My Favorite Day of the Trip! Abu Dhabi!

Today Mohammad and I swam in the hotel pool and then went to the airport to pick up our rental car and wait for Mohammad's younger brother to arrive.  We were excited to see him!  It was a great treat to see Vahid again, especially for Mohammad who prior to last November, had not seen Vahid in 5-6 years!  After picking Vahid up from the airport we headed off in our rental car to our apartment for the week.  Driving in Dubai is just like driving in the U.S.  The only difference is the amount of roundabouts!  Next we headed off to Abu Dhabi to visit Sheikh Zayed Mosque and see my great friends!  I met my lovely Bahraini and Emirati friends in Houston while one of them was attending university.  I was quickly accepted into their family and we have had a special bond ever since!  It was soooo wonderful to visit them again and I can't wait to go back!  They took us out to a tradition dinner and then to Emirate's Palace.  Next stop was the home of a relative of my friends'  whom I just adore from my previous trip to Abu Dhabi almost 2 years ago now.  We were served tea and sweets and sat around talking for quite a bit before making the trek back to Dubai.  So long Abu Dhabi!  I miss you!!!

Very popular pictures in U.A.E :)

Surprise picture of Mohammad and his younger brother

Beautiful Dubai skyline

Mohammad driving through the middle of nowhere on our way to Abu Dhabi

Us at Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
This is a must for any trip to U.A.E.  It is breathtaking!

Great pic of Vahid!

The three of us in front of the masjid

One of the many entrances

Us in the courtyard just before we were told we could not touch inside the mosque area...

Inside the main hall... look at that chandelier!
Notice, we are not toughing anymore :)

Us in front of the wall with 99 names of Allah and the membar (pulpit)

Inside the main hall... it's gorgeous!

Us in the main hall

The boys in the main hall

The front gate

The view from the left entrance... sooo lovely!

Vahid inside the mall waiting for our friends!

At dinner!  I <3 them!

This dessert was sooo nice!  Fried cheese with honey.

The boys inside Emirate's Palace

Emirate's Palace main hall.
There is a GOLD VENDING MACHINE inside here!  No joke!

Us inside Emirate's Palace near the rear stairs

The sweet couples :)

We felt like royalty!

Emirate's Palace from the sea (not my picture).