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Abu Dhabi: So this is it? |
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Written by Stephen Baines
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Thursday, 19 August 2004 |
I'm now at the place where I'm staying. I won't call it a hotel. But more of that anon.
The final approach and landing went fine. I got off the plane, made my to find passport control, got through with no problems, and thought the place was a little warm. I waited for my luggage, and waited... And waited... Finally it arrived. I made my way out and found a person waiting for me with my name on a card
"Wait here, your taxi is coming round".
He went outside, and got the taxi to arrive. I walked out with my case, and then the heat hit me. It was about 9pm, and the temperature according to the signs was 90F. And humid - very very humid. I got into the taxi and headed off for the hotel.
The journey was really quite amazing. The roads were lined with trees, with sprinklers showering them to keep them green (presumably). It was difficult to get any idea of colours as it was now quite dark, and only the sodium lights kept things visible. The taxi was an interesting experience - it seems that in Abu Dhabi you can use any lane you like, as long as you are going fast and are prepared to weave into spaces barely the size of the car, as others will move for you if you're faster and braver. The architecture that I could see from the taxi was wonderful - amazing arches, domes and fretwork. Absolutley beautiful - I'm looking forward to seeing more of it when I get chance. We hit the city itself and the tall towers gazed down. The streets lit, and a whole road that went on for a mile was for rental cars alone. Quite bizarre.
The taxi pulled up outside the hotel, I was greeted, my luggage taken in, and I was taken to reception.
"Oh." said the receptionist. "*You're* next door".
Reluctantly she had me fill in the forms and have one of the porters deliver me next door to a grotty looking block of flats. I walked into reception.
"Here's your key. Good night".
No telling me where the room is, or anything. No where to get something to eat or drink. Nothing. That was it. I went up to my room, opened my door, and it hit me. A pokey little room, with a bed thrown to one side, a wardrobe, a side unit with a telly on it and a telephone, the smallest shower room I've ever seen and a "kitchenette" - a very small cupboard with a fridge.
I cried.
This is my home for the next two weeks - a tiny little room, with no creature comforts, and a receptionist that doesn't answer the phone.
I really don't want to be here.
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