Monday night the boys went to touch rugby training at the Palace. I tagged along for the ride and used the time to wander through the Palace grounds and hotel.
The grounds are amazing and they have a couple of sports fields that were used for training. I'm not sure how often they get used but a soccer team came on as we were leaving.
The Palace Hotel was incredible. Most of the people wandering around inside and I presume staying there looked normal. Then there were the others who looked like they were 'To the manor born'. Or should that be Palace?
I wandered around with awe on my face, snapping lots of photos on my iphone. Everything had the Midas Touch, that is turned to gold. Even in the ladies bathroom the fittings were all gold. I'm not sure if it's real gold or plated but who cares. Looks are everything.
I discovered this incredible cake shop within the Palace and was dying to take photos of the cakes. They were intricately layered then decorated with the most amazing toppings. I wanted to buy one just to enjoy the visual elegance of it. But resisted. After an interesting conversation with the man behind the counter, he persuaded me to try a Palace cappuccino. He suggested I could take the opportunity to relax in the opulent surroundings which I quickly agreed to. Never mind the fact that I'm there in my walking shoes. Certainly not Palace fare! Luckily I didn't ask the price beforehand or maybe I wouldn't have. So I ordered that along with a chestnut truffle.
I carefully chose my seat on a couch to make the most of the environment and people watching opportunity which presented itself. I couldn't help wondering where the people had come from and how they were staying in this luxurious hotel.
My coffee arrived and it was worth every dirham, 50AED. I didn't need to order the truffle as it came with it's own side plate of a chocolate tart and a date. The date was as sweet as any cake and it was only the stone in it that allowed me to believe it was real and not confectionary. The tart melted in my mouth with a burst of chocolate delight. The truffle had a creamy chestnut filling covered with milk chocolate. All three were equally delicious. A lot of the chocolate in the shop was camel milk chocolate which I have yet to try.
The cappuccino was topped with gold flakes. I wasn't sure about how you eat/drink the concoction and nearly managed to choke to death on my first mouthful of gold flakes. Lucky for me they provided a glass of water with the coffee. I was showered in gold glitter, and it was the real thing. I could still savour the metallic taste the next morning. All this decadance was silver service while the cup was decorated, probably with gold. I remembered the hours we'd spent as kids cleaning Mum's silver and wished for some of it now as I enjoyed the silver tray and teaspoon. It's funny what pops into your mind at the most unexpected times.
After a trip to the ladies to enjoy the atmosphere I finally left and strolled my way back along the road to the West Wing spa area which was where the training was being held. I passed three security guards at the same post on my travels so imagine they rotate around the grounds. All were very pleasant and helpful as I wasn't sure whether I was allowed to be roaming around like I was.
All in all a memorable evening.
Check out the website for more pictures. http://emiratespalaceabudhabi.com/
My Palace cappuccino!
Silver service
The grounds are amazing and they have a couple of sports fields that were used for training. I'm not sure how often they get used but a soccer team came on as we were leaving.
The Palace Hotel was incredible. Most of the people wandering around inside and I presume staying there looked normal. Then there were the others who looked like they were 'To the manor born'. Or should that be Palace?
I wandered around with awe on my face, snapping lots of photos on my iphone. Everything had the Midas Touch, that is turned to gold. Even in the ladies bathroom the fittings were all gold. I'm not sure if it's real gold or plated but who cares. Looks are everything.
I discovered this incredible cake shop within the Palace and was dying to take photos of the cakes. They were intricately layered then decorated with the most amazing toppings. I wanted to buy one just to enjoy the visual elegance of it. But resisted. After an interesting conversation with the man behind the counter, he persuaded me to try a Palace cappuccino. He suggested I could take the opportunity to relax in the opulent surroundings which I quickly agreed to. Never mind the fact that I'm there in my walking shoes. Certainly not Palace fare! Luckily I didn't ask the price beforehand or maybe I wouldn't have. So I ordered that along with a chestnut truffle.
I carefully chose my seat on a couch to make the most of the environment and people watching opportunity which presented itself. I couldn't help wondering where the people had come from and how they were staying in this luxurious hotel.
My coffee arrived and it was worth every dirham, 50AED. I didn't need to order the truffle as it came with it's own side plate of a chocolate tart and a date. The date was as sweet as any cake and it was only the stone in it that allowed me to believe it was real and not confectionary. The tart melted in my mouth with a burst of chocolate delight. The truffle had a creamy chestnut filling covered with milk chocolate. All three were equally delicious. A lot of the chocolate in the shop was camel milk chocolate which I have yet to try.
The cappuccino was topped with gold flakes. I wasn't sure about how you eat/drink the concoction and nearly managed to choke to death on my first mouthful of gold flakes. Lucky for me they provided a glass of water with the coffee. I was showered in gold glitter, and it was the real thing. I could still savour the metallic taste the next morning. All this decadance was silver service while the cup was decorated, probably with gold. I remembered the hours we'd spent as kids cleaning Mum's silver and wished for some of it now as I enjoyed the silver tray and teaspoon. It's funny what pops into your mind at the most unexpected times.
After a trip to the ladies to enjoy the atmosphere I finally left and strolled my way back along the road to the West Wing spa area which was where the training was being held. I passed three security guards at the same post on my travels so imagine they rotate around the grounds. All were very pleasant and helpful as I wasn't sure whether I was allowed to be roaming around like I was.
All in all a memorable evening.
Check out the website for more pictures. http://emiratespalaceabudhabi.com/
My Palace cappuccino!
Silver service
Check out these hand towels in the ladies
Looking like I belong in the Palace.
Why aren't we the lady of the manor!!! How awesome is your life! Jason and I both saw the photo of your flash as drink at the same time and both said "wooole - look at that" in unison!
ReplyDeleteFantastic blog entry Gaylene! Wish I was there x
I know what you mean Tracy. I was really impressed too. Just been to Queenstown for a few days with Natalie and Brendan. Had a great time. Dave bought me a lovely pendant with flakes of gold inside it, about as much that was on your coffee!!!!! Well maybe a bit bigger flakes than your coffee ones. Love reading about your adventures.Think you should write that book. I certainly would read it. Miss you heaps. Take care.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes from us both.
Karen
Perhaps you two should come and work over here for a while! Queenstown would have been lovely for a break. I love getting your comments so keep them coming. Missing you too,
DeleteGaylene