Abu Dhabi

We have just had a fantastic weekend in Abu Dhabi which is a very well planned and very beautiful city. The main purpose was to attend Womad which was fantastic. So much good and varied music from all over the world. Staged right on the beautiful Corniche waterfront. Also it was free and you don't get much better than that. Too much good.



















We also did a fair bit of sightseeing during the day, visiting the spectacular Grand Mosque and the equally spectacular Emirates Hotel and generally driving around. Both these buildings are architectural delights and the quality of finish is impressive,
where finish quality often leaves a lot to be desired. Beautiful marble floors and columns inlaid with Mother of Pearl, Lapis Lazuli and other semi precious stone.
















We had afternoon tea at the Yas Hotel which sits right on the Formula 1 track. Unfortunately the hotel which again is architecturally amazing is let down by a level of finish I would call extremely rough. The architects I imagine must feel somewhat insulted when their work is ruined ( in my opinion ) by such a poor finish level. It is something that really gets up my nose too often over here.

They unquestionably have the money to do things properly, there is a vast history of exquisite workmanship in art and craft and it can be done as evidenced by the Emirates hotel and Grand Mosque.



The Islamic Museum here in Doha is another example of both interesting design and quality finish, but, alas many of the so called 5 star hotels have such a shoddy finish when you care to look more than cursorily. Being such a finicky chap I just can't understand it and my only thinking is that people just do not care which is a pity. If your'e going to do something do it properly. Anything less is shameful.
Enough of my grumbling....please enjoy the photos and also the next few photo blogs of Womad which was an absolutely wonderful event and experience. Will definitely have to go again next year.