Abu Dhabi Day 5 of 7: On The Beach

"Aasif", another word I like , means sorry. Weather 29°C, starts misty then sunny and hot. Music: Madeleine Peyroux while I blog. Loads of new photos here on FB . Tip: given up now, google it.

Arrive at the office dead on 8, one guy already present but we don’t have everyone here until 8.20am, so another late start. My contact here from Abu Dhabi University  drops by at break time. I had intended to visit the Corniche, the coast road, tomorrow and he advises hiring a bike and heading for the port where dhows are moored. That might be fun, if I can stay awake that long. Maybe next visit.

Of my 6 delegates, 4 of them, the 3 women and 1 of the men, I think are actually bonded to their mobile phones and appear to be constantly checking, texting or accessing the internet during the class. Although I wouldn’t put up with this at home I will have to here as it may be a “culture” thing and I don’t want to upset them; I might not get paid if I do. Later Reem (female) tells me that a course is like a break akin to a holiday for them. They expect to have a rest, not work too hard and leave early. Well, they are certainly doing all three of those.

Lunch alone again, delicious lamb chops with rice and vegetables but refuse desert, then back to the hotel to prepare for the trip to the Grand Mosque. So tired I fall asleep at 3.00pm whilst reading the sports pages and am woken at 4 by my mobile alarm. Don't feel I can do the Mosque justice so set off for the Corniche instead. See the photos on Fb. 

Too tired for more blogging, lots of comments on the photos. 

Bed soon so goodnight.