I am that person in the hotel lobby.

Picture the scene: after breakfast all are gatehered in the lobby for an announcement or the next latest update. We were informed that nothing was happening in the next 24 hours. We were also told that we would be changed to an Abu Dhabi hotel at six o’ clock. So Jed, Lorraine, Sinéad-Cavan, Maureen-Cork and James-Louth decided to do the city tour. (all in photo) We went around on a ‘hop on, hop off' bus just like in Dublin and London. Saw different parts as well as the sights I saw the last time. Interesting place. I have had a yen to go to Dubai (and play golf there) for some time. Now I end up there twice in the space of four months. Pity I did not bring the clubs. 39 degrees so it was a little hot. Spent a bit of time shopping in the Souks. I had great crack trying to buy an Arab man and woman salt and pepper set. ‘Man, woman, salt, pepper, shake!’ Could not find one anywhere but had seen loads in January when I was here. Eventually found out that they were banned on religious grounds. You couldn’t be lifting up an image of an Arab woman and shaking her! It was really nice having the lads and we have become friends.
Hotels were changed at six and it took about an hour and a half by bus to get to Abu Dhabi. Just before I left I got a call from Peter Madden who said that he was in Abu Dhabi but going to Dubai. I said that I was in Dubai and going to Abu Dhabi! Will try to meet up tomorrow, if I am still around. The new hotel is out of this world. Check it out: http://www.theyashotel.com/
Great service, stunning decor, rooftop pool/bar beautiful, very helpful friendly staff, (hundreds of them everywhere) A chap even called to the room and asked if I would like him to dress back the bed! Wonderful food, amazing reat selection! I have never stayed in the likes of it. This is where I came in: it is all so surreal.