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After a 13.5hr flight our trip begins in Abu Dhabi. The fact that we are possibly going to be away for the next 12 months is slowly starting to sink in. It was an interesting start to say the least. We collected our backpacks and headed for the bus stop to catch a bus into town. It wasn't until about 10mins down the road did we realise we didn't bother to pick up a map! Somehow, by memorising Google maps weeks earlier we managed to get off at the right stop and head in the right direction. Through what appeared to be an embassy, with signs posted all around prohibiting photography, a little confronting when you first arrive in the middle east! We somehow stumbled upon our hotel and thankfully some awesome air-conditioning!
Thankfully the hotel allowed us to check into a room even though it was only 7:30 in the morning and head up to use the pool while they prepared another room for us with a better view!!
After lowering our body temperature we decided to head into the city to check it out. We jumped into a cab, again without consulting a map, and got dropped at a central mall at 9:50 that didn't open till 10! We quickly realized not to much goes on in a Muslim country during Ramadan in daylight hours. We wandered around the city for the next couple of hours until the heat was unbearable an we jumped in a cab and headed off to Ferrari World on Yas Island.
Unfortunately 2 of the main thrill rides were closed but we were compensated for it by a free lunch, which was perfect because I was ready to chew my own arm off. I've discovered my stomach doesn't agree with Ramadan!
Ferrari World is strange and impressive. The entire park is covered by a domed roof that from the outside looks like some sort of science fiction bug sitting smack bang in the middle of the desert. The best thing though was the fact there were no queues. The staff outnumbered the visitors! You could literally walk around and not bump into another patron!!!
It's a must see for F1 buffs. Majority of the rides and attractions are educational and informative about the racing cars but it's still interesting if you don't care about the sport! 2 stand out favourites was the dual rollercoasters that intertwine as if racing each other and the pit lane where we actually got to change a tyre like the pit crews! Jarrod and I set a park record of 6 seconds! Apparently the pit lane crews have to do it in 5 seconds or less!
We left Ferrari World and got the bus back to our hotel. It was about 6pm still daylight outside and we both crashed and slept for about 12 hours!! I think this definitely readjusted our body clocks!
We checked out and headed for the Grand Mosque on our way to the airport. This is one of the most spectacular things I have ever seen. Only opened to the public a couple of years ago this Mosque is one of the few in the world that allows non Muslims to enter. Although you must put on the robe and veil to do so, hence the Muslim Ginge photos!! It's main purpose is to allow you the opportunity to interact with Muslim people and learn about their religion. The detail and expense they went to is astronomical! In one of the prayer rooms the ceiling pattern matches exactly with the carpet. This is because they believe in heaven the sky will reflect the ground in all it's beauty. If your ever in Abu Dhabi this is a must see!
After our enlightening experience I derobed and headed off to the airport for our next flight to Casablanca, Morocco. Thankfully this one is only 8 hours!!!
- comments
Cindy & Mike Fantastic! Very interesting. Glad that you are having so much fun. Very jealous, and so is Aunty Lorraine. Love Mum & Dad. xx
Mum and Dad Whoops! Hit wrong star. Meant it to be a 5!!!!