Sailing with Friends

Mid December, Sara and I were invited to join a co-worker of hers (Eva) on their sailboat for a Saturday afternoon. You'll have to ask Sara about how the invitation went down. It was a nice day on the water and I learned a bit about sailing. The sun was out with a decent wind. There was an excavator in the water (see below)...is it real or an illusion?

Abu Dhabi Skyline from off the coastline

Your guess is as good as mine!

ADIA Office building...good architecture! You can see the excavator too.

Abu Dhabi European PGA & Beach Classic

January 22, 2010 we went to the Abu Dhabi European PGA Event. Every January it is held at the Abu Dhabi National Golf Club. The course was is excellent condition. There were some big names at the event. Rory McIlroy, Colin McGomerie, Darren Clark, Lee Westword (he didn't make the final cut), Jeff Ogilvie, Anthony Kim, etc. For the end of January it was fairly warm, but nice. I think it was close to 80 degrees. Below are some pics.

The golf course on Saadiyat (island where I work) held a Pro Am Beach Classic a few days after the PGA Event (Jan 28th) for charity and the grand opening of the course. I've played this Gary Player course three times so far. It's very difficult with lots and lots of soft sand. It's amazing though. There are a portion of 8 holes that touch the protected sand dunes next to the beach. The beach views are terrific. Gary Player and Rory McIlroy played in the event. Hole #10 is called the "Mouse Trap". It has sand bunkers that are 8'-10' deep...yes I've been in them!

Colin setting up for a shot.
Anthony Kim leaving 18 Green

Rory being interviewed after his Friday round

Ras Al Khamiah - Christmas Day

Hi All. Just getting caught up on some postings. On Christmas Day, Sara, Charlie and I drove to Ras Al Khamiah (1 or the 7 emirates within UAE). Ras Al Khamiah is along the coast and adjacent to mountains. We just chose a road and drove into the mountains until we were greeted and requested to turn around (the request came without speaking a word to each other!). Didn't know it at the time, but we were at the Oman border. The mountains are all rock.

On our way home, we stopped and had lunch at The Cove Rotana Resort. It's a cool beach resort. It was very nice, but not like home over Christmas. Weather was nice as you can see from the below pictures of the mountains and some camels. Enjoy!