Every year my Dad very kindly takes me to a Formula 1 race. This year was no exception, apart from the fact that rather than choosing a European race he decided we should go to Abu Dhabi. The race at the Yas Marina Circuit was brand new on the calendar and the season finale, so was set to be an exciting one.
Due to the distances involved and the recent addition of Caitlin to our family it was decided that Sarah, Mum and Caitlin would join us in Abu Dhabi. They did however decide to be pampered in the hotel rather than join us at the circuit. So challenge number one of the holiday was packing all of Caitlin's 'stuff' within our luggage allowance and then hoping that should would enjoy air travel!
Traveling with a 6 month old baby is an interesting task. Our hand luggage was taken up mainly with baby food, nappies, bibs and toys (OK and my camera). At Manchester there was a priority aisle for those with babies that meant we managed to miss the big queue. There was also a scanner that would fit a pushchair through it and a nice lady that made me eat some of Caitlin's food and drink some of her water to prove that it was actually food and water and not something more sinister!
Caitlin seemed to mainly enjoy, or sleep through, the whole experience and arrived at Doha airport ready for a snacket before the 1 hour hop to Abu Dhabi.
The Hotel
The hotel on Abu Dhabi was fantastic and the staff couldn't do enough to help you. We even had our own private 'beach' and swimming pools.
The Mosque
Having picked up the grand prix tickets from the headquarters of Etihad Airways we decided to take on some of the local culture by visiting the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque. To say this building was spectacular would be an understatement. We did have to cover up to go inside, but other than that we were welcomed to look around and take photos. All of this and not a collection box in sight … beats paying 8 quid to get into St Pauls!
The Formula 1
The layout of the circuit for spectators was a little disappointing. Usually on the Saturday and on Sunday morning we would walk around the circuit and watch the support races and qualifying from a few different places. You couldn't do this at Yas Marina as you could only see the track from the grandstands and you could only get into your own grandstand. Also lacking from the circuit was all the team stands and retail stuff which is always interesting to have a look around.
The Support Races
The race weekend is as much about the support races as the F1 itself and this weekend was no different. We had the Porsche Supercup, the Chevrolet Cup and GP2 Asia to keep us amused whilst the F1 cars were being fettled.
