White and Gold, and Gold Coffee

Abu Dhabi is another of the surreal cities developed thanks to oil money and extravagant wealth of royalty. Visiting here was always going to be about seeing my friend Natalie, and adapting to the lifestyle that is here. It is surreal. And it is also amazing. The city with it's buildings and hotels are to be experienced if but once.

No running on the square

First off on the tour of Abu Dhabi was the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Everything about this place is grand. It was the number one thing you have to do in Abu Dhabi. It's religious traditions mean that one must be dressed head to toe and women must have their hair hidden. Failing this you are directed to the car park changeroom for gowns. After initially being prevented from joining the 2pm walking tour we managed to join on.

Lots of marble to keep polished

This was my cultural experience, And learning experience. A bit of Muslim knowledge, and plenty about the Mosque, it's construction, and the praying procedures and protocol that goes on. I really appreciated it. It was free, and a real credit to the Abu Dhabi on how they really knew they were there opening eyes to cultural awareness. The Mosque is spectacular. So white, and so much marble, gold, and pearl everywhere.

Incidentally after I was taken the Abu Dhabi Historical Village of Abu Dhabi. I was warned it was the size of a postage stamp. Alas it would seem the stamp has shrunk. It was all but closed for renovation but someone didn't shut the front gates or tell the guards to do so. Who knows what is going on. Perhaps they've got plans to redevelop into a history of Abu Dhabi high rises.  Because here it seems every new building needs to outdo the last for impression. Be it size, shape, or opulence.

Gold leaf coffee. The gold leaf I can't say added much to the coffee

And then it was time for coffee. Sure I like a good coffee. But there are limits. When I think coffee I also think chocolate as I do like a good mocha. Not here though. This is the UAE. Home to oil, and wealth. Wealth that has been converted to gold. So who's up for a gold leaf Coffee.  At about 23AUD a pop it's a once in a lifetime experience to be had.

This was at hotel with a difference. One where you go to see the Gold Vending Machine. Even if at the time it was out of order.

The Gold Vending Machine was "out of order"

This is a a city where everyone sits down and get a photo like you're thinking through world problems with the rich old baron leaders of the middle east.

And then after all is said and done you head off to the highest bar you can find and drink mojitos into the sunset. After sunset I took revenge on the vegetarians by visiting a South American restaurant to prove that is nothing better than cow cooked with just salt and pepper, sliced off a skewer after a golden afternoon and sunset.

My first day here in Abu Dhabi would be remiss not to mention what I have learnt of Abu Dhabi drivers. They're really bad. Not that they can't park straight. They show contempt to even try to park straight. Miss Daisy wouldn't survive here. Angry is just a required deposition to be driving. I am constantly amazed at the concept of driving everywhere here. You cross lanes with abandon. Ignore speed guides masquerading a speed limits. Roads are fast, and dangerous.

And when you stop driving on arrival somewhere you don't just park yourself. Most of the time there's valet parking for that. Which means you just get out of your car and walk away. And that there's is a wait upon exit waiting for all the expensive cars to be stolen away by the multitude of concierge staff required to relocate and recover a car park of cars at a moment's notice.