After 26 hours of traveling I made it.  After three hours of deep sleep I’m wide awake in my comfy bed at the Intercontinental.  I should still be sleeping because I’m going to need to be well rested.  There’s a lot to do and see today!  OMG I’m in Abu Dhabi!  The hotel is lovely, and I swear it smells like heaven —- lemon tree leaves mixed in with rose petals mixed in with decadence.

At check in we were greeted with a tray full of juices.  I nabbed the mint lemon, my new favorite drink.  The flight was long, and while I slept here and there, I mostly listened to the woman behind me sing or the baby across the aisle scream — that child was part Banshee.  All I know is I am glad to be off that plane!

I’m also looking forward to my first breakfast in Abu Dhabi.  Hahaha breakfast on the plane was actually a dinner (because while it was morning to us it actually was dinner time in Abu Dhabi).

I had fun with Michelle during my 9-hour layover, and we ran around the terminal acting like the silly little fools we love to be.  I’m so glad we had that time together.  Being here is quite amazing, and I’m sure I’ll have lots to tell you, but for now I’ll just throw up some photos of the hotel (they’re not great since I’m still learning how to use my new phone).

  Monica:  I completely forgot to pull out the pink flamingo when Michelle and I were goofing around.  BUT, I did remember to take a pic with my new carryon (broke the old one at the airport), so here’s the little guy on my bed after a very long flight.  He’ll get to see more stuff today.  Oh what trouble will he, wait She, get into?

Miche and me drinking Kettle One mint lemonades.  LOVED our bartender.

 Checking in with a glass of mint lemonade

 Looking down at the breakfast buffet  the lobby near the pool   I am soo going in this today or tomorrow, and, yes there is a pool bar.

 view from the lounge where our breakfast is served.  The yacht club and its boats is to the left of those bushes.

I know these aren’t great, but it’s what I have for you right now.  As soon as my friends finish showering, I’ll be out and about and seeing this place called Abu Dhabi!  Oh, and the wall of humidity is something else.  I know hot, but when we left the airport last night I realized I don’t know wet hot.  Apparently, I do sweat — a lot!