[RC] Linda in Abu Dhabi - Day 4, part 2 - Jay Randle
We all went our own ways and started working on our shopping lists. Meg was the first to get through hers and headed to the cafe we agreed to meet at. I got my things and then wen to the cafe and started to download more emails while we waited for the other two. Naomi & Kristie both managed to get the necessaries so we compared shopping outcomes before having a quick bite to eat and then back to the motel and stables.
The afternoon chores were done and we headed back to the motel with the luxury of 1 ½ hrs to get organised. So it was a fairly leisurely time before heading out and, wonder of wonders, Meg was on time too! We had decided to try a different route into the city to avoid some of the heavier traffic but it was still quite heavy. Pulling up at the Palace it looks for all the world like one of those palaces out of the fairy tale books – the sheer dimensions of the place take your breath away together with the lighting (it would take a small power station to generate enough electricity I’m sure). We headed for the car park and tucked the Nissan Patrol in amongst the Bentleys and Rollers and Porsches and other flash looking cars!
Once into the lobby we were greeted by a line of welcoming staff who spent all evening just standing there chatting amongst themselves and saying good evening to everyone who walked in. I don’t think that I can go the grandeur and opulence of this place any justice with mere words and you’d need to see it to believe it! I’m not sure I know how expensive it is to stay in the place but I’m sure I’ll never be able to afford it!
The obligatory entertainment was provided by way of a grand piano and a very pretty girl playing it. She was later replaced by someone playing a harp.
We headed off to our restaurant and ordered a cocktail – at the wee price of 60 dhs or about $30. One of the prices on the menu was for a reef and beef style meal for two people costing a mere 500 dhs ($250). Needless to say the food was exquisite, the service was attentive and the wine was beautiful. We had a great night chatting with Stefano, Sefian, Roberto and Peo (not sure of the spelling here). Our converstation nearly always centering on endurance, of course!
I was still fitting the effects of jet lag so was pretty tired and very glad when the night finished relatively early at 11.30 a.m. We headed back to the motel but I gave Meg a bum steer in the directions and we headed off the freeway too early but still found our way home again. I was so glad to crawl into bed. Tomorrow looks like it will be an easier day and the possibility of some free time in the arvo is very appealing!
