Today was a ‘Free Day’ so Linda, Kathleen, and I took a shuttle from the Fairmont Hotel to the center of Abu Dhabi. \u00a0It’s a large contemporary city with more than a million people and countless modern skyscrapers. \u00a0There’s not a lot to see downtown since the UAE is mainly an oil business country. \u00a0We went to the Madinat Zayed Shopping Center for last minute gifts.<\/p>\n The spotlessly clean mall was clearly off tourist maps and obviously catered to locals and “expats.” \u00a0We found a large supermarket called LuLu with many shoppers.<\/p>\n There were several shops selling housewares decorated with gold, silver, and lots of bling:<\/p>\n Linda inside a Valentine greeting:<\/p>\n We even found a large department store which sold everything one could imagine for everyone in the family. \u00a0Now we know where to buy a “dishdasha”<\/em> off the rack.<\/p>\n Later in the evening, we all gathered at the St. Regis for our farewell dinner and to celebrate a wonderful tour. \u00a0We had coffee and dessert out on the patio overlooking the water.<\/p>\n We said our “goodbyes” to our new-found friends and returned to the Fairmont. \u00a0Half the group was flying home early tomorrow morning and the other half will be leaving tomorrow night.<\/p>\n I really enjoyed my stay at the Fairmont:<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gallivantinggrandma.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/IMG_5425.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n