Did I mention that Abu Dhabi has loads of malls? Well, it does and it appears that's where people spend thier time. So far I've been to Al Raha Mall, Marina Mall and Al Wahda Mall. Thanks to my friend who's been here a few months I now know which mall is not for those trying to stay on any type of budget-Marina Mall. That is the nice mall-Gucci, Fendi, Valentino, Dior...basically all the really nice name brands.
Today we took the Dh 2 bus ($.54usd-yea you got that right. fifty-four cents) to Marina Mall from our Hotel. Well our goal was Marina Mall but after getting into the city the bus stopped on some random street and we were informed that we needed to exit the bus. We were a bit confused but hey what could we do... We walked around for a bit while the girls took pictures(I'm working on the camera situation). We decided to head to Madinat Zayed Shopping Center, since we had passed it and I had been told it was a great place for cheap stuff. On our way there for the first time I experienced the staring that I've heard so much about. I realized that we were the only group of women on the street...such an odd feeling. Then a man walked by and almost walked into a sign he was staring at us so hard. Other than him the walk was uneventful till we got to the shopping center. There were so many men sitting around chatting in small groups and a group of boys playing football(soccer) out front and the stares started again. It was a bit more intense this time but we kept our sunglasses on and kept it moving. We soon found out why they were staring so intently this time-the center was closed. We forgot it was Friday, their holy day...duh. A cab was needed to head to Marina Mall, which were hoped would be open and was.
Upon arrival we headed straight for the food court. I had some wonderful butter chicken from an Indian place while the ladies had Popeyes. Yup. Popeyes. After refeuling our tanks we decided to see the entire mall. We spent the next 4hours or see just walking the various stores. That mall is so huge yet relatively quiet. I got ideas of things I want to get for birthdays and treats for myself (hint: sparkly rings, earrings and necklaces that are REAL WooHoo!!!). We caught a cab back to the hotel and made plans to meet up to head to a yatch party to ring in the new year but...um I'm tired. I think just being in Abu Dhabi counts as a pretty awesome new years excursion. Next year I'll do something but this year my body is still adjusting...plus a girl's got to conserve her funds till those paychecks become regular. So tonight it'll be Mr. Bear and I listening to my African CD courtesy of Ms. London.
Happy New Year! Welcome 2011
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