Images from Abu Dhabi

I just came back from a trip to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates where I checked out the new Abu Dhabi Triathlon with its unique distance 3km swim, 200km bike and 20km run. Prize money for the event is $230,000 for the Pros and $20,000 for the amateurs ($1,000 for each age group winner.) Wow.

Below are a few images from the trip:

The Check-In counter at Etihad Airlines



I was very comfortable on the flight



Reading Trizophrenia by Jef Mallett on the trip



We stayed in the Shangri La hotel



The view over the pool



The Grand Mosque is just across the river



Returning from a run along the river



One night this car was parked in front of our hotel



We got to visit the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque



Beautiful from every angle indeed



As most of us wore shorts we were given a Kandura to wear



Stunning colors and artwork everywhere



Lots of Italian marble was used in the creation of the mosque



Our tour guide took us also to Heritage Village



James from 220 Triathlon in the UK makes a friend



The view from Heritage Village to modern Abu Dhabi and all its construction



The very luxurious Emirates Palace Hotel is quite a landmark



The swim course behind the Emirates Palace Hotel



Part of the race will be on this 5 Lane highway which will be shut down for the triathlon



Here is the run turnaround of the event



Amazing local food offerings



We also visited the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital



A variety of feathers are available to repair broken wings



Putting this patient from Pakistan to sleep



A broken wing feather had caused imbalance



This Falcon is almost good to go



About 5 minutes after the operation the patient is good to go



With an Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital resident on my arm



The trip to Abu Dhabi was fantastic, but now it is time to go home