Abu Dhabi Layover

Traveling from Casablanca to Johannesburg included a quick overnight stop in Abu Dhabi.  For me, whatever Abu Dhabi lacks in history is overshadowed by mystique.  Landing there at night is always fun because the city is dotted with green lights that identify the mosques.  

Even though it was almost midnight when I arrived, I still felt a heavy punch of humidity as soon as I walked out of the airport terminal.  How can people tolerate this weather?  It's almost as bad as a Chicago winter. 

For this layover, I opted for a hotel that was close to the airport.  I literally just needed to sleep as quickly as possible - especially after such a late night in Casablanca the day prior.  

I woke up the next morning and peered out of the window.  It was funny to see a tiny trench next to the hotel, which I assume is supposed to mimic a pond.  There was even a little beach for hotel guests to enjoy the "waterfront" location!

Waterfront property in Abu Dhabi? 

The United Arab Emirates is such a funny country.  Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi just appear in the middle of the desert with such elaborate displays of wealth.  Buildings are all new and shiny, but it just seems like everything is designed with the sole intention of being "the most", "the biggest", or "the tallest".  I suppose it is a good strategy for attracting tourists in a place without any significant historical sites.    

I actually visited Abu Dhabi last year and stayed in a hotel that holds the record for the "world's furthest leaning man-made tower".  During the trip, I also visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is home to the largest carpet in the world.  I never would have believed that such a record could be achieved but it's an interesting discussion point nonetheless. 

The leaning tower of Pisa is nothing compared to this 18-degree  angle!

Here I am, standing on the largest carpet in the world!

My stop in Abu Dhabi may have only lasted 10 hours but it is always fun to experience a place that is still growing into its wealth.  This is definitely an area that I look forward to visiting again in five years because I can almost guarantee it will feel like an entirely different city.  Until then, I'll wait for new records to be broken...

Always yield to pedestrians in Abu Dhabi!