mini adventure

We were hoping to take a tour here...

...but their hours had changed due to Ramadan. (In fact, as we attempted to enter, there were dozens of men streaming in around us, answering an evening call to prayer.)

So, with the help of a considerate Egyptian man, we made our way across the highway to this place:

Zayed Sports City features Olympic-sized everything. We mostly strolled around the hotel portion like we owned the place, marvelling at its scale and maze-like qualities, before stumbling upon an art exhibition in one of the upstairs halls. (Pictures weren't allowed; it mostly looked like some sort of Emirati appreciation/student work. But, hey, it was something to see.)

The streets at Sports City are lined with date palms:

We eventually had to cross some major highways and a very large bridge in order to get back to our own hotel...

...but with the help of a kind cab driver, we made it there safely. Tired and ready for approximately 1.5 liters of water, to be chugged as fast as possible, but still - safe. And, overall, satisfied.

xo, emy

landed

This is just a quick update to say I (Emy) have landed in Abu Dhabi (been here a week now actually....), and in between overcoming jet lag and exploring the city, I've found it really difficult to motivate myself to do anything blog-related! But it's coming - oh yes, the thoughts and stories abound. Not to mention we've already been assigned our housing (WHAT?! Near the Abu Dhabi city center in a BRAND NEW building...two bedrooms...we get to choose all the furniture and appliances...pinch me) and are supposedly getting a tour of the place next week (we can't move in until our residency visas have been fully processed). Meanwhile, I'm stuck in five-star luxury at the Yas Hotel (I know, life is so hard) while Andy wraps things up in the States before heading over in a month (ok, so it IS hard missing him!).

Here's a peek of the view from my balcony at the Yas:

The marina, plus a curve in the famous F1 racetrack, which runs around (and under!) the hotel.

The internet connection at the hotel is reallllly slow, so I think I may spend some time sizing photos before I share anything else. You know, in between lounging at the pool and going to Ferrari World ;)