Abu Dhabi/Dubai

I travelled to Abu Dhabi almost 4 years ago now and it will always hold a special place in my heart as this is where Sean proposed to me. We stayed in the amazing Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Hotel which is built across the F1 Yas Marina Circuit. The hotel of an evening is illuminated and is known as one of the icons of Abu Dhabi. The adult only rooftop pool was where we stayed in the day (as we had no children then) but the hotel also had a family pool which was big enough for everyone.

We hired a car (I felt this was necessary) so we could take advantage of being within driving distance of Dubai. There was plenty to do on Yas Island though where we were staying. We visited Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World which has the fastest rollercoaster in the world (I didn't go on as I was pregnant, but Sean did). There were plenty of places to eat and all of the shopping malls were within driving distance. There was even an Ikea which we stopped at for a hotdog!

A small drive away (40 minutes) was Dubai. Here we visited the Dubai Mall which has a large fish tank right in the middle of it and the Mall of the Emirates. Who doesn't love a good shopping trip? In the evening we decided to go up the Burj Khalifa which is the tallest building in the world and this is where Sean proposed to me, without a ring may I add but there was good reason for that as also in Dubai they have diamond souks which he had planned for us to visit the next day to choose my own engagement ring.

The next day we returned, and I picked my own diamond and had it put into the ring that I wanted all done by a local man in a small workshop situated within the Souk. Amazing I know! Later on, we visited the fountains of the Burj Khalifa which is a must if visiting Dubai.

We took a drive around the Palm to see what all the fuss is about and it’s something else. Its where I wish to stay if we ever go back.

We went in the beginning of August and it was very hot and humid. If I return it would definitely be in their winter season (November-March) although it wasn't that much of a problem as everywhere you go indoors is well air conditioned. We saw just a tiny bit of what Abu Dhabi/Dubai has to offer. The place is spectacular. Until we meet again!