Remembering Kevin

Today is August 13 and it has been 17 years since the passing of my precious older brother Kevin.  While it is extremely difficult to spend this day away from my parents and family, I know in my heart that Kevin is with me here and cheering me on to make this the time of my life.  I can still see him so vividly and shaking his head at me that it seems hard to believe it has been 17 long years since I have seen his face, but then again, I see him everyday in my mind.  This blog is a tribute to my brother.  "To those who knew and loved him, his memory will never grow old".  I'm thinking of you today, Mom and Dad, as I know this day will never be easier no matter how many years have passed.

This picture was taken many years ago but it is one of my all time favorites with all of my favorite people and pets!

Kevin, Chen, Jeff and Me

Day 5 1/2: I tried to keep busy today!  I went to breakfast with Martha and Stephanie and discussed the option of taking the Big Bus Tour today around Abu Dhabi.  This is like the double decker buses in NY and London.  Everyone else was going to see their new apartments but we don't have our turn until tomorrow morning.  So, we went to the mall and caught the bus.  It took us to all of the hot spots around town.  See picture tutorial below.  We only hopped off at the Marina Mall to go to Carrefour (like Wal-Mart) to get hair dryers.  We passed by the souks, the original ones are outside and it was a little too warm to get out to shop.  After Ramadan!

View from street in front of hotel in Big Bus

Fountain down the street

Sheikh Zayed Mosque - It was closed so we couldn't hop off.  This is one of the only Mosques open to the public and offers educational tours - here you have to wear an abaya (kind of like a robe).

The bottom part of the picture is the famous bridge that connects to Abu Dhabi

Another view of the Mosque.  You should google it until I go and can post information.  It is extremely elaborate.

Front of the Mosque

Call to Prayer Tower (This happens 5 times daily

The new Hilton - this pic is for Mimi as my Pap stayed here many years ago.  The old one is still up but they are building a new one.

View from the road of the Mosque

Skyline picture

Picture on bridge of Sheikh

Saadiyat Island - growing fast!

Souk picture that I wasn't supposed to take - cameras aren't allowed.

Corniche Beach Area - yes, that is greenery in the desert!

Famous statues of the canon, tea kettle, incense and a few other things.  I have to look into the history behind this.  Look for it in future postings.

Mosque - Call to Prayer Tower

The National Tree- The Date Palm 

Another picture of the Sheikh around the city

Looking back on Abu Dhabi 

Marina with some incredible yachts

Tallest flagpole 

Marina Mall Sky Tower

Entrance to Emirates Palace - another hotel that you have to have a reservation to get in.  Looks like I'll be having high tea this weekend to take a peek inside.

Another view of Emirates Palace

My first appliance purchase in the UAE complete with the new plug.  Priorities!  

Will update tomorrow on my new apartment in MZ:)