V8 Supercars Day Two

The race was held at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi - amazing is one word to describe it.

An aerial view of the Yas Hotel and the Race track.

This is the Yas Hotel - the racetrack actually runs under the hotel

The Yas Hotel at night time

Todd Kelly

Craig Lowndes

V8 Supercars Day One

Nick and I went to Abu Dhabi to watch the V8 Supercars opening race of the season. It was fabulous - the first night time race in history and the circuit was just amazing. These are just a few of the pictures that Nick took - if you are on facebook there are many more on there.

All the drivers gathered for a group photo

Volunteers for the day

This was some strange building that we could see out of the window of our hotel - not quite sure what it is.

Jamie Whincup - Triple 8 Racing - won the race on both days.

Craig Lowndes

There were some ladies doing henna designs on hands- it stays on the hands for about two weeks. I had always wanted to have it done.

We got to go on a Pit Lane Walk and I had my photo taken with Craig Lowndes (awesome)

Nicholas and Mark Winterbottom

Me with my tshirt that I had signed by a majority of the drivers

My favourite Craig Lowndes

Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup

Craig Lowndes, Jamie Whincup and Mark Winterbottom

V8 Racing Here We Come

This weekend being Feb 18-20, 2010 - Nick and I are going to Abu Dhabi for the opening round of the V8 Supercars. I am so excited as I just love the V8's. And it is a night time race - first time in history that the V8's have raced at night, so it should be a good weekend.

It is being held at the new Yas Marina Race Circuit in Abu Dhabi - I found this picture of the track. The red building is actually a hotel, we are not staying here but are staying at a hotel with views of the track!!!!!

Interesting

Yet another interesting product that is found on the shelves here.

No Red Roses In Riyadh

This is a newspaper article that someone posted on facebook - a few weeks ago there was red boxes/lingerie and gifts that were appropriate for Valentines Day in the shop windows - without actually advertising thats what they were for of course.

Riyadh - Saudi religious police launched a campaign Thursday to prevent hotels and stores from making any special preparations ahead of Valentine's Day, celebrated worldwide on February 14. Flower shops are forbidden to sell red roses. Toy stores have hidden red teddy bears and sweet shops put away the heart-shaped boxes they sell throughout the year for fear that the religious police might seize them.

"Anyone who does not respond to our demands will be subjected to punishment," announced the police spokesman, known as the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

Each year, a few days before Valentine's Day, the commission warns shops, hotels and restaurants against celebrating it in any way. They also increase their presence in public parks and places where young people meet, to catch anyone who breaks the rules.

While gift shops comply with these rules, sales are reportedly up by 50 per cent over the past few days, despite the increasing prices that accompany the celebrations.

A few years ago, Saudi Arabia's top cleric, Sheikh Abdul-Aziz al-Sheikh described Valentine's Day as "a pagan holiday."

Read more: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/308714,no-red-roses-in-riyadh-saudi-police-bans-valentines-celebrations.html#ixzz0fQabWryU

Would You Wash With This???

A friend of mine found this bar of soap in the supermarket!!!!!

Interesting name....

They are big into whitening products here - the shelves are full of them..

Mardi Gras Ball - KSA January 28, 2010

Last night was the Mardi Gras Ball at the American Embassy - there was a group of us that went, and we all had a fabulous night. The function was held outside and it was absolutely freezing!!!

The food was fantastic - which included a huge pig - and it was so good. Real alcohol, so we made the most of that.

But as cameras and mobile phones are not allowed into the embassies I have no actual photos of the ball itself - but a friend of mine took some photos of me after the ball. I had 30 photos to choose from but you only get to see 3 - as I am very critical of any pics of me.