Gay, German Or United Arab

I sought solace in a weekend away to write my book. The city of Abu Dhabi catered to my needs quite well. Although I spent much time sitting in creative resting places like bath tubs located in cafes such as the Shabby Chic Cafe, but after my avocado salad and latte I did also have a few moments to go see a couple things.

Accommodating 41, 000 worshipers, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was the first of these great attractions. You're looking at 100, 000 tons of pure white marble from Greece and Macedonia. It was the Sheikh's dream as a visionary leader to create this mosque and it is the key for worship in the country. He is buried next to it.

There are 82 domes and 1000 pillars, and all the floral floor decorations are inlaid with semi precious stones. It's one of the few mosques in the region that is open to non muslims. Except I had to wear an abbaya.

I sat for afternoon tea for hours in a few locations. I felt so proper and English. This is at a place called Filaments Cafe inside a hotel that I don't remember. The tea was unlimited, but sadly the cakes were not. Couldn't find anything to complain about though, the ambiance was as perfect as it was quiet.

Abu Dhabi has a thing for world records. On the 74th floor of the Jumeirah Hotel, located in the Etihad towers, there is the Observation Deck at 300. It has a panoramic view of the city, 300 meters above sea level, making it the highest high tea in the world. With unlimited tea again, and the breathtaking view, it's also the perfect place to write a book.

There is a village in the city of Manchester. And not just any village. This village is the Gay Village. It lies along Canal Street, where all the gay bars line the river that flows through the city. It was just off the street, down an alleyway somewhere that I spotted batman and superman. They weren't looking for angry villans this time. More like naughty boys.

I also had time to chat with another rather well known individual. I think he goes by the name Prince. I swear I heard him whistle at me goodbye as we parted ways. But it could have just been Raspberry Parade I was hearing.

Deep in the heart of Bavaria lies the city of Munich, with all their german sausage, beer and a lot of other german things. Like this, the New Town Hall, or the Neues Rathaus if you speak the language. This Gothic Revival Architecture style was built in the late 1800's and hosts the city government. My goodness wouldn't it would be nice to walk in there for work everyday.

And lastly, this baroque church in Munich is called Asam's church. It was built in the mid 1700's. I've never seen skeletons alongside angels displayed so deliberately in a religious setting such as this before. It was built by 2 brothers who vowed they would build a church if they avoided shipwreck. Indeed they were successful. I've not seen a church so gorgeous in a while.

Bailey Sue