Wakin' up in Abu Dhabi

Knock-knock

Our room is dark and it feels too early for a knock on the door. I'm sure I pushed the room's 'Do not disturb' button on the bedside control panel. The room is automated with push buttons to turn on and off lights and also foor DND and 'make up the room' signals, which are displayed outside the room. It could only be Alex or Francois, who are sharing the room nearby.

I open the door, blinking into the light and probably looking like hell after going to sleep after 3am.

Alex and Francois are standing there looking bright and ready for the day.

'What's the time?" I ask.

"Quarter to 9."

"But aren't we meeting for breakfast only at nine-thirty? My alarm is set for nine."

"We've already been for a tour around the hotel, upstairs and down," Francois says.

"Mmmmm... we'll see you in a bit. Don't call us, we'll call you." I close the door and climb back into bed. But I'm awake now. We get up and 15 minutes later I'm bashing on their door. "Let's go play," I say.

Francois is an early riser. Alex woke up around 8; Francois opened the curtains to get him up. He'd probably been lying in bed being quiet for a good two hours. Hahaha.

Breakfast is an impressive spread. Good thing we have another two breakfasts here so we can try everything. I've seen Lotta, from race organisations; and Chris, from race media.

After breakfast Chris tells us about a South African guy who runs the fitness centre. We go to find him.

Willem is a friendly guy and he asks about the race adding that this is the only time of year you can do this kinda stuff out here. "Bliksem, die son brand. When you're out here in summer it isn't about just being hot. You get dehydrated. My kop klop." He has offered to take us sight-seeing this evening when he gets off work.

We caught a taxi into town - 23km from the hotel to the Marina Mall. There has been way more construction here and there are posters promoting many sporting events happening soon. Formula One power boats (starting on Friday) and some FIFA Club World Cup next week. We're at a coffee place now using their Wi-Fi.

We'll take a walk shortly around the beachfront area. We've got the day to play and then we'll head back to the hotel. There are lots of teams around so it is nice to meet and mingle.

L