BEACH DAY @ EMIRATES PALACE

In late October after non stop events and another big work month about to get underway my dear friend Lindie suggested a get together in late November. Now when you have just worked 15 days in a row and are about to work another 20 or so with no days off you say yes automatically without stopping to think. 

Then before you know it five weeks later the day finally comes when you get to catch up with friends you haven't seen in months, and what makes it even better is when you get to do it at the Emirates Palace. 

So that's how I found myself last Saturday at 10am, checking in for a beach day at the glorious surroundings that is a former palace. Tucked on the outskirts of the city but still within stones throw of Abu Dhabi's iconic buildings, it feels as if you are in another place thanks to the lush grounds and gardens.

Making our way to the beach we were the first arrive and so immediately found beach front loungers and got a coffee order under way to settle in on catching up on months worth of news and gossip.

After getting our caffeine fix the draw of the sea was too strong and in we went to the lovely man made beach. Alot of things are man made in this country but on this occasion I didn't mind because wherever the sand is shipped in from it is as soft as silk. 

From the water you get a full view of the city around you and yet you feel very removed from it at the same time because somehow the palace is so quiet and majestic. 

After a few hours our friend Lorraine arrived with her little one in tow and as it was lunch time we decided to switch locations to the pool area.

We chose a lovely spot in the gardens, pulled up the loungers and waited for the cold Rose wine to arrive. There is something so decadent about drinking wine in the afternoon sun, especially when catching up with friends!

After the sun started to drift over in the afternoon we decided it was time for coffee and went to enjoy one of the most wonderful things about the UAE, a majlis and Arabic coffee.

Wherever you go in this country you are bound to be treated to Arabic coffee and dates, a special part of the Emirati culture.

We settled in as the only guests and soon enough were conversing with our hosts about where we were from, how long we had been here and all the usual questions that expats get asked whenever meeting anyone new.

After three cups of delicious coffee scented with cardamom, saffron and ginger along with some lovely home grown dates and rather delightful conversation we went off to meet the resident camels. 

Declining a ride on them from our host we just stopped to say hello and take about million photos of them, because I am certain they were the happiest camels I have ever met...

and why not when you call Emirates Palace your home!

Thanks so much to Lorraine and Darren for arranging passes for us, I can't wait to do it again...possibly on Christmas Day!

Amy