Going to the top of Burj Khalifa

Hosting out-of-towners in the UAE, especially family, can be a delicate task.

Miranda's mother -- dubbed Mama K by her loved ones -- visited us for two weeks earlier this month and she brought a travel partner in tow, Ms. Mary Brooks.

These lovely ladies wanted to see the sights, have a few drinks and go back to snowy Wisconsin with a bronzed tan that would make all their co-workers crazy jealous.

Mission Accomplished.

Among the many awesome adventures they checked off their list during a brief 15-day stint was a trip to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. It's defintely on the to-do list if you ever come visit this fair city known as Dubai.

If you are ever in Dubai and want to visit the Burj Khalifa, here are a few suggestions:

- Call and try to make an appointment a week in advance. Otherwise, the price doubles if you just walk up.

- Try the At.Mosphere Lounge, which is located at the top. To make reservation for a table, everyone in your party needs to eat/drink Dh150 per person. Just to go up to the observation deck, it costs Dh125, so this is a no-brainer. They have a full bar at At.Mosphere and the food is pretty good.

- Dress to impress. This is a classy joint. The actual reservation confirmation email I received asked that men and women not wear 'shirts with large/colorful prints' on them. You know, to keep out the riff-raff. Hilarious.

- Check out the Dubai Mall fountain show after you're done with the Burj Khalifa. They have fountain shows with music (very similiar to the ones you see in Las Vegas) every half hour starting at 7.30pm. Tourists go ape shit for that kind of stuff.

- And of course, bring your camera. Plenty of great photos to be had up there.