ABU DHABI MOSQUE

speechless

Hello, I have a little surprise.  When I went to Dubai last year (back in November), I quietly journeyed to hot and humid, Abu Dhabi as well.  I've been excited to show you these photos (but I had to be quiet for a surprise blog content).  I finally paid a visit to the bucket list worthy, world-renowned Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and it was absolutely stunning! Click Read More to see morrrrrre 

I want to dedicate this post to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as I've never seen anything like it before.  It is undoubtedly beautiful to look at.  I may not be a Muslim, but I appreciate everything that other religions venerate.  The white structural ingenuity glistened under the bright sunlight and the surrounding water did a great job reflecting the Mosque. But first, let's look at the other pictures I took in and around Abu Dhabi.  

this is abu dhabi's answer to atlantis hotel--bigger! taller!

clue: racing outfit inside the bag lol

First order of business:  Yas Marina circuit and the Ferrari World.   Yaz is most famous for the FORMULA 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.  I heard Bella Hadid, Nicole Scherzinger, Lewis Hamilton and the Weeknd frequent this place. 

warmest welcome from ferrari world!

cute bag

perspiration look, but kept smiling

oh hello there

good morning palm trees

trying not to melt in the 115 degree weather

guess for what entryway was this for?

you guessed it! the louvre's second location (aside from the parisian one)

vintage lewk

bodies of water

thanking God i wore white in this oven-like weather

good morning abu dhabi!!

knick knacks

heritage village

touring

I think these are all the photos I'd like to share. So now, here are the Mosque photos....

Did you know the largest carpet in the world is found inside this mosque!

gorgeousness

hashtag alert

hi i'm drenched in sweat

hundreds of people

trying to look fresh and think fresh

one of the gigantic gold chandeliers

i dont know how we managed to take this without other people

The mosque tour took approximately an hour and a half. It's a huge place to walk around to-perimeter wise.  I was astounded by the intricate detailing of the marbles and the windows and the mosaic tile designs.  You can't wear shoes and have to leave them in a little shoe-shelf just outside the marbled floor entrance.   

looking at this picture, i remember how hot the climate was

we had to wear long sleeves and pants

i got goosebumps seeing this gold chandelier... rich!

here's me dehydrated, that's all

beautiful columns

in all its glory

It was in the afternoon when we visited the mosque.  During this time, there's still a plethora of visitors.  It is of vital importance to go through a mini security check (airport style) and we had to make sure that we are wearing something respectful and that it adheres to their dress code.  We had the option to wear the Thobe (for guys), but considering the weather was extremely/painfully hot. I decided to opt out of that option and wore my long sleeve merino top and chino pants. 

white gold prestige

goodbye abu dhabi

I know I kept talking about the climate. But if there's one word I can describe this city is that it is HOT.  I cannot imagine visiting here during the peak of summer.  When I post this, my snapchat will be uploaded with the snaps I took in Abu Dhabi and will go live for the first time.  You can see how sweaty I was! I couldn't even remove my sunglasses as it was so bright and I felt like the heat was piercing through my eyes.

Song of the day: Lady Gaga Always Remember Us This Way (REMIX)