On the mighty Yas.

I began to feel a bit overwhelmed sifting through my photos from Jordan so I thought it might be nice to share an adventure a little closer to home.

Yesterday, Mike and I set out to explore the beaches on Yas Island. As development continues in and around Abu Dhabi, public (as in, free) access to the beaches is diminishing. Hotels, clubs, and housing developments all want their own stretch of sand. We reached the beach by taking a private construction road, so I suppose it won’t be long before this area is off limits as well.

We arrived in swimsuits but the chilly wind kept us out of the water. Instead we took a walk on the beach and watched the sun dip down behind the city.

xo, jill

She needed a tan.

Finally towards the end of Jana’s visit we made it to the beach. Unfortunately, her time in Abu Dhabi coincided with some really weird weather. Rain! Wind! Clouds! Fair enough for winter time but not what one expects while visiting the Middle East.

When the weather cleared a bit, we headed to the beach.

How nice to relax on the beach in the sun enjoying a glass of Cox’s Apple.

That is until the sand storm whipped in to full effect. We tried to out last it but sand can be surprisingly painful when hurling towards your face and bare extremities. Not to mention the umbrellas and beach chairs were beginning to take flight.

We skedaddled but returned the next day to finish out our beach session. A relaxing way to finish out Jana’s visit. I took her to the airport later that night. Masalama, sis!

xo, jill

So nice, we went twice.

The Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque is my favorite sight in Abu Dhabi. As I’ve said many times before, I’m lucky enough to drive past it on my work commute. It was the other must-see (along with Liwa desert) on Jana’s list.

In fact, it’s such a great place we visited twice! That or my camera battery died immediately upon arrival during the first visit. Going back allowed me to view the mosque up close for the first time near twilight. It was even more breathtaking than usual.

xo, jill

Where old is new.

No visit to Abu Dhabi is complete without taking in Heritage Village. This is where you can catch a glimpse of the past. Too bad it’s all shiny and new.

The cityscape is also a treat.

xo, jill

Inside and out.

After school one day we headed over to check out the fountain outside Emirates Palace.

Later that evening, once properly dressed, we milled around on the inside.

xo, jill

Sand and more sand.

Most important on my list of things for Jana to see was the desert near Liwa. This is the Empty Quarter, the almost to Saudia Arabia, there’s nothing out here desert. And I love it.

My school is on the road that leads to the empty vastness so we packed a cooler and headed out after work. I may have underestimated the driving distance… but it was worth it.

Seeing the dunes is an experience every time and I wish I could take everyone I know and love on a desert trip.

xo, jill