Birthday at Le Meridian Hotel, Abu Dhabi

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Out to Le Meridian Hotel and the Culinary Village (http://www.lemeridien-abudhabi.com -- also good for drinking beer at a couple of the sports bars during sunny afternoons or weekends, like NRG Sports bar with many TV screens and happy hour between 7-9pm) with motley crew of teachers: 40+ country-Tom from Owen Sound; Cheryl from Louisiana; Felicia from Durban, S.A.; 2-year, going for a possible 5 yr.-teacher Tim from Chicago, et al. Talk focuses on, well what else, teaching, travel, UAE visa problems/solutions – like consider returning from Tehran with Etihad into Bahrain for day or 2, let them get 2nd visa which overall might be cheaper notwithstanding cost of buying return flight to Abu Dhabi. The dinner is a free-bee for Sahara guests, but I “worm in on the benefit” too, even if I have to pay a little for 2 Heineken. Others must be trying to save money as they drink sodas, not alcohol.

(Passing note: Heroes Diner at the Crowne Plaza, Hamdan, arguably the best sports bar in town also offers Quiz night, dance and ladies nights, close-by to Kimberly.)

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