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We took a day drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. First stop was for a peek at the opulent Emirates Palace Hotel, smothered in marble, gold and crystal. 1,002 Swarovski chandeliers light the interior. And I saw something here I’d never seen before – a gold vending machine! Yes that’s right – gold. If you’re on the run and suddenly have the need for some gold, as you might from time to time (although I never have), you can simply stuff a lot of cash or your credit card into the Gold to Go vending machine, and out will come an ingot of your choosing. The machine is networked to the world gold market and updates the price of the offerings every thirty seconds.
But the highlight of the day was certainly the Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi. We were lucky – we got there only a few minutes before closing time, and shortly before the sun set and the lights came on to illuminate the building. 40,000 Muslims can pack into the main hall for prayers. Outside, 80 white marble domes grace the roof that is supported by over 1,00 pillars. It’s a very beautiful place, with tasteful use of crystal, semi precious stones and ceramics. And of course the floor is covered with a gargantuan Persian carpet. A photographer’s paradise.
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