First Experiences in Abu Dhabi...

Travelling to Abu Dhabi was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had to date… the experience made me question the meaning of familiar things and I had numerous first experiences.

I think I experienced some degree of a culture shock when I walked out the airport and begun my journey to where I would be staying.  In Trinidad we aspire to achieve “big houses”, it is one of the things by which success is judged.  By the time I got to where I was staying I had seen so many majestic structures which they called homes I was in awe…Trinidad most certainly did not have such big houses.  They were mostly brown in colour from the sand and not very shapely and seem to be owned by many!   It made me question our measurement of success.  

The people were friendly…kept most to what was familiar to them but engaged in conversation whenever Debra was out and crossed paths with them.  The women are exceedingly beautiful and the application of their eye make-up were spot on.  I thought that I would have experienced some level of discrimination or unwarranted negativity but my experience was far from that.  I have to mention that the men looked regal in their traditional wear and omg their hands and feet were well kept...and when I say well kept...I mean well kept! 

My Camel and Me!

I was told, no…actually I was warned about my dress code…but what I came to realise and appreciate is that while Abu Dhabi is Islamic they understood that for them to be one of the most sought after Tourist destination they would have to make some adjustments and I think they were successful in that they were able to find a balance which allowed they to achieve their objective and maintain they deep seated traditions.  So as a tourist I was able to wear my fitted jeans and tops which is what I packed!

I saw a bit of Dhabi in the movie Fast Seven but it did not do justice to the magnificent architect that resides in Abu Dhabi and Dubai!  It was fascinating to see some of the standing structures…there were a coin building close to where I stayed which upon first sight was awesome…when the sunset provided the backdrop for this building it was a sight to behold.

Debs and I on our Desert Safari

There were so many sites to see and things to do and as would be the expectation, tourist activities were expensive but I was able to go on a Desert Safari which surprisingly enough I had to wear a sweater to keep warm; petted and rode a camel which I found out is nothing like riding a horse, did Dune Bashing which was scary and excited all at once; visited the Great Mosque…omg this is a must visit location if ever you go…the experience was breath-taking; and of course I explored the malls which included the Al Raha, Yas and Dalma Mall…while at one of the malls, Dalma Mall I think, we were in a party store (which is what party stores ought to look like) I hear a trini soca playing on the radio…imagine all the way in Abu Dhabi I got a soca to wine to…"Who let the dogs out" – was the song. I also did some of their popular restaurants and ate some unusual stuff which I really can’t pronounce far less to remember how it’s spelt.  I saw ice cream made in the most unique way with what sounded like a rhythm out of Trinidad!

Did I mention I went to Ferrari World…one word…amazing!

In Full Abu Dhabi Wear

I saw and experienced so many things that has shaped my view and understanding of the Middle East, it was a very worthwhile adventure!