told me about a guy who tried to bring his sons into the Burj Al Arab, the only 7-star hotel in the world to date. He said they were being asked to pay 50€ each just to get into the hotel cafe coz they didn't have any reservations, and neither are they billeted. So when I got to Dubai, I really did not intend to or even thought about visiting the hotel. 50€ is really a lot of money just so I can pay yet another maybe 50Dhms for a cup of coffee that I can get for 10Dhms somewhere else.
But then I was presented with the opportunity to be Peewee's guest in this lavish hotel, no need to think twice!
Armed with take-out dinner for 4, Toni, Ria and I drove to the gates of the Burj. About 20 feet from the main gate, theres a guard who asked for our names and who we are visiting. Passed that guy is the main gate that is similar to most Army bases gates. You know this steel metal block that rises up and down from the ground? Thats the main gate! Passed this, we had to cross a small bridge since the Burj is situated just off the beach area in Jumeirah. And while on this bridge, I can't help but feel ecstatic while looking at the majestic building shaped like a sail boat, with changing hues that illuminates it.
After the bridge, there was a round about, and of course we had to give our car out for valet. Our car in Dubai is this measly 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer. Pardon me for those who owns this car. I have no problem about it. Its just that in Dubai, it is a poor mans car. I hope you understand. And to add to my embarrasment, our car was the dirtiest ever that the Burj probably received! hahaha.
So we entered the huge main doors, adorned with the portraits of the Sheiks who built this hotel, I was again in awe, both sides of the escalators going up and down are these massive aquariums with real live fishes in it. (I would later find out, that in the resto aquarium lives a shark!)
On top of the stairs is this huge area surrounding a fountain, equipped with a Rodeo Drive shopping places, and elevators going to the different parts of the hotel.
Am sure you have heard about it being glazed with gold. Well yeah it is, but its just brass actually. When you look up, you'll see the balconies of every floor. It's just a beauty.
As we head to the elevators that will take us to the 7th floor where Peewee and Jinky are staying, I couldn't help but notice that there are loads of beautiful Pinays working in this hotel. And on that floor, we are now received on a small receptions, which I think every floor has. Here we had to show our passports which they copied. Talk about real securities here.
(to be continued)