Al Ain

Got up late, packed a smaller bag again and went off to the bus station. We firstly had a coffee in Costa in the associated Mall.  It was a bit horrific because Costa was full of ex-pat wives having a Wednesday coffee morning and the background noise was amplified by the acoustics of the mall. (We knew for sure that it was an ex-pat coffee morning because we asked the waitress.) We then headed off for the architecturally rather retro bus station.  It reminded me of something more likely to be found in ex-communist countries.  I suppose in the UAE, being forced to take a bus is reminiscent of a 'third world' culture. 

 The packed bus station. 

After 2 hours in a tiny mini-bus packed with Indian guys and a few Asian women we arrived in Al Ain.  It was all very peaceful and I noticed the lovely temperature.  Inland temperatures seem far better than the coast because the humidity drops considerably.

We ate pakoras at a great South Indian/Sri Lankan food shack and then wandered off to walk through the Oasis and find the fort.  We walked for ages and to be honest by the time we reached the fort I did feel a bit weary.

The oasis was fabulous, a true slice of natural beauty.   

 A gardener chasing a peacock

beautiful weather on the Yellow Brick Road through the Oasis. (Nice door too.)

 Emerald green grass here.

The irrigation channels.

   Loved it! 

Finally we ended up at the Fort.  This place is culturally very important to the country.  It was built over 100 years ago and was the family home of the great leader Zayad's grandfather.  The British used it to help the local tribes keep the Saudi clans at bay and the border of Oman is literally just a few miles up the road. I loved the texture of the building and the simplicity of the design.  It was incredibly calming and a lovely place to hang out in.  

 near to the entrance

 These extra defences were built by the British in the 40s.

 Wonderful shape and design.

Michael in the doorway.

 Hello!

 I loved the ceiling and the simplicity.  It all just worked so well. 

 Romeo, where are you?!

 from the museum: Lovely photo taken by Wilfred Thesiger, a British explorer who travelled across the empty quarter of the Arabian desert twice between 1945 and 1950. He wrote a book about his adventures and took some rather fabulous photos.  (Many of them are in the museum of this fort as a tribute to Mubarak Bin London. aka  Wilfred Thesiger.)

 This part of the sea in Abu Dhabi now has a super highway bridge going across it.

 The first leader of the UAE,  Sheikh Zayed.  I love his English style waistcoat.  Falcons are a way of life here. A bit like having a pet dog.

We then went up the mountain to our hotel.  It was a lovely place up there and Michael I timed it perfectly for sunset. Here is my sunset photo.It was a bit like a vista from another planet and unfortunately my camera doesn't do it complete  justice. But it's good enough.

Good night.