November 5, 2012 - London England to Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates.
Norman was very kind to wake up at the crack of dawn to take me to London Heathrow. Unlike last year I got there in plenty of time, despite the traffic.
I checked in and made my way to the Concord Lounge. I had cappuccino, champagne, smoke salmon and bagels, who could ask for anything more.
The seven hour flight went very quickly. There was lots to eat and drink, and I watch this great movie Total Recall with Colin Farrell.
I arrive late and took a taxi to the hotel/apartment.
November 6, 2012 - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Today was a long day. I took the hop on hop off bus. I had to take a taxi to the starting point but the taxis are very inexpensive.
The first stop was Saadiyat Island. There was really nothing to say there so I stayed on the bus. The same was true for the second stop the Iranian market.
I did get off at the Central Market the Souk. I walked to the beach, and then walked to Markaziyah Park and Gardens. I also went to NYU Abu Dhabi.
The next top was the Heritage Village. I got off and then walked to the Marina Mall. I can't believe I had Popeye's Chicken for lunch.
The next top was the Emirates Palace Hotel. I stayed on the bus but got some great pictures of the hotel and the skyscrapers.
The next stop was the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. I have never seen a mosque as amazing. I wasn't able to get to the interior but I saw plenty.
My final stop for the day was the Abu Dhabi Mall. I did buy some shirts at 85 percent off.
Coffee pot sculpture
One building was more amazing then the next
I'm in the third from the top
Popeyes in Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
November 7, 2012 - Abu Dhabi
Today was a blast - or maybe a blast off. I rode on the world's fastest roller-coaster - 240km/hr at Ferrari World. It was completely indoors, except for the two roller-coasters - and yes I rode them both. On the fastest I even sat in the front seat. I goes so fast everyone must wear goggles. Once the acceleration started you were pinned to your seat the entire ride. We were at 1.4 g-force, about half that the astronauts feel. I still can't believe I did it. And for years I thought my coaster days were over.
A lot of the attractions and rides were similar to Disney and Universal. There was a Ferrari simulator which took the audience on a Formula One ride on a winding track. There was an arial ride similar to Soarin' at Disney. There was a live acrobatic show. There was a 3D ride again in a Ferrari, similar to Universal's Spiderman. I also road in a miniature Ferrari through the Italian countryside. Of course I had pizza for lunch.
The park was empty. Early in the day I was the only rider. One ride I didn't even get off, just rode a second time. I was there six hours and road almost everything twice or more. There was only one line over two minutes.
It was a great day. I took the local bus back to Abu Dhabi and learned that the bus station was a block from my hotel. The hour plus ride cost about one dollar. Even a taxi would have been only $20. Taxis are very cheap and plentiful.
Back in my apartment I was very happy when I saw the election results.
The fastest roller-coaster ride in the world
Three Ferraris
The second dual roller-coaster
My hands on a Ferrari steering wheel
They still use pop tops on the soda cans
November 8, 2012 - Abu Dhabi to Amman, Jordan
Another travel day from Abu Dhabi to Amman.
I spent the morning at the rooftop pool then rode the exercise bike for the first time in weeks.
Got to the airport early and enjoyed some great food before my flight. The Royal Jordanian business class was better then American's domestic first, no surprise.
I was glad I had some USA cash since there was no ATM machine before I had to buy my visa on arrival. My luggage was off first and I had a hair raising taxi ride into Amman
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