Arabian Days

Day 221/222- We said goodbye to New Zealand and boarded a flight to take us away from the mystical land of nature and off to our next destination. This flight proved to be no easy transition. First we flew to Brisbane where we spend 13 hours in the airport before getting on our connecting flight. Our time was spent blogging, playing cards and staring aimlessly into each others eyes. 

Our next layover was a sweet 8 hour one that had us singing the Aladin theme song while we explored the grand city of Abu Dhabi. We got in at 5 am so we had big plans for our day of discovery. It was a nice change to be in a middle eastern country and it only made us wish we had more time and way more money. Abu Dhadi oozes dollar signs. In our taxi we passed fast sports cars, shiny skyscrapers and gold buildings...yes real gold. Security wise it was also very strict and we felt completely out of place in this flashy environment from the moment we stepped out of the airport. We were checked and scanned so many times and it also doesn't help that Mike's giant bag of electronics looks like a nuclear bomb under a scanner and definitely had a few eyebrows raised. In the end we made it to our first stop in the United Arab of Emirates, Emirates Palace. Given our early arrival we knew not much would be open. However, thanks to my careful planning, (virtual pat on my back), we made our first stop a conscious one. The Emirates Palace is one of the grandest hotels in the world with gold plated walls, floors and decor. We used breakfast as a reason to tour this grandiose establishment. Security at the gate was hesitant to let us in as we were not guests, nor did we have a reservation and let's face it, we look like we're homeless. I guess we are homeless... Anyhow, after they checked us over and made Mike put on pants to cover up his sexy legs, (our new Canterbury's in Mike's carry-on saved the day) they allowed us into the hotel. 

What do I need the jewellery store for? I can just buy gold bricks at this conveniently placed vending machine. "Hey Mike, pass me a couple of grand would ya, I need to buy this sweet souvenir. Although I don't have anymore room in my bag sooo you'll have to carry it. :)"

                     

As we walked through the hotel, every member of the staff stopped to look us over, we were not doing a very good job of fitting in. When we got to the restaurant they informed us that we needed to buy in for the buffet to eat there. We figured, a girls gotta eat right? 

The buffet was like the Chateau Fairmont Lake Louise and the Ritz Carleton had a baby, a delicious food baby. 

The humus was incredible and I was so excited to try some familiar middle eastern food that I grew up eating in Calgary. 

We sat on the balcony and enjoyed the beautiful view as the steadily rising sun began to illuminate the perfectly manicured landscape. 

We made friends with the waiter and he brought us a little treat to complete an already amazing meal. 

He has ruined me for life because now I will only drink coffee if there's gold in it. Good for the digestive system. 

                

So after we ate as much as we possible could, we paid our bill....... ouch. Maybe we shouldn't have been so eager to agree to the buffet. Two buffet breakfasts costed us an unforgettable $160.00 Canadian. Yup, we will never forget it. 

Outside of the Palace we got a view of some of the skyscrapers that make Abu Dhabi so famous. 

After we explored the hotel a little more, we took a taxi to the Marina Mall. The mall is listed as one of the must see sights in Abu Dhabi, which is quite funny because it isn't as glamorous as one would expect. And yet, it did have a Canadian delicacy that I have missed greatly since leaving home. I guess I could make an exception, my tims doesn't need to have gold in it, because it's already rich enough. (I know all real coffee lovers are cringing at that comment but who asked you anyway)

                     

Next stop, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Once again we were put through a strick security search, then I was required to cover up my skin before entering the mosque.

Grand it was and glowing white against a cool blue sky.

Good news, the sorting hat put me in Gryffindor.

The detail on the inside of the mosque was awe inspiring. Below is just one tiny little corner of a tiny little wall and yet it was filled with intricate patterns and shapes. 

Now rinse and repeat that tiny little piece over and over a millions times and you have what we see below. Amazing. 

We used our time so wisely in Abu Dhabi and felt like we saw enough to give ourselves a little tick on the country. Hopefully one day we can return to see much more.

Back at the airport we got our first taste of India. Long before the boarding announcement was even called, crowds of people swarmed the gate in bunches. Get Ready, set, GO!

                          

We flew Etihad airways and it was the best airline we've experienced so far. We didn't mind all the extra amenities either. So much so that we attempted to use them all at once and then snap a quick photo to remember it by.