My first biking exploration!

Today, I woke up feeling that my right foot didn't ache as much as the past week. :) That was such a good feeling, and I'd attribute it to the light exercise Ildico had recommended me to do. So, it was off to some mini cycling adventure this morning. 

It's my first time riding here, and the PCN really is not bad! The weather was super nice - breezy, with that tinge of warm sunshine. We rode and talked - and as I don't have a bike here, I used her daughter's bike and we just pedalled and pedalled. 

Ildico is my new German friend. :) We've met each other a couple of times - the hi-bye neighbour type until pretty recently, when she struck up a conversation with me at Costa. And then, the texts came, the "shall we do sports together came". And yesterday, I brought Kenji up to her place whilst she examined my right foot, and Kenji had so much fun with her kids. :))

So, back to this morn. 

Truth be told, I woke up feeling some levels of ストレス, and I know it's inevitable. もうじゅうぶんかなと思います。こんらんな気持ちずっと、特に最近。And so, I muttered a little prayer as I walked K in the morning dawn. And it was so good to be out exploring Abu Dhabi on the bike. :)

We passed by the Defence exhibition area, and the whole conference had completed. We continued cycling and soon, passed by Mushriff, was headed towards Corniche and we made a left turn to cross a bridge to one of the recently-opened islands. 

The whole ride certainly made me feel more thankful. Talking to her husband at the breakfast ending point was also good - he is a neurosurgeon and shared some thoughts about his practice here. I remember too that focusing on others, and giving my time and love to others makes me forget about me, and that is such a powerful thing. 

Crossing the underground tunnel - and stealing a shot. 

Pedaling away, the whole PCN path. The highway is just to our right. 

Crossed the bridge and at the highest point. This reminded me a little of my Japan cycling trip, where I did a cycling trip across 7 islands, and ended the trip with a well-deserved onsen. See the nostalgic post: http://olenju.blogspot.com/2007/04/lets-enjoy-bike-riding-i-have-just.html, and boy, that was such an adventure. 

And then, we finally reached the destination - Hudayriyat Island. It opened last year. The feel is similar to the ECP feel, a little, with restaurants lined up. 

My first time here, and besides restaurants, there are lots of food trucks. Was told that this place gets really crowded in the evening. 

Ildico's husband had arrived earlier, and met us ladies for breakkie, and to send us back too. :-)

Haha, first time meeting the man for a meal, and it was a nice chat and get-to-know. The conversations on Europe, brain science, exercise, etc. Just nice to get to know different ways of living and culture.

And finally, breakfast time. :)

I thank God as always, for times of refreshing like these. 

For the sure healing on my right foot. 

For some concentration and focus today as a little prayer was heard, and answered.