Pub with no beer....

People wondered how we had got to stay at the Beach Rotana for such a good price, after all it's close to the Abu Dhabi Mall, has a beach to swim at, a pool, bars and restaurants. We discovered the reason when we arrived at the Rotana Apartments. We weren't actually staying at the Beach Rotana, rather we were staying in a pub with no beer.

Rau and I had been hanging out for a drink and were talking about the mini bar amongst other things on the way. Imagine our surprise when the Bloody Mary was called the Virgin Mary on the drinks list, that's right a mocktail not a cocktail. Yes, the kiwi girls were being mocked all right, much to Morag's delight.

The trip to Abu Dhabi began in a sand storm so we were extra thirsty, a cuppa didn't quite do the trick. The day was dusty in Al Ain and got progressively worse as we headed to Abu Dhabi giving the trip a surreal atmosphere. Morag showed us the main sights and I got a photo of the new mosque peeping out from the whiteout. Being white, it doesn't look nearly as impressive as it does with a blue sky backdrop, maybe a photo for next trip.

We decided to set out for the night life, after the cuppa and a nana nap so walked through the wind and dust to a Hilton hotel, yep the wrong one again. A taxi ride fixed the problem and we arrived at the right Hilton and Hemingway's for a hard earned drink, I mean for a meal.

On the way to Abu Dhabi I told Morag that I had two friends there and wanted to catch up with them. I'd mislaid their contact details so had little idea where to start. While Rau and I were waiting for a table, I heard the cry, Madge and who should almost bowl me over but Sue and Annie, yep I caught up with them alright. It's such a small world.

We had a great night out, dancing and yakking to the small hours, what fun. We met the next day for a touch of shopping and then some more socialising. An enjoyable weekend, good to get away from Al Ain, although it's left me a bit behind in my work, I'll catch that up soon I'm sure.

Sue and Annie and others are coming to stay next weekend, should be fun!

The photos are parking Emerati style and Rau, Sue's friend, Morag and Sue at breakfast. I didn't get many photos, the light was not right.