This article is part of the main article: Around the World in 2 weeks (2012-2013): Introduction and Planning
Abu dhabi airport is quite nice in itself, much smaller than Dubai but with a better personality I would say. After checking in, I proceeded to the first class lounge. What an experience – immediately after entering someone came to escort me to my place. Asked what I would like, when/what I wanna eat, drink or have massage and shower. Made me feel quite special. I ordered a cold beer and asked to see the menu. In the mean time I tried to hook my tablet with wifi, I didn’t even have to do it, there was someone in the lounge fiddling with the settings and getting me online. In front of me was a middle-aged Arabic guy. He didn’t speak English, but was trying to explain things to me and I kept nodding. He was quite friendly until me beer was delivered. Once he saw the beer glass in my hand, he wasn’t friendly at all after that. Anyways, I didn’t care. I was enjoying my beer while looking at the menu. Menu was out of this world; I would need at least 3-4 stomachs to try everything. But I was never one of those who would give up. I started with Arabic mezze and salmon appetizers – a huge platter in fact and on any given day my complete meal. But I was determined to try as many things on the menu as I can. I finished the appetizers and was called for a massage in the meantime.
The masseuse asked me – if I want a soft or a deep massage. I, of course being a chauvinistic MAN, said what sort of question is this. I am a MAN and I need deep massage. Once the massage started I regretted every single word I spoke. I was wincing in pain! The girl must be thinking, you want a strong massage, &*^% take it. My body was hurting. Half way through the massage she asked me, if the pressure is fine. I bit my lip and said it’s perfect, which was a lie. There were 10 more minutes of pain and finally I was relieved that the massage was over. A lesson learnt – don’t order deep massage. During the massage, I kept on cursing the f word. I have to reduce my cursing.
After massage, I moved to the shower. What a shower – oh my god! The complete ceiling was made up of tiny nozzles to create a rain effect and the sides had jets to massage. I stood in the warm rain and couldn’t believe it. I have never enjoyed rain so much since I was a kid. I remember when I was a kid, I would love to get wet in rain. Indian monsoons are amazing, which are a welcome change from the hot summers. This shower was amazing, I might have stood for atleast 45 minutes in the shower, after which I cleaned up and ordered my dinner.
I started with steak and potatoes. Steak was nicely done – medium rare just how I like it. Half way through the dinner I thought I can still try one more main course. I ordered grilled salmon. And to my surprise finished them both. Anyways, I wanted to get meated up before going to Asia and eating all the Asian veggies.