A Tour of Abu Dhabi

 There are so many things to see in Abu Dhabi, and it costs to get everywhere, so we took our own personal tour on the public bus for 1 dirham. We went to the bus stop at the Marina Mall and just rode any bus that came to see where it went and then rode it back. There were lots of small shops as we rode but nothing really too interesting. Here are some of the pictures from our journey.
 

 


After taking a self guided tour for a couple of days on different buses, we did take a trip to some special places here in Abu Dhabi. We first went to Heritage Village. This is an place, much like the Jamestown settlement in Williamsburg, that gives a depiction of what life was like in Abu Dhabi before the redevelopment. We were reminded that this country is still relatively young as it is only 40 years old. Oil was found here is I think it was 1968 but they did not begin exporting until 1971. It was during this time too that they did not have their own money, they used other countries money. Interesting facts...Here are some pics...

 
 
 
 
 

 

 


After leaving Heritage Village we walked to the Marina Mall which was about a 5 minute drive, but a 20 minute walk in the heat at about 12 noon. Who's idea was it? Chante's and it was hotttt!!!!!! Being the expert travelers that we were we caught the bus and took the 32 to the Grand Mosque. We had hoped to take the 2 p.m. tour but we had to make a detour. The detour you ask? Well, we got of the bus  a block before the mosque thinking we could walk right up to it...not so. There was no entrance on the side the bus let out on so in the heat ( I mean heat!!!) we walked to the next gate...oh...gate was closed. So in short after walking back and forth up the street we finally jumped into the taxi to take us around the corner to the correct door entrance. Interestingly enough, the cost to go around the corner was 10 dirham, the same price as going from our hotel to the mall. Anyway, we learned our lesson and we missed the tour but it was still a pretty building.

 

AKA- The Bathroom

 
 

 

 

From there, yes we did this all in one day, we went to the Emirates Palace Hotel. This is the most prestigious hotel and 5 star diamond award winning hotel. We were only able to go the ground floor of the building but I must admit that it was pretty nice.

 
 
 
  

It was a fun experience. Tired afterwards, we spent the next day chilling inside. :-)

-Until next time!