Reflections on Abu Dhabi Part 2

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

This beautiful architectural work of art is one the world’s largest mosques. It can accommodate 40,000 worshippers. There are 82 domes, and over a 1,000 columns, plus 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers and the world's largest hand knotted carpet. The mosque's first ceremony was the funeral of its namesake, Sheikh Zayed, who is buried at the site.

The Colonnade in the courtyard of Sheikh Zayed mosque in Abu Dhabi

Richly decorated columns in the courtyard of Sheikh Zayed mosque in Abu Dhabi

Another perspective of the mosque

Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Abu Dhabi

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Abu Dhabi, has beautifully landscaped gardens, fountains, and Venetian-inspired architecture. It is a luxury beach resort, located just across from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

The pristine beach of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel

The Venetian Village, in the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel

The Venetian Village is a fairly new development in Abu Dhabi, renowned for its fine dining. It houses a collection of internationally acclaimed artisan restaurants offering internationally acclaimed global cuisines.

The Shangri-La Hotel Canal

The Shangri-La Hotel is on a winding waterway, where Arabic traditional boats, known as abras, slowly meander throughout the tranquil scenery. The canal links the hotel s with a souk, a traditional Arabian market, where you can buy traditional artifacts, paintings, jewellery and clothes.

Here are two random reflections, just because I happen to like them.

The hallway of the Eastern Mangroves Hotel

The pool where I swim every morning when I am in Abu Dhabi.

There is something so peaceful about reflections. Don’t you agree?

Elizabeth Coughlan

Reflections on Abu Dhabi Part 1

Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi reflected in the waters of the marina

I love visiting Abu Dhabi, as I find the architecture of this rapidly growing city, so interesting and innovative. Lately, I have been able to view the city from the water, thanks to my friends Billy and Lisa, who invite me out onto their boat trips. There are times, when the sea is calm, that the beauty of the buildings are reflected in the water. So this has become my latest project, “Reflections on Abu Dhabi”.

Buildings along the Corniche, a popular walkway along the edge of the sea.

The pointed towers in the background are the complex where Clare and Reg live. The Corniche is just a short walk away from them (as long as it’s not too hot to walk).

 Another view of the buildings along the Corniche

with beautiful reflections

Al Reem Island is developing quickly. 

I’m sure there is a completely new building in place every time I pass by

In addition to the modern architecture, 

there are new traditionally built houses too

This traditional architecture has a purpose in this hot, dry land

These traditional houses, reflected in the sea, have wind towers, or Barjeels. This is the traditional architecture found throughout the Arabian Gulf. In arid climates the wind tower acts as a ventilation system allowing hot air to rise out the top of it, and cooler directed winds to flow down into the home.

Le Méridien Hotel, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Mall and Beach Rotana Hotel, Abu Dhabi

These are just two of the many hotels with amazing beaches, in Abu Dhabi, that we sailed past on our boating trips. Great views, and a luxurious lifestyle: no wonder I love visiting Abu Dhabi.

Elizabeth Coughlan

Enjoying Our Time in South Africa

St Anne’s Diocesan College, South Africa - Grandparent’s Morning

We were so happy that our visit to South Africa coincided with Grandparent’s Morning at our granddaughter, Jessica’s, school. Our itinerant lifestyle doesn’t often coincide with events like this, although we do try to fit them in.

Our programme for the morning

The day began with all the visiting grandparents gathered together in the school chapel for a talk by the  Deputy Head, George Niven, followed by a music concert by the girls.

The choir sang, and the orchestra played such lovely music.

Our granddaughter, Jessica, played the flute. Here she is in the white jersey.

After the concert we were entertained with tea and cake

After morning tea, the grandparents were then taken on a tour of the school. We had already done this in the past, so we collected Jess, and took her off for the weekend to stay in Umhlanga, where she can relax and enjoy her own space away from boarding school.

 Another event we were able to attend, was the ‘Bring-Your-Own Supper Concert'.

 All the tables were beautifully laid out and decorated,

all we had to provide was the food and drink

As you can see, our meal was sushi, and red wine. Most delicious. While we were dining, the girls performed all sorts of music – both singing (in both Zulu and English) and all sorts of different instrumental groups. I was really impressed by the music department at the school. All the music was of a very high standard. Most enjoyable.

It was a very popular event…

…which finished with a medley of songs by the choir.

When we are in South Africa, we try to take Jess out as much as possible, to make up for her being so far from home. And also because we love spending time with her. She especially enjoys dining out, and her absolutely favourite place is Catch in Umhlanga Rocks.

Sushi is always top

Now we are back in Abu Dhabi, but we definitely aim to go back next year to spend more time with our eldest granddaughter. Thank you for making us happy, Jessica.

Elizabeth Coughlan

Umhlanga Rocks, KZN, South Africa.

Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa, in the early morning.

We spent the last 3 months in Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa. We are so lucky to have the opportunity to stay in David’s brother’s house, so we can enjoy this seaside town, and also spend time with our granddaughter, Jessica, during exeat weekends from her school.

This is a popular vacation destination for South Africans, and whether on the beach, or enjoying some of the top-class restaurants, there is always something to do.

Umhlanga Rock's iconic whalebone pier

As we visited in winter, we didn’t spend much time on the beach, but did enjoy the town itself. One of the most popular streets is Chartwell Drive, for shopping, and it's many restaurants.

Chartwell Drive has a wonderful choice of restaurants.

For breakfast we like “vovo telo’s”, as do many other vacationers.

Their specialty is baking, and children are given hands-on bread-making sessions.

Another popular place is The George

The George is a bar, where many locals and visitors gather to meet up and drink a few beers. They also have non-stop sport on large screens, making it especially popular when major matches are being televised live.

Our stay in Umhlanga was only marred by the pesky monkeys. Their habitat has been destroyed by the huge urban developments in the area, so they have formed gangs to  source food wherever they can. One group forms a distraction on one side of the house, while others creep in and grab whatever food they can find. Although it was winter, it was still fairly warm, so it was difficult to keep the house closed up all the time.

This is what was left of our bananas. They carried the rest away. This happened

more than once. Final score, 11-0 to the monkeys…

…and this was all that was left of a brand new box of Ferrero Rocher.

We thought the house was secure, but the bathroom window was open a fraction, and they prised it open, and snatched the chocolates from the bedroom.

Who? Me?

Despite the monkeys, we had a wonderful time in Umhlanga. Thanks Mart and Barbs.

Elizabeth Coughlan