Abu Dhabi

It's now the evening of the first of our two days in Abu Dhabi.  I'm still thinking about the Ireland experience, and wondering what would have happened had we gone there first?  We arrived in Ireland after fabulous weeks in France and Norway, and by comparison, perhaps most things would have been a little bit of a let down.  If we had gone to Ireland first, or maybe even just had better weather for the first day or two, it might have made a difference.  Who knows?

Anyway, what was great was to see friendly faces waiting for us at Abu Dhabi airport.  It doesn't often happen that we get met by people at the airport, and so to see Doug, Robyn and Hugh all there was a rare treat.  After a quick and typically 8 year old greeting, Aidan and Hugh were off, sprinting through the airport like a couple of greyhounds accidentally unleashed in the arrivals hall.  Once recaptured, we made our way beyond the airconditioning and for the first time into the ambient Abu Dhabi air.  My strategy of wearing the heaviest items of clothing to avoid packing them was not well suited to that moment.

For those not aware, Doug is the current Australian Ambassador to the UAE, with just a few more months here as it turns out, before a stint back in Australia and then on to another posting.  Arriving back at their house, we needed only to cover 15-20m to get back into airconditioning.  I imagine that the development of refrigerated aircon, and the funds to pay for it, must have totally revolutionsed living in this part of the world.  The house itself is probably the second most convoluted I have been in, with myriad stairs and angles to keep it interesting.  A glass of wine, coffee in china gilded with the Australian coat of arms and what was a candidate for 'World's best chocolate cake' followed.  The hot water tap is a little redundant at this time of year - the 'cold water' shower was probably only a couple of degrees off what I would have at home, and the pool is quite literally like a hot bath.  Apparently only chilled pools are useable here this time of year.

This morning Robyn had arranged for us to have a tour of the Grand Mosque here in Abu Dhabi.  It has been open for a couple of years, though not yet fully complete.  Unlike most Mosques, which are closed to non-Muslims, the Grand Mosque was designed from the outset to allow non-Muslims the opportunity to see inside the faith, and inside the workings of a Mosque.  I never like prying into functioning places of worship, as it often feels an unwelcome intrusion.  However, when invited to do so I am very happy to.  The tour lasted about an hour, and we were invited to ask questions, take photos and generally to take the opportunity to understand more about Islam.  The tour guide was insightful, witty and open, and Justine and I loved the opportunity.

In the afternoon, to continue the cultural theme, we went to Ferrari World and went on the world's fastest roller coaster. 

It apparently hits 240kmh as it accelerates down the opening straight, before a climb that shoves your stomache through your behind, before flinging what is left of it out the top of your head as you pull negative Gs over the top.  To say it was a buzz is an understatement.  We got off laughing uncontrollably with hair sticking up like gonks and wobbly legs.  I don't want to do it again - not because it was in any way scary, but just because it would spoil the memory.  Our first view of it was from the line.  The car (it is set up as a 16-seat F1 car) pulls out onto the main straight, which stretches off what looks like a good few hundred metres, and then pauses.  Then it just shoots away from you in the same way that a ship goes into hyperspace in Star Wars.  Literally in a few seconds it is up the hill and out of sight.  Justine, who likes these sort of things a lot, just said "wow!", and then started jumping up and down with excitement.  Doug and I, who are a little more reticent, didn't jump, but I think we shared her sentiment. 

The kids got to do some rides and things, but to be honest it was the rollercoaster that will stick in my mind for a long time.  Arriving home, Doug and Robyn's cook had a roast chicken dinner awaiting us, with souffle and some left over choccie cake with coffee.  Not at all a bad day.

Tomorrow is the last of the holiday, and I know Lauren in particular is looking forward to getting home.  We probably all are, but I am looking forward to one last fling.  We are planning, amongst other things, to see the Rainbow Sheik's car collection.  From what I understand, this is a large facility 45 mins drive into the desert where he has a collection of cars from VWs to Ferraris, each with seven versions in different colours of the rainbow.  Sounds typically Abu Dhabi from what I have seen so far.  If a large solution is possible, then that is what will be selected.  The place is under construction - and I don't mean that there is construction going on, but rather that whole new large parts of the Emirate are being constructed from scratch.  It is unlike any place I have seen before, and I am loving having a look at it.