Full circle

On something like the morning of 30 June, the four of us sat at a table in the upstairs food court of Abu Dhabi airport, having survived the long leg of the outbound travel. This morning, which I think may be 29 July - but don't quote me on that, we are back, just one table up from the one we sat at back then. We even fly out the same gate as we did last time.

Since then, we've been to 5 countries, 2 theme parks, rented 4 cars, eaten untold chocolate croissants, and just generally had a fine, fine time of it.

I'll try to wrap it all up sometime once we get back, or maybe even in transit if I can get the iPad off the kids for a few minutes.

The time here in Abu Dhabi was all too short. The second day, in the morning Robyn, Justine, Lauren and I went to the Emirates Palace Hotel for coffee. Twice. The first time, I was wearing shorts, which turned out not to be allowable, so had to go home to change. Given it was the first time I had worn them after lugging them around the world, you could probably argue that they would have been better left at home.

Anyway, the hotel, which is 7 Star, was rather opulent. In had the Camelcino, a cappuccino with camel milk, but opted not to have the 24 carat gold flakes on top. Justine's scones were a full range of mini scones, with a range of jams and fresh fruit, while Lauren was very pleased with her milkshake and camel shaped chocolate.






In the arvo we drove out to the Rainbow Sheiks car museum. It was pretty impressive, with everything from classic cars through to futuristic six seat solar powered moon buggy things. He obviously has a thing about BIG versions of vehicles. Aside from some genuinely large trucks etc, there are giant versions of an army Jeep in the sand outside, and a pickup truck in the middle of the main museum. There a stairs leading up into the pickup, and when the guide / guard showed us in, there is a full 4-bedroom 2-bathroom house with kitchen in there! The whole thing is actually drivable, though I couldn't work out from his information if it could do 10kmh or only did 10km before breaking down. Anyway, it was pretty amazing. He also has a real passenger jet parked in the desert outside.

So, in our two days we did the Grand Mosque, Ferrari World, a 7 Star hotel and the car museum in the desert. Probably not a bad snapshot - and greatnto see Robyn, Doug and Hugh. Thanks for your time and energy guys!


And so, the next post might be from home, as I don't think Sydney airport has joined the free wifi crowd yet. Wish us well, we are all just a little tired, which ain't the perfect way to start a 14 hour flight! But spirits are high, and hopes similarly. Looking forward to being home now.

Location:Abu Dhabi airport