The bus from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain costs a whole 10 dirhams--less than $3 US. A pretty cheap excursion! The trip took about two hours. We didn't make it in time to wander through the museums (hours--or timings as they're called here--are different because of Ramadan), but the camel markets were open. The young men who showed off their camels brought out the most cantankerous fellow for us to pet. He sounded like something out of Star Wars! Katherine was the camel whisperer and called him "sweet face."
After visiting the camels it was time for Iftar. We hadn't had anything to eat or drink since breakfast so we were hungry and dehydrated. We walked to the mall and found a wonderful place to eat: Coriander, an Indian restaurant.
This was the closest that Jo would get to him. One of the guys was our photographer, and took several shots with each of our cameras. We all giggled when he put his scarf on Katherine's head. When he switched to my camera he switched the scarf as well. We laughed and laughed and had a great time.
After visiting the camels it was time for Iftar. We hadn't had anything to eat or drink since breakfast so we were hungry and dehydrated. We walked to the mall and found a wonderful place to eat: Coriander, an Indian restaurant.
This mint and cucumber drink was delicious and refreshing.
The food was heavenly. Jo and I both ordered white rice to go with our curries, but we could have shared. We ate and ate and ate. So good!
After our meal we sat and enjoyed the open air patio. I ordered a pot of coffee and wanted to take the china home with me. As we were leaving the restaurant I thanked the waiter and told him that it was the best coffee I'd had since I'd arrived. He grinned at me and said, "It was instant, madam!" Too funny!
We wandered through the mall for a few minutes, but realized that we'd better make our way to the bus station and head for home. Our taxi driver warned us that as soon as we opened the door to the cab we would be surrounded by men wanting to drive us to Abu Dhabi--at a much higher rate than 10 dirhams. He was right, and we were glad for the warning.
A friendly young woman from Sri Lanka sat next to me, and we visited all the way back. She is here working as a secretary and plans on going back home soon. She's getting older (under 30 I'd guess!) and it's time for her to get married. Her mother has made the arrangements. Maryam gave me her mobile number and told me to call any time if I need help with anything.
We didn't get back to the hotel until after 1:00. We said goodnight, agreed we probably wouldn't see each other at breakfast, and headed off to our rooms. I swiped my card, swiped it again, turned it over and tried again, to no avail. It seems we were all locked out--maybe this was how they were finding out who had moved to their apartments--so we had to go back down to the desk and get out cards unlocked. I don't know about the other two, but I sure didn't make it down for breakfast. I spent the day dozing and reading and dozing some more.
Tomorrow we're off to the see the Grand Mosque--we still haven't been. Another excellent day in store for us.
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3 comments:
Now, THAT'S the kind of day we want you to experience and tell us about. You women get high marks from me, consorting with camels. I want, want, want that white coffee/creamer service. How beautiful!
After seeing your pictures, I want to go to the local Indian restaurant for some of that amazing looking food.
The china service is beautiful, kinda looks like the "good" stuff we grew up with. I wonder if you can find something similar at IKEA. The coffee pot would be great for gravy.
The coffee pot was so elegant! I don't remember seeing anything like it at IKEA, but I'll keep looking. SO many cool things here, but I've put off buying anything until I have my apartment.
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