The overnight flight in, a quick stop at my hotel, and then out to "The International Stables" to see Belgian Bill and Humidor. And of course Joe. Who is here for 10 days whilst Valerie reacquaints herself with the English weather......
My taxi driver struggling with the route. Which, I am lead to believe, is par for the course. For a while, I thought we were going to be stranded forever in the vast underground car park at Meydan Racecourse. A car park that is quite easy to disappear down into. Less easy to extricate ourselves from....
When my taxi driver (his English was very limited, and so sign language took over - I think he thinks I am Frankie Dettori....) eventually re-emerged into the light of day, we parked to ask a security guard for directions. A security guard who suddenly turned into a demented chicken, rushing up and down the area where we had parked with arms flailing in all directions......
It transpired that we had parked in a spot where only "His Highness" is allowed to park. It was just a shade of odds against that HRH would want to park outside a deserted racecourse on a Wednesday morning, but our security "friend" was taking no chances. I half expect to be on the front page of tomorrow's local paper......
Eventually, we pulled up outside the International Stables. Which was a relief. And great to see the two horses in such exalted surroundings, and both clearly in rude health....
England playing cricket down the road in Abu Dhabi. But nothing on TV. A lot of local football, quite a lot of channels devoted to "chanting", Robert Redford taking on the Viet Cong, and MTV. The only cricket being shown, bizarrely, is a repeat of last summer's Lords Test between England and Sri Lanka. Which seems a little strange. England are 61 for 1 in their 2nd innings, leading by 68. I have no idea what is going on down the road, but I can tell you that Trott and Cook are looking pretty secure last summer.....
4 to Trott. Lead by 72. Quite fun being half a year behind the rest of the world......
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