Day 6 (2014) Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Heritage Village & Corniche

26.10.2014

DAY 6: Abu Dhabi

Visited highlights: Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Heritage Village Abu Dhabi, Corniche, Abu Dhabi World Trade Center Mall

After breakfast, we went to Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Of course, not without the daily 'getting lost'.... Oh man, this traffic system in the UAE is driving us crazy. Although we can already see the mosque from a distance, we somehow can't get closer.

After driving past it three times (twice over the bridge, once on the outside), we finally find the right exit and make it to the parking garage. Wow, it's hot today!!!

It's 10 o'clock and the thermometer is steadily climbing towards 40 degrees. There's no breeze here inland - it was always a bit more pleasant by the sea.

When we want to go up to the mosque, we are intercepted by security. We have to dress appropriately first - so off to the 'changing room' where we get 'robes'.

Typical again: the man gets the bright white festive robe and I get the pitch-black funeral gown....with a hood, of course! And tight polyester sleeves. I'm already sweating just looking at the gown... And then I have to try on 4 different gowns because the toothless fully veiled grandma in front of me finds all the gowns too short. Apparently, I am taller than the tourist standard with my almost 6 feet height. The gowns never cover my ankles (annoying).

Finally, grandma is satisfied and I can (already sweating like crazy) make my way up.

My family, of course, can't stop laughing at the sight of me - thanks a lot!

While my husband looks like he wants to attend a gathering of the sheikhs, I resemble more of a Sith Lord from Star Wars.

'May the Force be with you'

The mosque is huuuge and really impressive. We take the audio tour and marvel at the 400,000 Swarovski crystals per chandelier and the largest hand-knotted carpet in the prayer hall of the mosque... but see for yourself - pictures speak louder than a thousand words

In the prayer hall - by the way, there is a well-functioning air conditioning here - I'll stay here!

Oh, how much I would love to jump into this crystal clear pool in front of the mosque right now!!!

It's so hot that sweat is already running down my back under the gown. Showering in a different way... this completely airtight gown with its polyester lining is really pushing me to the brink of desperation. I can hardly hold my camera anymore, but I still don't want to miss a panoramic photo from the front (in the bright sun!).

I want to go in the water!!!!!

A last look into the courtyard - and now get out of here! I'm melting!!!!

After taking off our robes, we head towards Corniche, the public beach of Abu Dhabi! We all need a little cooling off!!!

After getting out of the gown, I stick my nose to the air conditioning in the car....

It's so hot!!!

Now off to the beach! Yay!!!

For once, we don't get lost and find a parking spot right at the Corniche. Loaded with beach gear, we rush to the promenade and stop at the pizzeria. The kids eat pizza, my husband and I have a wrap and we also have cold drinks - all with a view of the sea. Wonderful!

We decide to go to the 'Family Beach' where you have to pay a small entrance fee, but the whole area is guarded and you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas. You can't get them at the 'Public Beach' - and without a sunshade at 36 degrees... no way!

And then: into the cool water.... well, at least that's what we thought. However, water temperatures of just below 30 degrees at +36 degrees air temperature are not really cooling.

But it's still wonderful!

The lifeguard has an easy job today

From the beach, you have a view of 'Heritage Village' and a theater across.

In the afternoon, we leave the Corniche and drive to the opposite side to 'Heritage Village'. A small complex where craftsmanship and a bit of UAE history are shown. Unfortunately, it's already half past four, the village closes soon, and many shops and crafts are already closed. Nevertheless, we look at everything and enjoy the view of the sea.

The facades of the skyscrapers shine and reflect in the evening sun. Really a beautiful sight!

After finishing our visit to Heritage Village, we drive to the end of the beach (theater) and enjoy the sunset with a view of the sea.

The kids make friends with a 'long-haired kitten' at the beach. And - NO - we can't take a cat with us!

On the way back, we stop briefly behind the bridge and take another look at the palace (on the right) and the 6****** hotel Emirates Palace (on the left).

On the way back, we make a short detour to the World Trade Center Mall. The mall is interesting because on one side of the center it is a 'normal modern' mall and on the other side, there is a 'traditional souk' in a modern style. All made of wood, high ceilings. It's just an experience to see that. Of course, we also need to buy some small souvenirs, which are quickly found here.

We buy some groceries for dinner in the supermarket and then head back to the house.

The day was once again very eventful. With a few cocktails on the terrace, we enjoy our second-to-last evening in the UAE.