Erk's Northern Hemiwanderer, June 2014

[erkpod]

Plane shots at AUH.



Here I am again!

 

[erkpod]

Wrapped bag



Put your hands up for Detroit oops put your hands up for Abu Dhabi.



Much earlier & easier than last time...

 

[erkpod]

I'm extending the trip with a SYD - MEL - SYD Saturday - Wednesday.

I'll do a separate post in the social section but I'm down to 1 VFF point! Mind you, I'm waiting for YOW - DTW - LHR - AUH to credit along with 2 nights at AUH & the cash part of 4 nights in MEL.

 

[erkpod]

Day 24, Abu Dhabi UAE
Thursday 26 June

My original plan was to wake up at 0900 for a 1000 hotel shuttle to Ferrari World. 0900 came along & I decided to sleep more. I next woke up at 1430.

After a shower, I took a taxi to Ferrari World. After almost getting hit by what the taxi driver described as a Pakistani at a roundabout (the driver had to brake harshly), the cab fare was 45 AED (including 20 AED for leaving the airport area). On the way back, the fare was only 23.75 AED which included a detour via the (closed) F1 track. I was surprised to see a lady taxi driver!

Ferrari World was awesome. I enjoy motorsports but am not a Ferrari-head or an F1 head but can appreciate it.

 

[erkpod]

Various Ferrari World selfies

 

[erkpod]

More Ferrari World selfies

 

[erkpod]

Standing in front of the world's fastest rollercoaster.



On the podium.



I should have done what this lady did in this photo so we can see the logo. I encouraged her to stand on the top step of the podium after she merely sat on the step for a photo.



3D glasses for a ride - it was really good!

 

[erkpod]

Starbucks are everywhere!









Touches of Arabic life you won't see at an Australian theme park!

 

[erkpod]

Time for some car photos, yes?

 

[erkpod]

Ok, Erk! Enough fooling around!











I was driving car 6 (albeit not very well).

 

[erkpod]

More car photos











I would loved to be kid sized today!

 

[erkpod]

A very small selection of the various Ferraris on display.

 

[erkpod]

The test seat for the Formula Rossa rollercoaster. I fit into the seat OK but the seatbelt was way too short - way shorter than anything in Y!

I did get a discount at entry though (145 AED instead of 240 AED) because the guy didn't think I'd fit on all the rides. I did - with this exception.



The V12 ride was a controversial one prior to the park opening. It is a water ride but the designers expected people to stay dry. It didn't happen - as signs like this warn.



In between riders, the surfaces are wiped dry(ish). You do get moist but not soaked.



Roller coaster racing! Two rides for team yellow & two wins! Who said red (people with express passes) goes faster?



Cha cha cha Ferrari World style is modelled on tyres.

 

[erkpod]

When I entered, the guy at the ticket box said there was a live show starting soon. I had no idea what to expect but I didn't expect a comedian/juggler from South Africa called Steve to be the live show.





I'm not sure if this is a camel or a horse. Whatever it is, one of the female staff members was also posing with it at one stage. Touching a camel/horse mascot on the butt is probably the most sexual type act I've seen in the UAE.

 

[erkpod]

Back to the cars, not all of them are displayed the normal way.

 

[erkpod]

Photos on rides are always interesting but not usually purchased (by me, at least).



Me on the V12. Yes, you do get wet!



A range of photos available on my last rollercoaster ride. As you can see, the ride was mostly empty.



Put your hands up for Abu Dhabi!





How many guys does it take to organise a taxi to take me back to the hotel? All of these guys...

I went to the front taxi. These guys danced & whistled & called their mate who was at least 20 cabs back to come & pick me up.

Speaking of taxis, I did actually see a female taxi driver leaving Ferrari World. I thought that was illegal here in the UAE?

 

[erkpod]

Back at the hotel, I looked in the male prayer room.



Pepsi has a new slogan?



At dinner, I spent what I expect to be my final AED. I was short by 14 AED & was expecting to need to use my credit card. But the lady said that I could use any other currency I had so I used my last Canadian $5. And I got change!!!

 

[markis10]

Speaking of taxis, I did actually see a female taxi driver leaving Ferrari World. I thought that was illegal here in the UAE?

Only if your down the road in Saudi Arabia, the UAE has female fighter pilots.

 

[craven morehead]

You behaved in Vegas ??? :mrgreen:

 

[erkpod]

You behaved in Vegas ??? :mrgreen:

Of course!