Lots to think about...

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We left Sydney today. Sydney the wonderful cosmepolitan city, vibrant and modern yet set in ahistorical backdrop with stunningly beautiful architecture. Down the coast we drove passing through the Royal National Park to Kiama...a picturesque seaside town with palm trees, green cricket lawns, and white boats bobbing in the sea. The warm sun helped us to enjoy the pink champagne in Sebel bar, listening to a string quartet that were fortunately playing in the garden overlooking our seats....playing for the newly married couple and their guests. As we walked round the bay under the influence of a glass or two, I thought about how different life is here, in the Antipodes. The children seem to have more space, the adults more time. Lovely Claire is so organised and full of fun; as always a pleasure to be with. We are far away from home, but it feels like home because she is with us. Lil and Gearge have left us now, after lovingly caring for us and showing us the wonderful sites. What will tomorrow bring?

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The Grand Mosque Abu Dabhi

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We arrived in Abu Dhabi late on Thursday night. What a welcome from Grace and Rob.  It was even warmer than the Middle Eastern atmosphere that engulfed our bodies as we disembarked the Etihad aircraft.  Their life in this city is obviously blissful and their home in the suburbs a true sanctuary. One of the most incredible revelations was that they never EVER need to lock their house door, and car keys could be left in an unlocked car. Crime is not tolerated it’s true, but the underpinning philosophy of the locals is that they wouldn’t take anything that that didn’t belong to them! Amazing.

 The visit to this Mosque was mind blowing. A spiritual experience. An education.  My limited knowledge of Islam derived from working as a community midwife in Blackburn meant that I was pleasantly surprised to be allowed in the place of worship. As a female and a Christian, admittance would normally be prohibited.  A pre-requisite was that we wore robes, Robin and Paul wore white, and Grace and I black (hijab)….with head cover too.  We adorned the clothes in the intense heat, and made our way wide-eyed through the lavish golden temple.  When questioned by another, the guide gave an interesting rationale of why women couldn’t pray at the Mosque, with a perfectly planned positive spin. My cynical feminist spirit was aroused many times during our stay in AD.  But I could not fail to admire the peace and perceived safety of being there.

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Thermal cures....

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We visited this old hotel for a beer and a Ricard. It was hidden in a dell, amongst the vast mountains in the Pyrenees. This view helped us to see the thermal waters, which according to the info provided by the hotel helps to cure various illnesses....look at the handles on around the edges of the river....the water is so dirty I would think it's more likely to initiate an illness rather than cure one! Bah. Anyway, we learned two other things. The guests are called patients and the drinks are expensive...so we'll not be checking in. We found our destination and had to make a hasty retreat...looked dire. We are in our way to the 2nd option in Ceret. Fingers crossed!

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