Abu Dhabi

On our second day in Abu Dhabi, we decided not to take an organised tour, although an even bigger mosque than the one in Muscat would have been impressive. Instead we took a bus along the Corniche (a beautiful, manicured, man-made beach and promenade) to the Marina. This is a view back over the Marina to the skyscrapers of the city, which is much less manic than Dubai.

Inevitably there is a huge air-conditioned Mall there, and we rather enjoyed strolling with the locals (extras) and looking at things we can't afford (but they can!).

Everywhere in the Gulf States smells wonderful. They burn Frankincense and Sandalwood, and the traditional robes have a tassel which is dipped in perfume.

You may notice that the men wear white and the ladies wear black. If we had gone to the mosque I would have had to cover myself head to foot in something loose which didn't show any hair or skin other than my face, and white is forbidden for ladies.