Westin, Abu Dhabi Golf Club

We decided to take up an offer to stay at The Westin this weekend. There was a great deal for an overnight stay with breakfast, so as we had both had a crappy week we decided to go. The room was really nice (with a bath - we always have a bath if there is one as the baths at Al Reef are too small!). We had a lovely view across the Abu Dhabi Golf Club course - which saw action from Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods just a few weeks ago (if all but briefly because neither of them made the cut!).

We availed use of The Heavenly Spa (!) , which actually was! And then we had dinner at the Moroccan restaurant, Agadir. This was the first time I had eaten traditional Moroccan food, and I have to say I really enjoyed it. For my main course I had :-



Tagine Barkouk 
Braised veal or lamb served with sweet prunes, almonds and roasted sesame seeds

It had a very rich sauce that was really tasty. I will definitely have a Tagine again.


Anyway, along with two afternoons at the pool, it made for a really welcome break.

View from the balcony

The Pool Area

Our spot for the second day at the pool!

Great weekend of sport in Abu Dhabi

This weekend Abu Dhabi hosted two major International sporting events; the second cricket test between England and Pakistan and the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship (with Tiger Woods, Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy etc etc). The two venues are literally only 10 minutes part by car and both of them were free to enter, so this afternoon went to both of them! I started at the cricket and saw England bowl out the last three Pakistani batsmen, then I went over to the golf. I stayed a couple of hours, following Tiger and Rory round a few holes and then watching more from the Village while getting some lunch. Then I decided I would go back to the cricket to hopefully see England bat through to 145 and win the test. Alas, what I actually saw was a totally dismal effort, totally outclassed by Pakistan's spin bowlers. All out for 72! Seventy Bloody Two ! Still, it provided a good spectacle, and made a large number of Abu Dhabi's Pakistani residents very happy!

Abu Dhabi Big Band at The Westin

Last night the ADBB played at the opening of The Westin Hotel in Abu Dhabi. The hotel is located at The Abu Dhabi Golf Club. They provided the band with a "Green Room" which happened to be The Presidential Suite. I took a few piccies on my phone which by no means does it justice, but it was quite stunning. I think I'll book it for a weekend break :-)

Hallway that seemed to go on forever

Bathroom (one of them)

Private cinema (sorry about the guy changing!)

One of the lounges (with golf course views)

 Another lounge

Walk in wardrobe 

Outdoor space (one of them)

Another outdoor space

British Lions vs South Africa Rugby

Gently persuaded Caroline that watching the rugby tomorrow at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club will be a great idea! Big screen, drinks, buffet and all for Dhs95 - bargain! Can't wait! ......Caz is less enthusiastic

Golf

Today I actually played my first round of golf here since arriving! I played at The Abu Dhabi Golf Club which recently hosted a PGA tournament with some of the top European players. I played 18 holes (10-27; tee offs are staggered) with the CTO from one of my customers.

It certainly beats playing golf in the UK in February! The buggy was air-conditioned and had GPS on board showing the hole layouts and distances etc. We tee'd off at 7am which meant I had to miss out on my lie in on a Saturday - Caz said I was not entitled to moan about this as it was for pleasure reasons! It started off a very pleasant temperature and got warmer, but also windier. The wind got up so much that the atmosphere got very sandy and a bit unpleasant really. The first 9 holes were best forgotten, but the back 9 I didn't do too badly on (45 shots) - but I definitely need some more practice I reckon, so going to look for more opportunities to play.

Golf Championship

Managed to drag myself out of bed to go and watch the Golf. I'd already bought the ticket so thought I'd better not waste it, even if the thought of staying in bed was strong! Actually, the ticket price wasn't too bad, AED125 (just over 20 quid). I'm glad I went though it was good. There weren't too many people there so I was able to get up quite close to the players at the tees and greens. I bumped into a few guys from work so I walked round with them most of the day. Some of the top European guys were there such as Casey, Harrington, Garcia, Stenson etc. Even old grumpy Montgomery was there, but actually he seemed quite jovial - maybe he's got another new girlfriend! Treated myself to a new cap as you can see. Caz hates me wearing old tatty ones so hopefully she will approve.



Came away quite tired from all the walking and drove home. When I got in the car I realised I'd caught the sun and as I had been wearing sun glasses all day, had quite a red nose in a neat sunglasses shape! I not sure it shows too well on the photo but click it and see. Didn't shave today either......