As we sped along the freeway to Abu Dhabi, a 90 minute drive, we encountered numerous mosques. |
Each mosque had its own unique architecture. |
Dubai, in itself is a wealthy city of perfection, cleanliness, low crime rate, strict cleanliness laws and a gentle demeanor by its occupants. How could yet another city in this country be more in excess than Dubai? We were compelled to find out.
Umer, our trusty tour guide and driver, was waiting outside the parking ramp for us when we arrived 10 minutes before our scheduled time of 8:00. Still feeling ill and hesitant about going, I was determined to make it through the day of sightseeing that we had arranged and rescheduled once already.
As we entered Abu Dhabi, our mouths were agape at the world's first round skyscraper, AIDer HQ. |
As we neared the mosque. |
As we approached Sheikh Zayed Mosque. It was difficult, based on its size and location to get a full shot of the mosque's enormous expanse. This link will depict a full range. |
Real gold, everywhere! |
The crispness of the white exterior was astounding! |
Almost to the entrance! |
Umer insisted we stop for a photo op, taking this of us. |
The beauty continued at every step. |
Hand cut granite floors. |
This chandelier, one of three, was made entirely with gold and jewels. |
The long walk from the parking lot to the mosque, in the heat with no breeze, was almost unbearable in my weakened condition. Tom and Umer's patience with my slow and unsteady gait was appreciated but the longer I was in the heat, the worse I felt.
Handmade carpeting. |
By the time I reached the ladies open air changing room I was beside myself wondering if I could go on. The thought of donning the long dark garment in the heat was overwhelming. There was still quite a walk to reach the mosque.
More eloquent beauty... |
One of several areas for display of the Koran. |
The sleeves to the abaya were inside out making it impossible to put on. I felt as if I had a tight turtleneck sweater caught on my head while trying to pull it off. Add, my bad shoulder and how I was feeling and I nearly panicked.
Standing among the gilded elegance left us in awe. |
Hand crafted prayer time clock... |
It was difficult to decide which way to look. The jewel encrusted accouterments were not only breathtaking but tastefully designed eliminated any sensation of gaudiness one might expect in such a lavish, opulent environment.
Umer suggested this traditional photo op in this designated prayer area. |
Every nook and cranny beheld another work of art. |
Tom, as we're nearing the turn toward the end of our tour through the mosque. |
Our personal tour guide, Umer, couldn't have been more helpful. Should you decide to come to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, whether vacationing or on business, you can feel comfortable having him provide not only your transportation needs but as a tour guide as well. At approximately US $250, AED $900 (plus tip) for the day, it was well spent. His personal email is listed here at this link.
Tomorrow we'll post Part 2 of our day trip to Abu Dhabi and Dubai and also photos of Tom's visit to the 124th floor observation deck of the famed tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa. Unable to join him, I was thrilled with the excellent photos he was able to take while Umer and I waited in a café at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, the largest mall in the world.
They do "largest" here in UAE. Interesting.
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