Our very last port of call on the journey home to the USA was Abu Dhabi. It was an unusual choice , even for us. On booking our return flights from Sri Lanka , Etihad airlines had a promotion offering free hotel stays in 5 star hotels to encourage tourism as well as being the most competitively priced. We don’t ever say no to free ! Abu Dhabi it was.
I definitely had some fears about being in the UAE , I was worried about political unrest , wearing the correct clothes so as not to offend , the children being too loud or disruptive in public and not being able to show affection ( holding hands or hugging ). The intense heat was a fear factor also. In hindsight , I shouldn’t have been concerned at all.
First of all , Etihad airlines was terrific making a fuss of the kids with special meals and drinks. The flight to Abu Dhabi was just over 4 hours and whilst the airport security in Colombo was excruciatingly thorough ( our bags were X-rayed and passports checked at least 4 times in the airport ) Abu Dhabi airport was modern , super clean and all the employees were efficient and courteous, not exactly friendly or jovial though. The kids had been versed in the difference in clothing and not to stare or point.
Our hotel was the Grand Sheraton at the Corniche , which is a lovely older resort hotel with its own private beach, the grounds are maintained with curtain lined outside hookah lounges and a small amphitheater with scattered cushions to lounge in. Cabanas and soft double loungers available to all guests. The only shame was that it was March and the temperature was only 74 degrees Fahrenheit and a breeze was blowing. Alcohol was sold in hotels and restaurants but not in stores ( that we saw).
We used taxis around the city and visited beautiful modern malls , noting the Arabic spellings of familiar fast food restaurants. One day we ventured to a more traditional modern indoor souq and delighted at the tea vendor pouring a hot sweet , spiced tea called karak. It was 1 Diram per cup ( about 25¢). Lots of vendors offering to sell us beautiful name brand copies of goods from watches to purses. We declined.
The city was very quiet during our stay there. Not sure whether this was due to the recent Corona Virus , the afore mentioned lack of general tourists , or because it was the wintertime? Either way it made for an easier time for us moving around. The taxis are metered and modern. The most conversation we had with ‘locals’ was in the taxis but none of them were from the UAE. It is a country full of immigrants working the menial jobs. It was a tad unnerving just how quiet the malls and restaurants were.
We were careful not to hold hands or take that hug when we were needing one , in public. It is very much frowned upon as well as being offensive to their culture.
We were amused to see that often in the price list for admission to an event or theme park , etc, that there was a special price for the ‘nanny’. Just added to our minds that this is an uber rich country and that having someone to watch your children is not uncommon.
We went shopping for a momento from our trip and the men settled in Abu Dhabi National dress headgear. There are different ways to wear them. The shopkeeper chose this style for Justin.
We took a taxi to one of the most expensive hotels in the World, the Emirates Palace . It cost $3 billion US to build! Security was intense but it was quite the building and that night a basic room was $700. There were full sized palm trees in the lobby. We returned to our free room! !
The best part of our Abu Dhabi experience was a visit to the Grand Mosque at sunset. They have graciously opened it to visitors , and ladies who visit must be in a floor length robe with their hair covered. These are provided in a choice of four colours by the staff and are strictly monitored with staff asking ladies to pull their hair under the hoods. The mosque was spectacular and very well organised. Photo opportunities were plentiful.
We left the next morning very early with a lovely packed breakfast from the Sheraton staff. Our flight with Etihad took just under 17 hours to Los Angeles with Justin and another nurse onboard , spending the last hour with a lady who was short of breath. It never fails , “ ladies and gentlemen would anyone with medical knowledge please make themselves known to the cabin crew “ , every long flight we go on , he helps someone.
We landed in Los Angeles and our eldest lad was there to meet us, happy to have us home. Bags packed into the car and a long drive home, picking up In N Out burgers en route ( a family tradition each time we fly home to California).
The Morgans are home after the most thrilling adventure of our lives …so far. Seven months in Siam did not disappoint.
Thank you to all who followed our progress and supported us with well wishes and positive energy. It was a pleasure to have you along for the ride.
Much love and peace from Justin , Arlene , Alexander , Andrew and Emmalynn xx
Seven Months in Siam 