Let me start by saying whatever could have gone wrong on this trip did, but that's what made it fun and memorable, we learned to laugh a lot! The night before we left, I went to check in and somehow from booking to ticketing Abby's name was incorrect. She was Abby Allow and instead of Harlow. We spent nearly 5 hours between phone calls and going to the ticket office to try and fix it. In the end the answer was, "Well drive the 3 hours to Jeddah in the morning and see if they will let her on the plane." So we purchased fully refundable tickets on another airline (our flight was completely booked) and hoped for the best. When we got there, they did let Abby on the original flight, so we now have tickets to the next vacation paid for and waiting!
From the minute we got off the airplane, it was so different than Yanbu. As a woman, you did not have to wear an abaya, there were no family sections in restaurants and the duty free shop had buy 3 get 1 free on wine! Abu Dhabi is very clean and neat. My take on Yanbu is that it is still growing and changing and you see deserted buildings around, but in the UAE, they are growing so although there was a lot of construction, it just looked cleaner and neater than Yanbu.
Also, women can drive in Abu Dhabi. It was almost strange to see a woman driving, or running and biking along the Corniche for that matter. The city truly made me forget I was still in the Middle East. It's very modern and although it certainly has its traditions and many are very loyal to their Muslim culture and faith, it has become a modern and westernized city that mixes the new and the old brilliantly.
We stayed at the Eastern Mangrove Hotel, which is a new hotel just outside of the downtown. It was very nice with 2 restaurants, a lounge and spa. Well, Chuck had upgraded us to a suite with a small swimming pool, but when we got to our room, we had a suite but no swimming pool. When he called the front desk, the attendants were very helpful and were trying to rebook us in the correct room, but the manager refused. So, we did the math and realized the extra we paid for with the suite evened out to breakfasts and internet costs (they weren't included in the standard room) so we just laughed and moved on. At least we had 2 rooms for some privacy, 2 balconies and 2 bathrooms, which was nice. The view of the city from our room was gorgeous as well. The hotel is situated just to the side of the Mangroves in the city, which is a protected wildlife preserve. In the mornings, we could see schools of fish in the inlet, birds and other animals wandering along the banks. Very peaceful and relaxing!
Women do have to wear and abaya there, but they have them to borrow before entering. I brought my own, with my hijab as you must cover your hair as well. Abby was ok to wear whatever she wished. Chuck had to have long pants on and sleeves, but they also provide a throbe for men if necessary. The tour guides there were fantastic. Abby is still 3 and was a little bored, so our guide played along with her and explained that he was Aladdin and that this was his castle. That Jasmine was sleeping in her room and Raj and Abu were roaming around the grounds somewhere. We were able to enjoy the tour and she was happy!
After dinner we walked to the cafe in the lobby. You can order a cappuccino with gold leaf, and I had to try it. It was so delicious! Abby had her green tea and several chocolates that the water just seemed to keep bringing. Then out of nowhere, a group of men and the cafe manager bring a small chocolate cake out and the piano player in the middle of the lobby starts playing happy birthday! I had several strangers singing happy birthday to me as I enjoyed chocolate cake and cappuccino with gold. Truly a birthday to remember! We have decided on our next trip we will certainly be staying at the Palace. It was amazing and something you should experience if you get the chance!
That evening we went on a desert safari. WHAT FUN! The guide picked us up at our hotel and we headed out into the desert about 40 minutes outside of Abu Dhabi. We did a sand dune ride, which my daughter loved. Mommy and daddy were a little worried, I swear a couple times we were on 1 or 2 wheels instead of 4, but my daredevil was in the back yelling, "Faster!"
We then went to a camel farm where you could ride the camel. Abby and I tried, but our saddle was falling off and the camel was not happy. Chuck caught Abby was I landed on my bum, laughing the whole way. Hey, it was an experience and we tried it. Somewhere out there are several strangers who were on the safari with us that have a picture of me lying in the sand next to the camel. If anyone reads this could you forward me a copy. Chuck was too busy laughing to get a good action shot! :)
We then went to a traditional camp and had a bbq. The food was delicious, beef, lamb and chicken. Traditional hummus (which is soooo good here), fruit and of course rice; Abby ate and ate.
After dinner, we sat on the stars and they brought out the shisha pipes. Chuck and I both gave it a try and it's an experience. They soak the tobacco in apple juice, so it's not like smoking a cigarette or a cigar. Very nice and relaxing and we can say we tried it once!
I have to say it was very hard to leave. I love Yanbu, I truly do enjoy our life here. We have friends that are amazing and more like family. Our house is nice and we have a garden that we've worked hard on that is very relaxing to enjoy. The beaches are close and I love that our family spends so much time together here. But, it's nice to feel "normal" as well. To go without the abaya, to wear western clothes, to hear music in public and to eat in an open restaurant; there are so many little things you miss. But all in all, I look at it as it's an experience. Yanbu is not our permanent home, and while we're here we make the best of it. Without it, we wouldn't be able to see all these wonderful sights and enjoy the time as a family. However, if Chuck gets the opportunity - I think Abu Dahbi would make a wonderful next assignment! :)