what a weekend!

 Last weekend was one we will never forget.

The team villas in the Paddock

Our friends, who live in Abu Dhabi invited us over for the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix....the last race of the season.

We flew through the night and arrived early Saturday morning and had Pit Passes for the weekend. We managed to stay awake for over 35 hours but at 1.30 Sunday morning had to call it a night. 

It started with lunch at the Williams team villa

Then a pit lane walk

then it was a matter of mingling with the beautiful people for the rest of the day.

 can you name any?

It was fun....then as the sun set we went home to change ready for an evening out.

how about that....a bottle with a light in the bottom!!

The next morning we headed back to the Yas Marina for race day.

We had great seats in the main grandstand for the final race.

 Then we made our way back to the marina for a bite to eat before partying the night away at The Amber Lounge....with a few famous faces!

The next day (feeling a little fragile) we took it easy then had an early dinner before flying home through the night again!

I had taken two paintings I had done as thank you presents for our hosts.

What a Wonderful weekend!

Desert Safari

I have to say, Thursday afternoon and evening was personally the highlight of my holiday. Our friends had arranged a Desert Safari for us.

First we were taken in a 4x4 into the desert on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi. We stopped at a camel farm.

The camels were just roaming around, this lovely lady just wanted someone to hold her heavy head. She was gorgeous!

This was the only adult camel behind bars, it was the male and apparently not a very friendly one!

I loved the blankets they had with a hole for their humps.

The babies were all in a pen with their mums.

Look at their lovely long legs.

Then after all the camel cuddles it was time to do a bit of dune bashing.......bit scary but great fun!

Then we headed off to a high point to watch the sun begin to set.

and then off to the camp.

....well I had to have a camel ride didn't I?

There was also some great falconry displays.

Hubby did some sand boarding

 Tea, coffee and dates....

Belly dancing.....

I decided Not to buy one of these beautiful costumes......

but I did have my hand  painted with henna......

and we had some lovely food.

It was a wonderful day. I didn't want it to end.

Then it was our final day in Abu Dhabi.

In the morning we went for breakfast on the beach

 Then it was back to the house for a lazy afternoon in the garden.

Before a long night at the airport and flying home.

We have been back now for a couple of weeks and I have had my photos back and made a photo book and given out a few small gifts to family we brought back with us.

 (the henna on my wrinkly hand starts to fade)

 On the day we went on our safari my friend gave me this camel...as a souvenir.