Recent trip

We recently had the opportunity to visit Abu Dhabi while Mike was attending a conference. Mikayla was at the tail end of what we are pretty sure was a nice case of oink oink flu and we missed our flight out on Saturday so by Sunday I was actually ready to throw the towel in on the entire trip. The thought of traveling with a just recovering 7 year old and a 6 month old who was requiring us to have to take an additional suitcase for all the needed essentials had me trying to convince Mike it was just better for him to go this one alone.  I am SO glad he didn't listen!

We ended up flying on Etihad Air who supplied us with a bassinet that snapped in on the bulkhead wall as soon as we were up in the air and actually served us a choice of fantastic food that was served with actual silverware...in economy.  And, having missed the original flight meant that we no longer needed to have a layover. We flew straight through which is a definite bonus with kids.

The above picture is actually a domed-type window in the tunnel that took us from the hotel to the beach side of street adjoining our hotel. At night the glass reflected back at us and I just happened to look up and notice the phenomenal photo op!

The trip was absolutely, hands down the most relaxing trip I have EVER taken. Both girls slept in past noon each and every morning so I found myself dragging them out of bed twice just so we could make it to the best damn breakfast buffet I have known. Aside from the essentials like eggs, waffles and the like, there were fresh carrot juice stations that you could blend your favorite morning cocktail - I stuck with the carrot juice and I don't even like carrot juice usually. If you didn't want veggie juices then the fruit juice section was also available, as was home made breads, jams and honey's. I am definitely a breakfast kind of girl. In fact on the days we ate breakfast we couldn't even find the room for lunch. 

So, highlights from moi to thee, should you ever find a reason to visit:

Cultural Heritage Center

A walk on the Corniche (their version of a boardwalk)

Any of the malls - we liked the newest - The Marina Mall

A bike/trike ride with all the locals on the Corniche

Dinner at the "Lebanese Flower" for authentic yet simple delights

The Big Bus Tour - a hop on/off tour of the city

Mandoo's - A great one stop shop for all your Abu treasures (across from Abu Dhabi Mall)

The Grand Mosque - Exquisite!!!

Desert Safari - Belly dancing, sheesha pipes, henna tattoos, camel rides and for the extreme sports guy/girl in all of us - Dune Peshing (sp?) the craziest ride you will ever take in a 4WD vehicle!

We happened to be there for their 38th National Day which culminated on Dec. 2 and the largest fireworks show in the world (they hoped to make the Guinness World Record with 100,000 devices going off that night).  You could literally feel the electricity in the air all day as the excitement grew.

They were also hosting the F1 H20 water races in the Gulf across from our hotel on Dec. 3.  These boats look like space ships on the water and we were just meters from all the action.  Not sure who actually ended up winning but the French guy in our hotel had my vote!

Since we were traveling with kids I do not have any night life recommendations this time around, but, it is a non-alcohol consuming country, so keep that in mind when traveling there. We are glad we picked up a couple of nice bottles of vino in the airport on the way over. And of course, all the big hotels have fully stocked bars.

Viva la Abu Dhabi!