Yesterday we had our first trip on a dhow - a traditional Arab fishing boat. I have serious doubts as to whether our boat has ever done duty as a fishing boat - it was far too clean and polished. The boat left from an institution called “The Club” near the ports. It is actually The British Club but is referred to by everyone (even in books) just as The Club. There are other clubs of course, but it is accepted that this is the most “must-join” club here in Abu Dhabi. We’re not members, just freeloading for the day - the boat trip was a 49th birthday bash for a fellow SA that Darrell met through work. Our kids were the only ones on board, and we received numerous compliments on how well they behaved. If only people knew!
The boat ride itself was lovely, the sea breeze kept us cool and when we crossed the wake of faster boats we enjoyed getting a little splashed and losing our balance. The kids tumbled a bit, but were wearing life jackets, so we weren’t too worried about them going overboard. Sadly, although we went quite a distance, the view of the island from the sea vantage was mainly that of pylons and construction. There were snacks and drinks on board, including beer and wine, but I was driving so only D got to have one or three of those (the beer I'm holding in the photo was HIS!), and the kids each had a turn steering the boat
Apparently there are other routes we can do which take us away from Abu Dhabi towards less exploited islands, where we can anchor and swim from the boat. I think that will be our next trip!
After the boat had berthed, we took advantage of the club facilities and had a swim, eventually having our supper at the club as well. Sadly, I wasn't allowed to borrow from their lending library, which would have made the day totally perfect for me!
The boat ride itself was lovely, the sea breeze kept us cool and when we crossed the wake of faster boats we enjoyed getting a little splashed and losing our balance. The kids tumbled a bit, but were wearing life jackets, so we weren’t too worried about them going overboard. Sadly, although we went quite a distance, the view of the island from the sea vantage was mainly that of pylons and construction. There were snacks and drinks on board, including beer and wine, but I was driving so only D got to have one or three of those (the beer I'm holding in the photo was HIS!), and the kids each had a turn steering the boat
Apparently there are other routes we can do which take us away from Abu Dhabi towards less exploited islands, where we can anchor and swim from the boat. I think that will be our next trip!
After the boat had berthed, we took advantage of the club facilities and had a swim, eventually having our supper at the club as well. Sadly, I wasn't allowed to borrow from their lending library, which would have made the day totally perfect for me!
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