Storm 2016

Rain began followed by hail storms.

Thursday we saw winds up to 90mph..trees were ripped from their roots. Road signs thrown into the streets. Sand tossed everywhere.

We lost power as well as any room with a window saw flooding.

Schools were closed Wednesday and Thursday. Roads were impassable.

Emirates Zoo Abu Dhabi

While looking through things to do in Abu Dhabi we saw Emirates Zoo. This zoo is in Shahama about 20 minutes from our house (as is everything). The cost per adult is 30dhs. The Entertainer voucher is B1G1.

They boasted to have African wildlife, Desert Life and Aquatic animals.

We saw many monkeys.

We fed a zebra and tiny animal which I do not know its name.

Then....

We had a cage between us Emu this time.

 Word to the wise for kids no running and no smoking....oh signs of the Middle East.

This is my future farm pet. She's fancy!!

Umm???

At the end when we saw caged cheetahs being sprayed with rain water and they did not understand where it was coming from we remembered why we do not like zoos. Really sad.

They had lions and tigers as well. Such amazing animals. I do not know where they get these animals if they are from customs seizures, pets or trapped. If they were all rescues I would feel different but I can't support the idea.

This week....

Homemade pizza

Turned out delicious.

The new spring flowers: Went by the Mina Flower souk downtown. I got daisies, hyanthesis, hydrangeas

So pretty.

Homemade bird feeder attempt #1

At our home I see and hear a lot of different birds. I have looked all over to find a bird feeder but with no success. I found food at Carrefour so we finally decided to make a feeder.

Gizmo watching bored and cold. Today is very windy!

Mac cutting the holes for their stand and feeder

This will be the test. We will see if they even come or if it even works.

Discovering the Doha airport

When you have time to pass in a massive airport with no lounge access you begin to wander.

First after having to throw away my bottle of water in security I went in search of something. Note, over here liquids are never checked nor do they question your full bottles of conditioner.

First stop was a few restaurants. Options were Italian, steak, sushi, a food court or a healthy cafe. I passed on all and walked around. Found a quiet area and watched some tv.

There is a massive yellow bear in the entrance to the airport said to cost millions. People take photos in front of it. 

There are duty free shops, Tiffany & Co, Coach, Victoria's Secret (not mine) and many other retail choices. I stopped and smelled some new perfumes. Prices were not bad.

Decided after wandering I needed a manicure, red was chipping horribly. Took 30 minutes and they are a happy pink by Essie.

Went back to the Italian restaurant and ordered a salad.  

Found my gate and turned on Sex and The City.

Waiting now to fly home. Ready for 2 days off 😎👫🐕🐪☀️🍕🍷🍺

Boa for Valentine's Dinner

We made our reservations for 6:30 at BOA steakhouse. It is on the Eastern Mangroves. Beautiful outside but it was pretty cold.

We ordered a glass of wine, tomato salad & 2 entrees.

I redeemed by voucher so my steak was free! It was cooked perfect and very tasty. No need for the sauce.

The mac and cheese was not to my taste. It was a very strong pungent cheese.
M got steamed veggies. It was really cute & colorful.

My wine was lovely. Orange & flower moscat they called it.

Pretty white lights and great wait staff.

We will definitely go back.

How to get a license in Abu Dhabi

First you need an Abu Dhabi residence in your passport.

If you have a valid license from your home country such as UK, USA you will then need it translated to Arabic.

Next you need an eye test. You can get this from a retailer such as Yateem or go get it done day of at the license office.

Next you need a color copy of your passport & residence page.

If you have a Dubai residence bring your rental contract and NOC from your company.

You will need your Emirates I'd

Your actual passport.

200 dis in cash

You get in line. Turn in all of your documents.

They take your photo.

Pay your fee.

Halas, now you can drive. No more taxis. Yay!!!

License office is located near Mushrif Mall. All taxi drivers will know this.