Abu Dhabi, UAE 3rd October 2008

MMMMMM MEAT!!!!!!
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After an uncomfortable flight (just because we were so tired) we were greeted in Dubai by our friend Krystyna. It was so good to see a friendly face but I think Krystyna was less pleased to see us given how we smelt :-) She drove us back to her flat in Abu Dhabi, almost running out of petrol on the way!! We filled the washing machine, had a nice sleep followed by the best shower ever. It was nice to feel human again. Once we were all refreshed we went out for lunch to a British style pub I had a pint of Guinness and Ruth had a pint of Strongbow. Mmm mmm!! We went to look round some of the malls, they were like an oversized version of Meadowhall, complete with Debenhams, BHS, C&A and the Body Shop! Didn’t buy anything as all the prices were pretty much the same as the UK. We went bowling and to start with I couldn’t hit a pin for trying, in the end I won and Ruth came last by 1 point, bless her. On the way back from the Mall we visited the Emirates Palace hotel. That place is something else. It’s most expensive hotel ever built.

Mat tried to swap me!!!
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When Krystyna picked us up we were talking about our time in India and how much I would kill for a big, fat juicy steak with chips. So Krystyna said she knew exactly the place to take us for food. Mat and Krystyna took us to a Brazilian restaurant which was an all you can meat fest. They bring the meat to your table on skewers and carve it in front of you. There was sirloin steak, t-bone steak, rib-eye steak, roast beef, roast lamb, ribs, sausages, chicken, turkey etc etc etc. And some green stuff which I didn’t have any of...I think it’s called SALAD. It was the best meal in the world. (Thanks Mat & Kryssie!).

Mat of Arabia with his mistresses (Ruth is on the left in case you can't tell!). We are both smiling for the camera...honest!
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The following day after a nice lie in and lunch we went on a desert safari. This basically involves being driven to the desert in a Toyota Landcruiser and going as fast as possible over the huge sand dunes at death-defying angles and speeds. It was really good but as we were sat in the back we were a bit nauseous when we stopped! We stopped on the top of a dune and all got out. The sand was so nice and warm on your feet. Mat had a go at dune surfing but he just sank! Then he got really tired climbing back up as the sand is so soft that you take 1 step up and slide half a step back. We then went to a little compound in the desert when we watched belly dancing, had a bbq buffet and tried on traditional dress. Mat looks hilarious...fits right up.

The following day (Sunday) Mat & Krystyna had to work (the working week is sun-thurs) so we spent an amazing day on the beach. It was so relaxing. Mat cooked spag bol for tea. On Monday Kryssie took the day off work and we went to Wild Wadi, a waterpark. Mat had a go on the surfing ride and managed to last about 3 seconds before we was swept off the wave! Before heading to the airport we visited the world’s largest shopping mall underneath the huge indoor ski slope. Made Meadowhall look tiny. Mat’s eyes nearly popped out his head when he spotted the world’s largest lcd tv. 103” all for the sum of £20,000! He made me take a picture in the shop of him next to it.

Abu Dhabi is a lovely place, very sunny, clean & tidy and I can appreciate why people want to live here. We’d like to say thanks to Kryssie and Mat if you’re reading this, we really appreciate you looking after us and your hospitality. P.s. Mat did you eat the left over spag bol?