2012_10_30 Abu Dhabi and on to Kathmandu

Etihad Tower - a LOT of construction along the corniche viewed as we went for morning walk

We walked over to the Emirates Palace Hotel first thing in the morning.  Were told that "guests" could not enter the hotel until after 10:00.  Too bad - this place is supposed to be sensational!

Here's an image from the internet that shows it scale.  The image above is from the "front gate" at the bottom of that road leading up to the hotel.  Massive.

View across from the Hilton's Beach area

Hilton Beach Club on the Arabian Sea.  Downtown Abu Dhabi in the distance.

Rich and Paul in the Arabian Sea

Emirates Palace Hotel from "our" private beach

Emirates Palace Hotel from the Hilton elevator shaft

Four hours sleep and we're feeling a bit refreshed.  Off to breakfast at the Hilton @ 6:30.  Then off to see the amazing Emirates Palace hotel just next to where we are staying.  A stop to spend an hour at the Sheik Zayeed Mosque and a 2:00 flight to Nepal.

This concludes the beach portion of the trip!

We are sitting in the airport in Abu Dhabi ready for our four hour flight to Kathmandu.  Free Wi-Fi in airport.  Use it when you can.  So far, not sighting of Luis and Chio.  They were stranded at the airport last night due to visa problems with that trouble making Ecuadoran Chio.  Just kidding.  They stayed at the airport hotel - probably sleeping.  Hold it - they just appeared.  All is bueno!

Water and pillars outside the Mosque

The 4 ladies at the Sheik Zayeed Mosque

Connie 

Entrance to the mosque

Pretty woman

One of the many chandeliers inside the mosque.  This place is HUGE!

Close-up of one of the chandeliers.  Look at the detail of the carvings on the walls!

Another view where you can see a portion of the world's largest carpet

This is to show the scale of the place.  That wall has the 99 names of Allah inscribed on it.  Note the people looking like ants below.

As always, you can click on any image to see it in more detail.....