Visitors

I just had one of those cold hand clutching at my heart moments. What on earth did I do with my camera cord when I moved? I searched while I trolled through my ever diminishing memory banks, where did I put all my cords and the like? That's right, I carefully put them in the draw of that little table where my digi frame sits, there they all go. Thank goodness for that!

It's been a great weekend and that's why I need to cord. A weekend of catching up with very good friends and playing tour guide in Dubai and Al Ain. Well not getting lost in Dubai while showing the sights at any rate. Sue and Becs came over from Melbourne and Wellington on route to the UK to stay for the weekend. Brosey (also Sue) came in from the far flung desert to join us, driving the 3 hours or so in searing heat.

It was funny catching up with old friends in this place rather than ones I've only known a comparatively short time. It's a different and more comfortable dynamic somehow, a relaxed and easy time together. It was like no time at all had passed between visits. I find it's like that with my very best friends. My house feels empty now they've gone.

We went sightseeing and I got some pics, good ones I hope. My camera's been quiet lately, it was lovely to get out and about and be able to get some shots. The one I've included here are of the two Sue's working the shot.

Sheikh Zayed's Palace

Post number 300, who'd have thought I'd have so much to say.......

After visiting the fort we drove to Sheikh Zayed's Palace, yes drove. Although this is within 5 minutes walk of my house as well, it was too hot to walk, meltingly hot, in the very high 40s. I visited last with Sue and her cousin, minus my camera so I had lost time to make up for.

Like the fort, the palace has a peace that defies the outside bustle of Al Ain. Well to be truthful there is very little bustle on these hot afternoons. People are too sensible and stay inside sleeping off the heat. Not us, so much to see and so little time. It was Kathryn's last day in the UAE and Sue's last for a few weeks so we made the most of it.

The palace has been restored to the reflect the time it was occupied by Sheikh Zayed, restored with period furniture and entering the rooms we felt the presence of the people who sat and talked, drank ghawa and ate dates in these rooms. The majalis rooms are impressive. We sat in the place where the Sheikh and his ruling council would have sat and made the decisions that shaped the future of Al Ain and of the UAE.

The photos are the girls on the stairs to the Sheikh's private majalis, the view through the gypsum tiles that keep the corridors cool and private, one of the upper balconies and the stairs to the children's wing.