Sneak peek into luxury

Today we had a sneak peak into the luxurious world of Abu Dhabi. At 9:30 we hopped on the Big Bus tour (ok, that part wasn't so luxurious). Our first stop was the beautiful Marina Mall where Craig bought himself some snazzy two-toned dress shoes (they look like golf shoes to me) and some souvenirs at the Carrefour. Our next Big Bus stop was the 74th floor of Etihad towers where we were treated to an absolutely amazing view of the city! It would be great to see it at night too. Normally I'm not one to be afraid of heights, but now I know what it feels like! When I stood on a little ledge right next to the window and turned my back to the window for a picture I felt all tingly and wobbly! It's really not a pleasant feeling!



From there we grabbed a taxi to be ushered to the Emirates Palace Hotel. I had heard that sometimes the guards turn people away at the gate when walking in, so we pulled up in a taxi and the guard gave us a quick look over and let us through! Phew! This hotel is so opulent! At a cost of 6 billion USD, it is the second most expensive hotel built - next to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore. For Christmas they erected an $11 million tree draped in jewels and gems, but it was seen as a misrepresentation of the holiday and an excessive display of wealth, so the next year it was more traditional.



Craig was a real trooper having afternoon High Tea with me at the 7-star hotel and he could not resist ordering a Camel burger! He loved the burger, and even the tea! The hotel is a tone on tone sea of gold. Even some of our deserts at tea had flakes of gold! Seriously! It was a great experience that we will never forget.



Our last stop for the day was the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. We knew ahead of time to dress accordingly so we didn't have to use the gowns they provide, which allowed us to walk right in (after taking our shoes off, of course). The grandeur of this mosque cannot truly be captured in pictures, but of course we tried. It is definitely an amazingly beautiful place and I feel grateful that we were allowed to see it as it is the only mosque where non-Muslims are allowed to visit in Abu Dhabi.



The mosque has some impressive facts....
1. The carpet in the main prayer hall is considered to be the world's largest carpet made by Iran's Carpet Company. This carpet measures 60,570 sq ft.
2. There are 7 imported chandeliers from a German company costing over 8 million dollars! They incorporate millions of Swarovski crystals and 24K plated gold. The largest of these chandeliers (3rd largest in the world inside a mosque) has a diameter of 33 feet and height of 49 feet!


Above: The view from 74th floor of Etihad Towers looking at the
 7-Star Emirates Palace Hotel (on right) and future Presidential Palace (on left)

Me on grounds of Emirates Palace Hotel with the
Etihad Tower in background

Emirates Palace Hotel entrance

Some beautiful tapestry in the Emirates Palace Hotel

Inside the Grand Mosque - main prayer hall

 

Outside the Grand Mosque



Us attempting a selfie outside the Mosque



Inside the Mosque - the chandeliers were incredible!



The inner courtyard of Mosque