Prior to this trip to Abu Dhabi, I had never been to a mosque before. Sure, I had seen a few both in the US and in other countries, but, I had never gone as close as I did in the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Boy, was I impressed.

Marc and I had a good full hour touring this mosque inside and out. There were lots of foreign visitors gawking at the entire structure, but, it never felt suffocating unlike the times I visited palaces and museums in Europe.

The visit did not cost us a single penny. Admission was free to the public. We did have to go through security. I had to take all my valuables out of my pockets. The security detail was very kind and patient with all of us.

Soon, we were on our way inside. Of course, we had to take our shoes off to visit the premises. There were racks where we could place them. As soon as we stepped foot inside, it was "Wow!" every turn we took. It was one hot day but it wasn't humid. Thank goodness! There was even some breeze.

I can only thank the Lord Almigthy for all the blessings I have received. I am truly lucky to have traveled to all the countries I've been to and at a hundred at that based on the Traveler's Century List.