Oman Trip

Sara, Lacey, Marie, and I took a trip to Oman for a small vacation last week. We stayed at the very nice Shangri-La Resort on the Gulf of Oman. It was great to see the Oman countryside. The weather seemed much hotter in Oman than Abu Dhabi. It reached 114 degrees, so we kept cool by the pool! We have many pictures to show, but can only post so many. Hope everyone is doing well. Next trip...Anguilla for Jordan's wedding!

Camels and a pony on the resort beach.

Resort View of Beach Area

Shopping Crew in the Muttrah Souq

Oman countryside on ride home

WOMAD

Sara's sister Lacey is visiting after a 1 month trip in Africa. We went to the WOMAD concert with Lacey, William, and Marie. There were many interesting bands playing. We took a break and smoked Shi-Sha, then went back and watched the final 2 acts (SaDingDing & Youssou N'Dour). The concert was right on the beach across from our building.

Youssou N'Dour (Senegal) on the North Stage

SaDingDing (China) on the South Stage

Rodney and Sara trying Shi Sha

Sara, William, Lacey, and Marie entering the concert

RED BULL AIR RACE

The Red Bull Air Race was in Abu Dhabi this past weekend. It's a flying contest where pilots fly small planes between air filled cones set in the water. Spectators watch from the beach. The festivities were held 1,300 ' from our building. Many people showed for the events. On Saturday evening they had a local Hip Hop band playing and fireworks later in the evening. We could watch the fireworks from our roof top pool area.

This coming weekend is the World of Music and Dance (WOMAD) festival. It is only held in a handful of cities around the world. It will also be on the beach outside our building. They almost have the stages set up. Sara's sister, Lacey, will be in town for the event. We are also planning a trip to Muscat, Oman the following weekend, so more pictures are on the way!

Although we are having a good adventure, we miss everyone.

Abu Dhabi sign set up on the beach for the race events

Beach scene with the air filled cones pilots fly thru. Marina Shopping Mall is in the background.

Pilot performing stunts

Fireworks from our roof top

Abu Dhabi Night Skyline from roof top

La Brioche & Charlie

La Brioche is our favorite restaurant. They have barista stlye coffees, pasteries, desserts, full breakfast, lunch, and dinners. The people are extremely friendly and their food is excellent. It helps that it is located around the corner of our building. They also enjoy it when Charlie visits.

Below are pictures of the restaurant and Charlie. Charlie is doing well. He adapted very quickly. Many times when we go outside, he just sits in the grass to enjoy the sun and heat...as you can tell!

Charlie lounging along Corniche Road

Charlie getting sleepy from too much sun!




Sara getting loves from Charlie

Entrance to La Brioche. Look hard you can see Sara ordering.

Charlie tired from playing and sun!

Easter Cruise

For Easter, we took a Brunch Cruise. The boat cruised up and down the Corniche. Our friend Marie joined us in celebrating Easter.

Emirates Palace Hotel

Sail boats

Beach from the boat. Our Condo is behind the corner building

Abu Dhabi Skyline

Abu Dhabi Golf Club

These are pictures of the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. I played a round last week Tuesday. It was a great day at 80 degrees with a slight breeze. I didn't even turn on the air conditioner on the cart. I'm sure I'll use it during the summer! This is 1 of 3 courses in Abu Dhabi. Falcon's are very admired in UAE. You'll see in the pictures the club house is built as a falcon. Falcon's are used for hunting. The European PGA plays a tournament at this course every year.

Falcon Club House

18th Hole into the club house

Nice par 3 over a lake

From Club House looking over course

Dubai Trip

This past Saturday, Sara and I went to Dubai to check out Atlantis resort located on the Palm Jumeriah and the Burj Dubai (tallest building in the world). The Burj is not open yet, but should be in about 5 months. Sara's co-workers Kasia and Jorge went with us.

Burj Dubai thru the back window of the car. Much larger than all other buildings.

Close up of the Burj Dubai. So tall couldn't get the entire building in the shot.

View of Dubai from Atlantis beach/lunch spot

Glass Ornament in Atlantis Main Lobby



Atlantis Aquarium