Sista Bonding 2013
Auckland
Melbourne
Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Geneva
Engleberg
Lucerne
Basel
Black Forest
Colmar
Bresiach
Strasbourg
Mannheim
Heidelberg
Koblenz
Cologne
Rotterdam
Amsterdam
Volendam
Edam
Keukenhoff
Dubai
Sydney
Auckland
The Day Before:
Seems strange going on big 21 day adventure “alone” so spent the day before doing final pack. I’m so experienced now even with temperatures in Europe still around minus and additional thermals required still managed to have my posh new red light weight suitcase and a carry bag of goodies for the sista weighing in at 22Kgs.
Modern technology sure has progressed since my last big OE to foreign lands back in 2009, all I was worried about was receiving and sending texts on my precious phone. Fast Forward 4 years to 2013 and my fabulous IPhone 4S is all sorted complete with backup camera and all travel documents sent to my Hotmail address just in case: please let me be able to access Facebook, my contact with friends and family. Contact details, instructions etc. all loaded on IPhone. Bursting with excitement at finally going to visit Sista Gaylene and her new lifestyle in Abu Dhabi.
Last minute test of my new down sized smaller camera! Hope I can get my IPhone camera sorted as at this late stage it now is not doing what it should. All I need: camera problems.
I know I am going to many amazing new places and I’ll be needing cameras that work.
Many final farewell phone calls and all sorted, now to just get some sleep (only 1 more sleep finally) seems as if I have been counting down for so long. 9 months since decision made and Emirates airline tickets booked and Viking Cruise tickets purchased.
Still get the same “Travel Buzz” I will never grow out of wanting to see the world, not so sure about this going it alone though. Nearly 20 hours to Dubai.
Monday 25th March: Day 1
Travel so much easier now, check in online so on arrival at airport no probs. 1st good news, departure tax included in tickets so no more “departing” with yet another $25. Then check in, sent to 1st Class counter, was hoping it was the start of upgrade but nah! Just dreaming. 2 bags, total weight 22 kgs, duty free shopping 2 bottles vodka & Red Stag Bourbon (something new) plus new goodies for my IPhone & camera. $170 later, finally boarding fabulous Emirate 380Airbus, just a shame 1st class roped off and this economy traveller not able to climb the stairs to luxury travel.
4 hour flight, stopover in Melbourne, and then another 15 hours travel, 3 meals and heaps of movies later, at least I did manage a little sleep this trip. Totally confused with time zones so 20 hours after leaving home I arrived in Dubai at the flash as new airport extension. No problems locating train and finally through customs, located bags and found my way to “Emirates Shuttle Bus” to Abu Dhabi. Feeling like a professional traveller. No desire to live in Dubai at peak traffic time, (sure doesn’t look as if many use public transport by the miles of traffic going nowhere fast.
Tuesday 26th March: Day 2
Finally 2 hours later I arrived in Abu Dhabi, totally overwhelmed by the huge skyscraper buildings. Wow: Wow: Wow: Huge new buildings appearing out of the desert everywhere, this sure is yet another Emirate go ahead city growing before your eyes, but wow it sure is growing in style and luxury. I could live here!!! Well, maybe in the winter not once summer temperatures peak over 50 degrees.
So excited to be met at bus by my very own “Emirate Sista” in her beautiful long flowing dress, very much da local. Even driving like a local, a maniac: it’s get in, foot down, hope and pray travel angel watching over me. 120K speed limit but most travel 20 k over limit, only slowing down for red lights.
No wonder Gaylene does not own a car, just a daily rental when she brave enough to take on these crazy men.
Arrived at Sun Tower, Reem Island, only word coming from my mouth was Wow! Sure is a tower or 2, way too big to fit into a photo even. Beautiful luxury apartment living on 28th floor with amazing views over sandpit building site. Buildings grow rapidly, just while you are watching. Never seen cranes or many buildings so high, just about in heaven.
Finally a shower and relax by the pools (complete with life guards and many other workers) Too tired to do “gym” but it’s all here and better still “a mall downstairs” OMG I’ve died and gone to heaven.
Had luxury coffee at posh as café, 20 dirham while much delicious salad & fruit for lunch from local supermarket only 18 dirham. Ideal living, and one would not even need to leave home, its shopping heaven. Gaylene only works till 2 or 3 at the latest so still many hours left in a day.
Big drive to Yas Island, checked out real Ferrari and Lamborghini at Ferrari World then on to find “da track”. What a mission as road signs very limited, eventually we living the dream and 2 sista’s walking the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track, never thought that would happen. Felt like very VIP once we hitched a ride on golf cart then gave free bottles of water out to the more energetic locals cycling, running or walking the track. Never thought we’d be zooming thru Pit Lane, shame it is only on a golf cart, but!
Checked out the luxurious new Viceroy Hotel which is built on the track, very nice, just imagine who you could be rubbing shoulders or whatever next to during race time. Our rental car didn’t look as hot as some parked up in car park, dripping money here.
Home to Sun Tower, Reem Island and what a view from Room 2808, city all lit up, dazzling lights over the water. Meal in one of the many restaurants then finally sleep after 48 hours. It’s been a long time since 6am Monday at home.
Wednesday 27th March: Day 3
Woke after the bestest 9 hour sleep (with help from my wee magic tablet) and I feeling normal again. Lochie off to school and Gaylene to work. I enjoy breakfast relaxing watching the thousands of workers (the foreign men) building this empire 24 hours a day. Delivered by bus, look more like prisoners than workers to me. Not much of a life but still earning big money compared to back home, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines or where ever.
Phone call to Telecom, the joys of modern technology, think I will be traveling with no Wi-Fi, Oh well, at least good old fashion texts work and Facebook via computer.
Very brave traveller that I now am, I head off to the Mall for some retail therapy. Confirm taxi fare prior to departure from Sun Tower and somehow arrived at Al Whada Mall without car crash but many close calls. Tell driver everyone “Crazy here” he agrees and just accelerates even more. Arrived at da Mall stressed as, taxi man very, very happy with 5 dirham tip, taxi and tip NZ $6.60. So cheap. Shopping heaven, found must have winter jersey since temperatures in Europe not improving, might be my best $23 buy. Body nearly went into shock when I realized I was in huge mall and limited funds as I had left credit cards at the sista’s. This cannot be happening! So shopping Plan B, just looking, just doesn’t cut it the same. Lucky I had enough of da sista’s Emirate cash for jersey, a latte and taxi home complete with 5 dirham tip.
Down to ground floor fav shop to purchase delicious salads for lunch, not even $6, so, so cheap living here.
Took many photos of the sites of Abu Dhabi, relaxed by the pool and watched the workers. This country only survives on the many workers from so many foreign countries. Every time you turn around there is always someone ready to help Madam, and all so polite.
Taxi drivers so happy with 5 dirham tip (under $2 NZ) you would think it was $100, thank you madam, thank you, thank you. Good to know I had made his day.
4pm in no time and once again we in rental car zooming along at 120K weaving in and out of lanes, always with big white trucks up you bum, intimidating little old ladies, mmmmm remember never to even attempt to drive Pam.
Very nervous as can’t get used to this left hand drive, lack of road rules and courtesy. Big problems driving in Abu Dhabi, the lack of traffic signs. U turns are common place, a bit stressful on my wee heart when cars coming at us. All in a day in the life of “Driving Emirate Style”
Dressed in the traditional black dress Abaya, we waited for sunset tour of the most beautiful Mosque in the world. Wow, Wow, Wow.
Absolutely amazing and so good to see something which cost quite a bit, or possibly an absolute fortune used by many people from all countries and cultures.
From the washing our feet experience to standing in awe at the chandeliers, 82 domes, most luxurious Iranian carpet, messages from the Koran written in gold, the reflection from the water, it just kept on getting better and better. Allah be very impressed with Mosque and the thousands who use it for daily prayers.
Very strict “dress code” and I was well wrapped with skin covered in black abaya and my $2 shop black scarf (shail) sure not the best look but oh well covered as required. Amazing Mosque.Quick change of clothes in car park (sisters worried I would be getting arrested) shoes on and off to check out the brand new “Carlton Ritz” hotel. Wow, I was born to be rich, I could just live here, this is luxury plus.
1st mistake, drive into car park, why did we do that? Every other (possibly wealthier guests) drove to front entrance where car whisked away by valet (note for next time)
With assistance of da man we were directed via marble staircase to café (definitely not your usual café) obviously we at the Ritz, very Ritzy.
After big decision “Pink Bubbly High Tea” was selected, Wow, Wow, Wow. I know I was born for this lifestyle, completely at home sipping Chai Tea infused with cardamom and other spices surrounded by Sheiks. Sipping our pink bubbly with our delectable goodies one is reminded why one drags herself out of bed to be at work by 9am 4 days a week……to be doing this. This is ultimate luxury experience and only NZ $25 and that even included the tip. Sure looked the part complete with box of leftover goodies we couldn’t manage to eat (plus a few complimentary macaroons) off for inspect of hotel. Stepped outside to check out the pool, OMG! Wow x 100, had to control the urge to scream with excitement. Many rich and famous will be checking out this hotel for their next outing, private beach and everywhere I look just more of the Wow factor. More toilet experiences, very posh. Definitely in my future plans to one day be writing a book on my toilet experiences around the world.…….
No valet to the front door for us so we exit by the side door and down to car park and off we drive after yet another Abu Dhabi experience.
Next stop Burjeel Hospital, Hospitel the most posh hospital, nothing like NZ. Why did we park in the car park and pay the meter money??? When this hospital provides Valet Parking free. Is this a Hospital? Greeted by the Concierge and then escorted to the waiting room, given a number, 15 minute wait and into see da Dr. Very lucky in this country, everyone gets to go in with the patient, no privacy here. Husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin the whole whanau are welcome with patient for doctors consultation. Mmmm think we have that one sorted better. Next minute I am meeting Gaylene’s very nice Dr Lady. Through examination and da sista is told “you have the start of bronchitis” given many meds and hopefully get better overnight.
Home for drinks & nibbles at the fabulous Italismo café with Gaylene’s Abu Dhabi sista (very nice to finally meet the addition to the family) while very rich men purchasing very expensive clothes at 11pm. Abu Dhabi never sleeps.
Family photos at Coffee Cup and home to bed after another big day. Quick call home and updates with the world, magic tab and a few hours’ sleep before more adventures.
Thursday 28th March: Day 4
OMG this can’t be happening!!!! Why is da sista sick? And getting worse. Looks as if this intrepid traveller might be heading to Switzerland and climbing Mt Titlis alone!!!! OMG this was not in “da plan” well at least they do speak English in that part of the world.
Visit to Emirates to check if tickets can be changed. I just hoping and praying they not needed to be changed and travel angel looks over us and I don’t have to do Switzerland alone.
Went to work with Gaylene to her private school for young Emirate Girls, met all the teachers and soon understood the rules change continually. One would never know, one minute allowed to leave at 10am, next thing 12pm, luckily we got note from headmistress and we were allowed to leave early. Security guard was not letting any teacher escape early unless he had official document (note) in his hand. Very, very different that teaching in New Zealand.
Strolled down The Corniche, beautiful beaches, both private and public, sure is a fabulous part of town, the most amazing clear blue sea enticing people to swim. Note to self: need longer stopover in Abu Dhabi in future. So much to see and do.
Next stop Marina Mall, Wow: OMG it is huge, built on the Marina with the most amazing views in every direction. We of course head for the lift and straight to da top where we dined on crab, salad & chips (chips like our potato chips / crisps) I also indulged in a ZAR double shot coffee, ice cream whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Definitely my kind of coffee and only 10 dirhams dearer than an ordinary coffee down below in the real malls. One pays for what one gets and we sure wana be getting the best.
Next a bit of retail therapy, took credit card but didn’t spend, too much to see and do. Ice Skating in middle of mall in the middle of the desert, nothing surprises me any longer in this make believe part of the world.
No time to go home and dress for our next outing, a visit to the Emirate Palace. Wow yet another fabulous palace to visit, dripping luxury and wealth. Driving up to the entrance through the most amazing gardens one feels like royalty (even if we not dressed for the occasion and still in our going to school clothes. Shame the gold glad rags still in suitcase, oh well. ) Finally found car park but wait! Why did we think it ok to park “Emirate Limousines Only” car park. Slightly lost yet again, finally located another car park. Very busy Palace with many visitors.
Strolled through part of the amazing Emirate Palace, many photos later, wanting to spend many more hours just checking out the sights but visit cut short as next place on our tight itinerary was calling.
Finally managed to exit car park and after a few attempts we arrived across the road at the Etihad Towers. Dripping money but we very comfortable. The look on Gaylene’s face Priceless when we were escorted to special side lift and button pushed for us to travel to 74th floor. If I not in heaven now, very nearly are at this height. Wow, Wow, Wow. Greeted and seated at table “Reserved for Gaylene Burborough” now that means we VIP, not bad for a Grab1 deal costing us $35 NZ each. Yet another amazing view looking over the Emirate Palace and much of the Gulf.
High tea served, tea and more tea madam, salmon and caviar, chicken, fish, sandwiches savouries, chocolates, many cakes, too many cakes so many we had to get a doggie bag. Well!!! Obviously no one has ever, ever dared asked for their leftovers before so we sat and waited and waited while they located (probably had printed) a beautiful box and presented it to da sister along with an Indemnity to sign ensuring Jumireah Hotel no further responsibility! Well that’s gotta be a first, maybe we will just leave our extra goodies for the workers in future.
Must have visit to the loo, with camera in hand, OMG, wow. I sure have piddled in some posh places lately and Etihad Towers sure up there for luxury.
Thought my Kathy would love a wee gift for her Special Birthday, what better than teapot for our daily tea parties at work. Nearly had to be scrapped up off the floor when wee man told me price 1500 dirham (approx. $500) for a Tea Pot, no wonder it poured so nicely. So no pressie purchased.
Lost in lifts yet again, then much time wasted searching for missing rental car in the many levels of car parking. Need more than GPS in these car parks, we need a wee man to deliver us to our car. Reminder: when I rich I will not be driving, a wee man will be ready with da car and he can have the stress of locating car parks and remembering what level car is parked.
Finally out and back to the real world with many wonderful memories of yet another amazing high tea, this definitely the highest High Tea way up on 74th Floor.
Gaylene getting more confident driving Middle Eastern style, like a dam maniac while passenger Pam gets more stressed, still roads not as crowded as some cities. Managed to return rental with no damages and home to beautiful Sun Towers Reem Island by taxi for approx. $5, sure don’t need a car, taxis are so cheap and rentals are only approx. $30 a day.
Early night, repack, why is my bag so much heavier when only shopping so far 1 winter jersey? OMG I forgot to buy my fridge magnet even, this has gotta be the least shopping ever, obviously been way too busy hanging out at all the posh places having adventures.
(Shared by Pam Cootes)
Auckland
Melbourne
Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Geneva
Engleberg
Lucerne
Basel
Black Forest
Colmar
Bresiach
Strasbourg
Mannheim
Heidelberg
Koblenz
Cologne
Rotterdam
Amsterdam
Volendam
Edam
Keukenhoff
Dubai
Sydney
Auckland
The Day Before:
Seems strange going on big 21 day adventure “alone” so spent the day before doing final pack. I’m so experienced now even with temperatures in Europe still around minus and additional thermals required still managed to have my posh new red light weight suitcase and a carry bag of goodies for the sista weighing in at 22Kgs.
Modern technology sure has progressed since my last big OE to foreign lands back in 2009, all I was worried about was receiving and sending texts on my precious phone. Fast Forward 4 years to 2013 and my fabulous IPhone 4S is all sorted complete with backup camera and all travel documents sent to my Hotmail address just in case: please let me be able to access Facebook, my contact with friends and family. Contact details, instructions etc. all loaded on IPhone. Bursting with excitement at finally going to visit Sista Gaylene and her new lifestyle in Abu Dhabi.
Last minute test of my new down sized smaller camera! Hope I can get my IPhone camera sorted as at this late stage it now is not doing what it should. All I need: camera problems.
I know I am going to many amazing new places and I’ll be needing cameras that work.
Many final farewell phone calls and all sorted, now to just get some sleep (only 1 more sleep finally) seems as if I have been counting down for so long. 9 months since decision made and Emirates airline tickets booked and Viking Cruise tickets purchased.
Still get the same “Travel Buzz” I will never grow out of wanting to see the world, not so sure about this going it alone though. Nearly 20 hours to Dubai.
Monday 25th March: Day 1
Travel so much easier now, check in online so on arrival at airport no probs. 1st good news, departure tax included in tickets so no more “departing” with yet another $25. Then check in, sent to 1st Class counter, was hoping it was the start of upgrade but nah! Just dreaming. 2 bags, total weight 22 kgs, duty free shopping 2 bottles vodka & Red Stag Bourbon (something new) plus new goodies for my IPhone & camera. $170 later, finally boarding fabulous Emirate 380Airbus, just a shame 1st class roped off and this economy traveller not able to climb the stairs to luxury travel.
4 hour flight, stopover in Melbourne, and then another 15 hours travel, 3 meals and heaps of movies later, at least I did manage a little sleep this trip. Totally confused with time zones so 20 hours after leaving home I arrived in Dubai at the flash as new airport extension. No problems locating train and finally through customs, located bags and found my way to “Emirates Shuttle Bus” to Abu Dhabi. Feeling like a professional traveller. No desire to live in Dubai at peak traffic time, (sure doesn’t look as if many use public transport by the miles of traffic going nowhere fast.
Tuesday 26th March: Day 2
Finally 2 hours later I arrived in Abu Dhabi, totally overwhelmed by the huge skyscraper buildings. Wow: Wow: Wow: Huge new buildings appearing out of the desert everywhere, this sure is yet another Emirate go ahead city growing before your eyes, but wow it sure is growing in style and luxury. I could live here!!! Well, maybe in the winter not once summer temperatures peak over 50 degrees.
So excited to be met at bus by my very own “Emirate Sista” in her beautiful long flowing dress, very much da local. Even driving like a local, a maniac: it’s get in, foot down, hope and pray travel angel watching over me. 120K speed limit but most travel 20 k over limit, only slowing down for red lights.
No wonder Gaylene does not own a car, just a daily rental when she brave enough to take on these crazy men.
Arrived at Sun Tower, Reem Island, only word coming from my mouth was Wow! Sure is a tower or 2, way too big to fit into a photo even. Beautiful luxury apartment living on 28th floor with amazing views over sandpit building site. Buildings grow rapidly, just while you are watching. Never seen cranes or many buildings so high, just about in heaven.
Finally a shower and relax by the pools (complete with life guards and many other workers) Too tired to do “gym” but it’s all here and better still “a mall downstairs” OMG I’ve died and gone to heaven.
Had luxury coffee at posh as café, 20 dirham while much delicious salad & fruit for lunch from local supermarket only 18 dirham. Ideal living, and one would not even need to leave home, its shopping heaven. Gaylene only works till 2 or 3 at the latest so still many hours left in a day.
Big drive to Yas Island, checked out real Ferrari and Lamborghini at Ferrari World then on to find “da track”. What a mission as road signs very limited, eventually we living the dream and 2 sista’s walking the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track, never thought that would happen. Felt like very VIP once we hitched a ride on golf cart then gave free bottles of water out to the more energetic locals cycling, running or walking the track. Never thought we’d be zooming thru Pit Lane, shame it is only on a golf cart, but!
Checked out the luxurious new Viceroy Hotel which is built on the track, very nice, just imagine who you could be rubbing shoulders or whatever next to during race time. Our rental car didn’t look as hot as some parked up in car park, dripping money here.
Home to Sun Tower, Reem Island and what a view from Room 2808, city all lit up, dazzling lights over the water. Meal in one of the many restaurants then finally sleep after 48 hours. It’s been a long time since 6am Monday at home.
Wednesday 27th March: Day 3
Woke after the bestest 9 hour sleep (with help from my wee magic tablet) and I feeling normal again. Lochie off to school and Gaylene to work. I enjoy breakfast relaxing watching the thousands of workers (the foreign men) building this empire 24 hours a day. Delivered by bus, look more like prisoners than workers to me. Not much of a life but still earning big money compared to back home, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines or where ever.
Phone call to Telecom, the joys of modern technology, think I will be traveling with no Wi-Fi, Oh well, at least good old fashion texts work and Facebook via computer.
Very brave traveller that I now am, I head off to the Mall for some retail therapy. Confirm taxi fare prior to departure from Sun Tower and somehow arrived at Al Whada Mall without car crash but many close calls. Tell driver everyone “Crazy here” he agrees and just accelerates even more. Arrived at da Mall stressed as, taxi man very, very happy with 5 dirham tip, taxi and tip NZ $6.60. So cheap. Shopping heaven, found must have winter jersey since temperatures in Europe not improving, might be my best $23 buy. Body nearly went into shock when I realized I was in huge mall and limited funds as I had left credit cards at the sista’s. This cannot be happening! So shopping Plan B, just looking, just doesn’t cut it the same. Lucky I had enough of da sista’s Emirate cash for jersey, a latte and taxi home complete with 5 dirham tip.
Down to ground floor fav shop to purchase delicious salads for lunch, not even $6, so, so cheap living here.
Took many photos of the sites of Abu Dhabi, relaxed by the pool and watched the workers. This country only survives on the many workers from so many foreign countries. Every time you turn around there is always someone ready to help Madam, and all so polite.
Taxi drivers so happy with 5 dirham tip (under $2 NZ) you would think it was $100, thank you madam, thank you, thank you. Good to know I had made his day.
4pm in no time and once again we in rental car zooming along at 120K weaving in and out of lanes, always with big white trucks up you bum, intimidating little old ladies, mmmmm remember never to even attempt to drive Pam.
Very nervous as can’t get used to this left hand drive, lack of road rules and courtesy. Big problems driving in Abu Dhabi, the lack of traffic signs. U turns are common place, a bit stressful on my wee heart when cars coming at us. All in a day in the life of “Driving Emirate Style”
Dressed in the traditional black dress Abaya, we waited for sunset tour of the most beautiful Mosque in the world. Wow, Wow, Wow.
Absolutely amazing and so good to see something which cost quite a bit, or possibly an absolute fortune used by many people from all countries and cultures.
From the washing our feet experience to standing in awe at the chandeliers, 82 domes, most luxurious Iranian carpet, messages from the Koran written in gold, the reflection from the water, it just kept on getting better and better. Allah be very impressed with Mosque and the thousands who use it for daily prayers.
Very strict “dress code” and I was well wrapped with skin covered in black abaya and my $2 shop black scarf (shail) sure not the best look but oh well covered as required. Amazing Mosque.Quick change of clothes in car park (sisters worried I would be getting arrested) shoes on and off to check out the brand new “Carlton Ritz” hotel. Wow, I was born to be rich, I could just live here, this is luxury plus.
1st mistake, drive into car park, why did we do that? Every other (possibly wealthier guests) drove to front entrance where car whisked away by valet (note for next time)
With assistance of da man we were directed via marble staircase to café (definitely not your usual café) obviously we at the Ritz, very Ritzy.
After big decision “Pink Bubbly High Tea” was selected, Wow, Wow, Wow. I know I was born for this lifestyle, completely at home sipping Chai Tea infused with cardamom and other spices surrounded by Sheiks. Sipping our pink bubbly with our delectable goodies one is reminded why one drags herself out of bed to be at work by 9am 4 days a week……to be doing this. This is ultimate luxury experience and only NZ $25 and that even included the tip. Sure looked the part complete with box of leftover goodies we couldn’t manage to eat (plus a few complimentary macaroons) off for inspect of hotel. Stepped outside to check out the pool, OMG! Wow x 100, had to control the urge to scream with excitement. Many rich and famous will be checking out this hotel for their next outing, private beach and everywhere I look just more of the Wow factor. More toilet experiences, very posh. Definitely in my future plans to one day be writing a book on my toilet experiences around the world.…….
No valet to the front door for us so we exit by the side door and down to car park and off we drive after yet another Abu Dhabi experience.
Next stop Burjeel Hospital, Hospitel the most posh hospital, nothing like NZ. Why did we park in the car park and pay the meter money??? When this hospital provides Valet Parking free. Is this a Hospital? Greeted by the Concierge and then escorted to the waiting room, given a number, 15 minute wait and into see da Dr. Very lucky in this country, everyone gets to go in with the patient, no privacy here. Husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin the whole whanau are welcome with patient for doctors consultation. Mmmm think we have that one sorted better. Next minute I am meeting Gaylene’s very nice Dr Lady. Through examination and da sista is told “you have the start of bronchitis” given many meds and hopefully get better overnight.
Home for drinks & nibbles at the fabulous Italismo café with Gaylene’s Abu Dhabi sista (very nice to finally meet the addition to the family) while very rich men purchasing very expensive clothes at 11pm. Abu Dhabi never sleeps.
Family photos at Coffee Cup and home to bed after another big day. Quick call home and updates with the world, magic tab and a few hours’ sleep before more adventures.
Thursday 28th March: Day 4
OMG this can’t be happening!!!! Why is da sista sick? And getting worse. Looks as if this intrepid traveller might be heading to Switzerland and climbing Mt Titlis alone!!!! OMG this was not in “da plan” well at least they do speak English in that part of the world.
Visit to Emirates to check if tickets can be changed. I just hoping and praying they not needed to be changed and travel angel looks over us and I don’t have to do Switzerland alone.
Went to work with Gaylene to her private school for young Emirate Girls, met all the teachers and soon understood the rules change continually. One would never know, one minute allowed to leave at 10am, next thing 12pm, luckily we got note from headmistress and we were allowed to leave early. Security guard was not letting any teacher escape early unless he had official document (note) in his hand. Very, very different that teaching in New Zealand.
Strolled down The Corniche, beautiful beaches, both private and public, sure is a fabulous part of town, the most amazing clear blue sea enticing people to swim. Note to self: need longer stopover in Abu Dhabi in future. So much to see and do.
Next stop Marina Mall, Wow: OMG it is huge, built on the Marina with the most amazing views in every direction. We of course head for the lift and straight to da top where we dined on crab, salad & chips (chips like our potato chips / crisps) I also indulged in a ZAR double shot coffee, ice cream whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Definitely my kind of coffee and only 10 dirhams dearer than an ordinary coffee down below in the real malls. One pays for what one gets and we sure wana be getting the best.
Next a bit of retail therapy, took credit card but didn’t spend, too much to see and do. Ice Skating in middle of mall in the middle of the desert, nothing surprises me any longer in this make believe part of the world.
No time to go home and dress for our next outing, a visit to the Emirate Palace. Wow yet another fabulous palace to visit, dripping luxury and wealth. Driving up to the entrance through the most amazing gardens one feels like royalty (even if we not dressed for the occasion and still in our going to school clothes. Shame the gold glad rags still in suitcase, oh well. ) Finally found car park but wait! Why did we think it ok to park “Emirate Limousines Only” car park. Slightly lost yet again, finally located another car park. Very busy Palace with many visitors.
Strolled through part of the amazing Emirate Palace, many photos later, wanting to spend many more hours just checking out the sights but visit cut short as next place on our tight itinerary was calling.
Finally managed to exit car park and after a few attempts we arrived across the road at the Etihad Towers. Dripping money but we very comfortable. The look on Gaylene’s face Priceless when we were escorted to special side lift and button pushed for us to travel to 74th floor. If I not in heaven now, very nearly are at this height. Wow, Wow, Wow. Greeted and seated at table “Reserved for Gaylene Burborough” now that means we VIP, not bad for a Grab1 deal costing us $35 NZ each. Yet another amazing view looking over the Emirate Palace and much of the Gulf.
High tea served, tea and more tea madam, salmon and caviar, chicken, fish, sandwiches savouries, chocolates, many cakes, too many cakes so many we had to get a doggie bag. Well!!! Obviously no one has ever, ever dared asked for their leftovers before so we sat and waited and waited while they located (probably had printed) a beautiful box and presented it to da sister along with an Indemnity to sign ensuring Jumireah Hotel no further responsibility! Well that’s gotta be a first, maybe we will just leave our extra goodies for the workers in future.
Must have visit to the loo, with camera in hand, OMG, wow. I sure have piddled in some posh places lately and Etihad Towers sure up there for luxury.
Thought my Kathy would love a wee gift for her Special Birthday, what better than teapot for our daily tea parties at work. Nearly had to be scrapped up off the floor when wee man told me price 1500 dirham (approx. $500) for a Tea Pot, no wonder it poured so nicely. So no pressie purchased.
Lost in lifts yet again, then much time wasted searching for missing rental car in the many levels of car parking. Need more than GPS in these car parks, we need a wee man to deliver us to our car. Reminder: when I rich I will not be driving, a wee man will be ready with da car and he can have the stress of locating car parks and remembering what level car is parked.
Finally out and back to the real world with many wonderful memories of yet another amazing high tea, this definitely the highest High Tea way up on 74th Floor.
Gaylene getting more confident driving Middle Eastern style, like a dam maniac while passenger Pam gets more stressed, still roads not as crowded as some cities. Managed to return rental with no damages and home to beautiful Sun Towers Reem Island by taxi for approx. $5, sure don’t need a car, taxis are so cheap and rentals are only approx. $30 a day.
Early night, repack, why is my bag so much heavier when only shopping so far 1 winter jersey? OMG I forgot to buy my fridge magnet even, this has gotta be the least shopping ever, obviously been way too busy hanging out at all the posh places having adventures.
(Shared by Pam Cootes)
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