Feeling a little like a tourist

This week, Steve and I spent some nice times with Ernest and Winnie. It was very good fellowship and apart from the dinner conversations, we took some time out to have tea at the Etihad Observatory Tower. 

While I have been here for coming to 2 years, I felt that we haven't really explored much of this country and its other emirates, or the neighouring countries. We talked about going to Al Ain Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain zoo, do a trip up north to Ras Al Khaimah, or visit Muscat, Oman, etc, but every time we have some breaks in between, we always ventured out elsewhere. 

So perhaps this week, it was just slightly that tad more touristy as Steve and I went up to the 74th level for the first time.

The Observatory at the Etihad Tower was a nice cosy place, way cosier than Burj Khalifa (tallest building in the world in Dubai) in my opinion. I was at Burj Khalifa last December with the cg folks, and while the view was stunning, it was very crowded. Etihad Tower Observatory was quieter, and guests could sit down for tea and cakes. That was nice in itself, just to enjoy the scenery, have some wine and desert. We were there as dusk sets in; we saw the whole skies turned gray and then dark and then, the cityscape lit up. 

View of Emirates Palace Hotel Abu Dhabi - Wikipedia says it is a luxury 7-star hotel, and the design incorporates traditional Arabian elements. I went in there once with David and his girlfriend when they visited. The interiors were Arabic-themed, clad in hues and shades of gold. 

And the Fairmont Marina Residences due to have its opening in 2019. This looks a little like Dubai's Atlantis. Anyway, Ernest said that one could purchase the apartment; one hotel apartment would cost about 1 plus million. 

With my bestest friend (aka hubby) in the whole wide world. And I felt I so needed some drinks that evening.

And some really funny fellowship about high-low SES, Nepal and Singapore. :-D 

And me, against the setting sun. It was a nice way to spend the evening. :)

I conclude my Friday night knowing that I have to 收拾心情 again. And knowing that I will miss Kenji very much again.

It will be Hello Singapore on Monday for us, and our last trip back this year. 

Again, as the year draws to a close, there's that little wistful feel of how fast time has once again flown us by. It's not a melancholic feeling, but rather - time oh time - really, where did it go?