Walking in My Shoes

It has been a dark, rainy January, and I have been craving sun and light.

So when an opportunity to travel to Abu Dhabi arose, I very much welcomed it.

I never thought it would be my kind of place, but I was very pleasantly surprised.

Abu Dhabi offers a fusion of modern city architecture, rich culture and history, fantastic food, and stunning desert landscapes, making it appealing to travelers interested in architecture, history, or outdoor adventures.

Abu Dhabi means “Father of the Gazelle” in Arabic, derived from “Abu” (father) and “Dhabi” (gazelle).  The name originates from a folk tale about the city’s founding in the late 18th century, when a hunting party from the Bani Yas tribe, led by Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa Al Nahyan, followed a gazelle to a freshwater source on the island.  This discovery led to the establishment of the settlement that became Abu Dhabi.

I fell in love with the beauty and power of the dunes in Bulgaria, and seeing them on a larger scale in Abu Dhabi filled me with awe and appreciation.

So it is not a surprise that I loved the Evening Desert Safari experience.

As the sun started to set, you are transferred into an Arabian-style open-air tent in the Middle of the desert, furnished with plush seating, soft cushions, and traditional décor.

Once there, you can ride a camel, try henna art, or wear a traditional Arabic costume and take a photo, immersing yourself in authentic local traditions.

Then, by the campfire, you watch a stunning live show featuring Belly Dancing, Tanoura Spinning, and an exhilarating Fire Dance. The night concludes with a lavish BBQ buffet featuring a fusion of Middle Eastern favourites, including kebabs and hummus, as well as salads.

And then the lights were completely off, and you had some time just to watch the stars, evoking a sense of wonder and peacefulness that I hope you will experience too.

Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, is a must-see and truly stunning experience that I highly recommend.

I had an amazing time in Abu Dhabi and am confident I will be back.

I am back in rainy Southampton, and I am missing sun, baba ghanoush, and the tastiest watermelons and pineapples I’ve ever had.

With Love As Always,

Yana De Lilac