...and that doesn't include the gold

Ah, Abu Dhabi. Finally we made it to the emirate with all the wealth. Slumming it in Dubai last week was ROUGH. 

We arrived yesterday and attempted to self-tour around the city but were greatly thwarted by Ramadan. The heritage village was closed, the palace didn't let us in, and the only thing really happening at Yas Island was the mall. Even it was only half-awake. Fortunately, the day was saved by a Mexican restaurant. I have had many a day made better by a taco and this is possibly the longest I've ever gone without eating a tortilla. Like, in my whole life. Needless to say, it was muy fantastico. 

(Cameo from dad's finger. He's no Asian girl, but I love him.)

Today, though, we had greater success. We started in the morning at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. It's huge, it's marble and Swarovski crystals, and it makes you think maybe you should be praying five times a day. 

Zoom in for the man cleaning the top of the dome!!

This afternoon we opted for secular luxury at the Emirates Palace. It's a hotel but for when you want the look and feel of a palace. Like ya do. 

If there is one overarching theme, it's gold. Anything that can be covered in gold leaf has been, you can buy a cappuccino with gold flakes, and there's even a gold vending machine available in the lobby with prices updated every minute to reflect the current cost of gold. Nothing is worse than overpaying from one minute to the next. 

The hotel is the second most expensive ever built and, as our tour guide said, "it cost three billion dollars (US) and that doesn't include the gold." One entire floor is suites permanently reserved for the seven sheikhs of the emirates, their wives, and their children. They do have some regular rooms but the big draw is the palace suites. The suites are so encompassing that you can rent out the entire thing or just portions of them. The full deal includes a sitting room,

a dining room,

a kids' room (and bathroom),

a master suite and bathroom,

and, of course, a view. 

Naturally, you'll want to spend every waking moment here so there are endless meeting rooms, a theatre, a ballroom, a private beach and gardens, and an intimate staff of 2,000 to cater to your every need.

We did eventually have to leave to lower the riff-raff quota of the palace. I got in a few pictures of the view out front with the fountains. They're priceless, but, of course, that doesn't even include the cost of the gold.