In part four we take a taxi around Abu Dhabi Cultural Centre including the city’s famous monuments on Airport Road.
We have our usual breakfast at the Al Fresco Café watching the boat dock at Abu Dhabi at 8.00, and then leisurely take the bus from the port that stops at the main shopping mall.
En route we pass the attractive Corniche with its emerald iridescent sea. There are many British retail outlets names (including Woolworth’s) in the centre but the prices are more expensive than at home. In the middle they are building an indoor ski slope.
We are amazed when we think less than 50 years ago this municipality was desert. Now it is the powerhouse of the Arab world, with wide tree lined boulevards, green parks and fountains. From the mall we decide to take a taxi to the middle of the city and look at the Cultural Foundation.
Once again we are approached by many drivers trying to get our custom – but at ridiculous prices. Eventually we hail a metered cab driven by an Indian man on a short-term contract in the city. He charges less than a quarter of what the others have quoted although we are surprised that he has never heard of the Cultural Centre that we were recommended to visit.
We see more landmarks of the city as we drive, passing the famous monuments on Airport Road. We also pass an ornate mosque-like building and in reply to our question the driver explains that it belongs to the local Telephone Company Etisalat, and is the place that issues new Sim cards!
The driver’s lack of the knowledge of the Cultural Centre is legitimised as it is a bit of a disappointment, housing a library, a cinema and is used mainly for research purposes. The next door fort is closed for restoration. We decide to take the attractive promenade and look at the sea and see many Arab families walking with their various wives and children.
Eventually we go back to The Classica for supper and while Oliver is pursuing a new friend, the two of us have a little flutter at the casino. As usual Lady Luck gives us a wide berth! Later we look on deck and see in the distance the fires burning off the waste materials in the oil fields. It is an exciting and novel spectacle. A type of conflagration that neither of us have witnessed before!
You can read part 5 of my cruise on Tueday the 10th of March 2009
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