Of course, I didn't see all the things that would have been fun to have experienced...
I did it once, and I'd do it again!
I'm sure I will with time think of more things I'd like to do when I go back. |
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My last day in Abu Dhabi started of relaxing, with a trip to the pool to swim a bit in the morning. Yet again, we pretty much had the pool to ourselves. When we arrived, there was a couple in the kiddie pool and two women sunbathing. I guess we ran them off or something, as they left about the time we were settled into lounge chairs and got the sun shade adjusted. After our swim, we showered and dressed and headed off to the first of the day's adventures, high tea at the Emirates Palace. Oh my! This is definitely a must do for anyone visiting Abu Dhabi. We did the English Tea, which came covered in gold leaf, but they also do an Arab tea. I think we'll have to try this next time! The drive up to the Emirates Palace was very smooth, other then we were stopped briefly by the guards to ensure someone was in the taxi. Apparently they don't let empty taxis drive up to the front door, something that does become an issue when you are trying to leave later! They also would not allow anyone up to the palace without a reservation any time they had a VIP or visiting dignitary staying to increase security. Just like royalty ourselves, we were driven right up to the front door of this palace turned hotel. Everything was covered in gold. The place sparkled. We walked past displays of million dollar jewelry for sale on our way to high tea. We ordered blue tea to enjoy, however the tea itself was not blue. High tea came with a course of mini quiches, complete with holindase sauce, then a three-tier serving plate with finger sandwiches, muffins with jams, and the prettiest desserts I've ever seen! There was so much food! I don't remember what half the stuff was! After tea, we stopped by the Emirates most famous ATM, the Gold ATM in the Emirates Palace. You can use your credit card there to purchase gold jewelry or gold bars at current market rates. While I was feeling a bit special and affluent hanging out in such a nice hotel, I did not splurge on myself a little gift. That thing is just nuts! Not only can you buy gold at the ATM here in the Palace, but there's also one in the Abu Dhabi airport in case you forget to pick up a gift before you leave. We finished the day with a trip to the Heavenly Spa at the Westin. I've never had a massage before, so I let Julie choose which type we'd get. She opted for the Stone Massage, which I must say, was going to be the one I chose. It was fun. All but the too-small-to-thin underwear and the fact that my stomach was back being upset with me. I almost fell asleep while I was getting massage. I was practically asleep when the masseuse asked me to turn over. The masseuse did warn me before starting that I'll notice a lot of heat when she initially touches me with the stones, but that my skin would get used to it the more she rubbed. She wasn't kidding. The first couple minutes it was very hot, but It felt so good by the end of it. She also massaged essential oil into my skin and hair, then recommended that I don't shower with soap for 24 hours. That wasn't going to be much of a problem. My flight was scheduled for 2 am that night. 24 hours of flight time ahead of me! Dinner that night was at Nolu's Cafe on Al Bandar island, super close to Julie's apartment. I had a wonderful lamb chop with tomatoes, squash, and mashed potatoes. It was just as relaxing as the massage. Next on board for the day, staying awake until my flight! Julie didn't quiet make it, she had a couple of naps before it got to be 11pm and we had to grab a taxi over to the airport. At least it's about a 5 minute drive over and she could ride right back. I'm pretty sure the driver was very confused why he dropped me off and wasn't getting paid yet when we both got out. He eventually caught on that she wasn't going and would be going back to Al Bandar. Round trip fair for him! I was surprised how busy the airport was at that time of night when I finally got through passport control and the security checkpoint. The waiting area was packed with people. Julie had explained earlier to me that most of the flights in and out of Abu Dhabi take place at night when it it cooler. Hard to tel that when I didn't wait in line at all at the check-in counter with Eithad Airlines! Weather Conditions:
High: 113 F Low: 86 F Sunny, hot, light breeze We saw Dubai Creek from Al Seef Marina. Dubai Creek is a saltwater creek that divided modern Dubai into Deira and Bur Dubai and provided a port of trade for Dubai. Pearls were even harvested out of the creek until the 1930's. Today, the creek offers tourists a place to revisit traditional life and still provides commercial access to trading ports. The day we visited, you could see traditional boats moored at the marina, a couple of which could have been hired to transit the creek. We didn't get a chance to do that at this marina, but later did cross the creek in a water taxi!
We then went down to Dubai Creek and took a water taxi across the creek to the souks. The water taxi was an experience, as it had not kind of arm rail to hold on to while getting in or out nor while the taxi was in motion. You just sit on a bench that faces the water and watch life go by as you cross the creek. Julie and I rode across right in the front of the boat. Completely by accident, mind you, not planning! The ride was quick, though we got passed by a couple of other water taxis. The boat full of traditionally dressed men who were headed the other way had a good laugh at the boat full of tourists, but waved a friendly, if not laughing hello at all the people taking pictures of them. Arriving at the other side, we walked over to the spice souk, where our guide treated us to some wonderful dates, smells of arabian spices, and fresh almonds. We then got to go into the small shop to buy whatever we thought was wonderful. I saved my money and just enjoyed the smells and colors of the spices running from floor to ceiling in the store. We then continued on up the street to the Gold Souk, were we saw the biggest gold ring the souk had, on the most gold covered mannequin I've ever seen! The gold souk was about two blocks of nothing but stores that sold gold jewelry. I was too much of a wimp to go in one and check out their prices, but from the crowd that was walking the street, something must be priced right! We were given 45 minutes to explore the souks, so Julie and I walked up one of the side alleys. The vendors were all standing outside their stop and any time you tried to glance at their goods, the vendors would start talking to you about how you should come inside and he would get you a good deal on the pashmina scarves, silk scarves, drinks, clothing, gold, whatever struck your interest. Again, I opted to save my money, though I did get a bottle of water for the heat. Then back to Abu Dhabi for a relaxing evening of getting re hydrated from the day spent in the sun. Weather Conditions: High: 111 F Low: 84 F Sunny, hot, light breeze Here's a collection of random pictures I took while on the driving tour of Dubai. and that trucks should only drive in the right lane, I have a harder time understanding why "high trucks" should exit. Ok, it's mostly because I like the play on words between tall trucks being over height and "high." The houses in the UAE were interesting. They are compounds, with large wind towers to harness the sea breeze and help cool the house more efficiently. They didn't have many windows. Also interesting is that Emirates citizens are given a plot of land and a house when they come of age from the government. That helps out a lot and helps explain why so many of the compounds look very similar. Weather Conditions:
High: 111 F Low: 84 F Sunny, hot, light breeze Today, we attempted to be lazy until our evening adventure, however that didn't work out very well. As my ability to get a Dubai Starbucks mug at the Dubai Mall didn't work out, Julie decided we should go to the Souk at the World Trade Center and then cross the street and check out the Starbucks at the World Trade Center Mall. We started off at the Souk, where Julie wanted me to check out the bulk spices. Holy Spices, Batman! Huge bags of stuff I didn't recognize and the largest salt crystals I've ever seen! I bought some arabic spice and some dried rose buds. I know the arabic spice I can put on chicken (because you can put anything on chicken!), but I have no idea what I will do with the rose. Most likely sit it in a pretty bowl and stare at it. Speaking of pretty bowls, I bought four hand painted bowls, two for me and two for my mom. Oh, and a pretty scarf. Then off to pick up a new coffee cup and find some lunch.
We spent our evening at Arabian Nights Village, about an hours drive from Abu Dhabi, enjoying their desert adventure. Julie booked us the half day adventure, which included a camel ride, dune bashing, dune surfing, henna, and dinner with belly dancing. The resort was themed after a traditional Arabian village, with a restaurant, souk, pool/oasis, sand dunes to climb on and surf down. The night we were there, the village had only 8 people, of which we were 2! From talking with the employees, they had 420 visitors the night before! We just got lucky I guess to have the place to ourselves. While it was nice to not have to wait in line to do anything, it was a little eerie. I think I also found my newest favorite adventure past time, dune bashing! To do this, you drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle, in our case, a Land Cruiser, up the side of a dune, then off it at any angle possible. Just like riding a roller coaster and of course I'm giggling the whole way! It was so much fun! I've never been muddin', but from my understanding, I'd guess that dune bashing is very similar. I'd definitely go dune bashing again. I should add that to my list of things to do if/when I go back to Abu Dhabi. It was so relaxing at Arabian Nights that I ended up taking not just one, but two naps at the side of their pool, with the sun gently warming me. I don't know how I managed not to get a sunburn. It wasn't like I had a view of the pool from a room, it was the view from the slightly covered lounge chair poolside. All before dinner. Speaking of dinner, it was served outside on traditional Arabic seating. We sat up front, of course, and were entertained by a belly dancer while we ate. I think my favorite was the red maize hummus dip. I wish I remembered what all they said the dips were. For the entree, we had a combination of chicken and kofta. Guess what I had! It wasn't the chicken. As we only booked a day adventure, after we finished dinner, we climbed into the Land Rover and drove back to Abu Dhabi. Julie managed to get the driver to drop us off near her apartment, so we didn't have to catch a cab. Weather Conditions: High: 108 F Low: 84 F Sunny, light breeze My review of places I've beenWorld Trade Center Mall World Trade Center mall is located in the middle of downtown Abu Dhabi and is confined to a high-rise building. At this point during my vacation, I'm thinking, "not another mall!'. The whole top floor was reserved for restaurants and you can definitely let your nose be your guide there. Arabian Nights Village "Great way to experience the desert!" |
AuthorI'm a chemist turned Academic Coordinator at the University of Kentucky. I love to traveling, gardening, and photography. With my dog Jake, we try to enjoy life however its thrown at us. Archives
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