Ash (Prue’s husband) and I arrive to their apartment
at 5.30pm on Wednesday 5 March. I had met Ash at his work in Dubai. The 105 km
journey passed by quickly – chatting and looking out the window. I learnt that the UAE sets their petrol price
at the start of each month, for that month, and it’s the same price at every
petrol station across the UAE.
Great to see Prue again! And finally visit where she lives. We spend the evening chatting.
Thursday (6 March) morning I wake just after 6am. Beyond annoying! I really hope I don’t have this when I go back to HK.
I leave the apartment when Prue goes to work at 7.30am and head for a run.
Navy is totally in his play date when I leave, but Cherry has them both come over and wave goodbye. So cute!
I can’t believe on the hottest day so far I’m in trousers. But needs must as I’m off to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Prue has also given me an Abaya and head scarf which is a requirement to enter the Mosque.
It takes me longer to walk to the Mosque entrance than I thought it would have. Where possible I walk in the shade.
To enter the Mosque you need to go downstairs, as I come down the escalator, I see cafes and shops (including McDonalds and Mothercare….). Not what I was expecting.
Before entering the ticket only area I put on my Abaya and cover my hair.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the world's largest Mosque. It's an architecture's beauty. Absolutely stunning!!! One thing that surprised me (or perhaps not as well) is it’s still a very active mosque, which welcomes up to 50,000 worshippers daily. Driving in last night the car park was absolutely packed.
I enjoy wandering around at my own pace, taking it all in.
I’m beyond H O T! Thank goodness the air conditioning is on full steam when I walk back inside the complex to exit.
Standing in the shade waiting for the bus to Wahat Al Karma there is absolutely NO way I’m walking back to Prue’s. It is far too hot!
10 minutes before the departure time the driver opens the door. Ooh it’s nice to sit down!!!! According to my watch I’ve done 17,998 steps and it’s not been 1pm!
It’s a short drive to Wahan Al Karma.
Experience Abu Dhabi website informs me “Wahat Al Karama is a timeless tribute that honours the Emirati martyrs who sacrificed their lives in service of their country”.
I head inside first, looking at everything before watching the short video.
Aah I need to go outside again…..where possible I stick to the shade.
Time to get out of the sun! I book an Uber and within minutes it’s arrived.
Shortly after arriving home Prue gets home from work. Being Ramadan her hours are reduced.
We went for a drive to Yas Marina. Packing the car next to some amaze ball yachts! We wander around, seeing the F1 track which was cool.
Driving further away we head to an area where Prue's friends live. We collect their two younger boys and take them with us to the playground. We definitely aren’t the other ones with the same idea! There are lot of people around.
Back home for roast chicken dinner.
Friday 7 March I wake just after 6am. Far too early!
Today I’m off to downtown Abu Dhabi – deciding to take the bus. It’s a short but hot walk to the bus stop, where thankfully there is shade. And a great breeze.
I’m minding my own business on the bus when a lady sitting opposite me hands me a post-it note. Hmmmm ok. Not sure what to say other than thank you.
Once off the bus I wander through the Souk towards the waterfront.
I need to cross the road a few times before I reach the waterfront and begin my walk along the Corniche. It’s an 8km walk but I’m not doing the full thing.
Where possible I walk in the little shade.
When I finally (5km later) get to the Founders Memorial / Monument I’m super pleased there is somewhere to sit in the shade.
I manage to get onto one of the hotels wifi and plan my next move. I need to be out of the sun.
Within a few minutes the bus arrives – excellent. Marina Mall here I come.
Driving over the bridge to Al Kasir the views to the beach and downtown are great.
A cold drink is needed and quick smart! I follow the signs to Carrefour Supermarket. I could have spent hours there wandering around. But hunger is setting in.
Prue had recommended a cafe so I go off in search of that and within minutes have ordered a bagel with avocado and falafel. Very random, but very tasty.
Prue meets me at 1.30pm. We have a quick wander around M&S before leaving and going on a drive to the Culture District.
We have a couple of hours relaxing at home, which is so nice!
Prue had booked us into the Rosewood Hotel to have Iftar. Iftar is the meal eaten by Muslims at sunset to break their fast during Ramadan. Typically it’s broken with dates, water, fruits or something small before they eat more.
Saturday 8 March I wake before 6.30am again. One day I’ll have a holiday where I sleep later!
I head out for a run. The sun is well and truly up for the day! But thankfully there is a breeze.
After coffee, a shower and packing up we leave for Dubai. I have one more look at the amazing mosque.
It was surprising to see the road signs for Saudi Arabia, but thinking about
it it makes total sense given UAE and Saudi Arabia are on both on the Arabian Peninsula.
On arrival into Dubai we head to The Ripe Market for breakfast and a wander around.
Google informs me The Ripe Market is a community-led business that was founded in 2011 with a passion to support home-grown businesses who were looking to launch and grow their business in the UAE.
The heat is absolutely picking up! Where possible I walk in the shade. But it’s definitely time to get out of here!!
Back at the car the outside temperature says 39 degrees. Wholly molley and bottles of rum that’s crazy H O T!!!
On the way to the hotel we stop off at a supermarket. I purchase cheese (for tonight with Anna), crackers and chorizo. All a lot cheaper than in HK.
Prue and family drop me at the hotel. It’s still 39 degrees, crazy! It’s been a fabulous couple of days in Abu Dhabi and more importantly spending time with Prue, Ash and Navy.
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