tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59350925091360692432024-03-18T07:03:39.498+04:00Arabian Tales and Other Amazing AdventuresDodging retirement in 2010, Katie and Roger Foster took a "leap-of-faith" and moved to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates when Roger accepted a position there. The Arabian adventure would last 4 years. This blog is an account of their expat experiences and travels around the Arabian peninsula and beyond.Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-63898723728952726102017-07-22T19:45:00.000+04:002017-07-22T19:45:38.922+04:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Author Holly Warah's novel is a compelling read. Filled with intricate details of mixed cultural marriages, the novel never fails to intrigue and satisfy the reader. </div>
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<i>Where Jasmin Blooms</i> is a refreshing novel that delicately and adroitly navigates the divide between cultural and religious beliefs and customs of Palestinian Islamists and American Christians. </div>
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Following the joys and challenges of three women from different decades, and two different continents, whose lives are entwined by marriage, the novel enlightens the reader to the joys and frustrations each face. This book was so compelling that I actually read it in one sitting.</div>
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In today's world of clashing cultures, this is a must read for anyone interested in understanding cultural and religious differences. I heartily recommend it for its honest and thoughtful commentary on cross-cultural families. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQJXVIS/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1">Where Jasmin Blooms</a></div>
Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com92tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-43742310493122190152015-03-11T01:43:00.000+04:002015-03-11T01:48:12.990+04:00Deep Deceit . . . a must read thriller!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbscrMCf0Fm-bU8Sc3fc30Ts7XkJMeFASyhcbspKMaCQY-OQhcReSs1lbsFWA2VyyUBAbeNd4dlMc6uPbFmy09BLSNzbfzSAuDCL9SRWYbB2HImSu9SBFtQwJ5gqUxCttcFBz23Pqvm4/s1600/DEEP+DECEIT+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbscrMCf0Fm-bU8Sc3fc30Ts7XkJMeFASyhcbspKMaCQY-OQhcReSs1lbsFWA2VyyUBAbeNd4dlMc6uPbFmy09BLSNzbfzSAuDCL9SRWYbB2HImSu9SBFtQwJ5gqUxCttcFBz23Pqvm4/s1600/DEEP+DECEIT+COVER.jpg" /></a>Living in a foreign country is a lifestyle not for the faint-hearted, even for a professional expat like <b>Deep Deceit’s</b> protagonist Celeste.<br />
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Navigating unfamiliar rules and customs when
things go awry can be heart wrenching. Throw in the mysterious allure of Dubai
and Saudi Arabia and you have a double whammy that makes for an intriguing
thriller. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.globalwritingsolutions.com/Deep_Deceit.html">Anne O’Connell,</a>in her second novel, gets it right. Set in the tumultuous Middle East, the pace quickens and the plot
thickens as Celeste battles an abusive charlatan husband, searches for her
kidnapped 18-year old temperamental daughter and defies death threats from
Saudi nationals while trying to cope with her own fragile mental health. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Not only is this novel an exhilarating “can’t put it down” page-turner, it also is an excellent look into what an expat can expect living in the Middle
East. Woven in this excellent read are the essential elements needed to survive in the unfamiliar world of
a Muslim country.<br />
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This is <u>a must read </u>for anyone who enjoys a real thriller but
also for anyone interested in knowing what it is like for an expat to
live in Dubai and the Middle East. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Deep Deceit</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> is available on <b>Amazon</b> in both <b>Kindle</b> and paperback. In celebration of launch week, it's free to
download on Kindle<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="aqj"><span style="z-index: -1;"><span data-term="goog_67608550" style="z-index: 0;" tabindex="0">March 10th and 11th</span></span></span>!<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://amazon.com/" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>link - <a href="http://amzn.to/1zZrxEU" target="_blank">http://amzn.to/1zZrxEU</a>
and the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://amazon.co.uk/" target="_blank">Amazon.co.uk</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>link - <a href="http://amzn.to/1BXWpXB" target="_blank">http://amzn.to/1BXWpXB</a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Follow Deep Deceit on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/deepdeceit">Facebook. </a></div>
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Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com9Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2048493 55.27078280000000624.2844128 53.9798893 26.1252858 56.561676300000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-15332616083240802002014-03-17T11:02:00.000+04:002014-04-08T07:06:58.992+04:00How to Judge a Camel Beauty Contest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i>Note to readers: This is the final blog of a three part series about
our adventure to the Al Dhafra Camel Festival. </i></b><a href="http://www.arabiantalesandotheramazingadventures.blogspot.com/2014/01/top-10-tips-for-enjoying-dhafra-camel.html#more"><b><i>Top
10 Tips for Enjoying the Al Dhafra Camel Festival</i></b></a><b><i>, </i></b><a href="http://www.arabiantalesandotheramazingadventures.blogspot.com/2014/01/dhafra-camel-festival-camel-bling-bling.html#more"><b><i>Camel
Bling-Bling</i></b></a><b><i> and How to Judge a Camel Beauty Contest</i></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 13.800000190734863px;">An Arabian Asayles Beauty Queen.</span></b></td></tr>
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The first time I heard about a <b>Camel Beauty Contest </b>I laughed. I had no idea these goofy-looking beasts
with the big hump had a lot in common with very valuable majestic thoroughbred
horses. I learned at the camel festival that a camel’s value, performance and
beauty, just like a thoroughbred’s, are determined by their skeletal structure,
the sleekness of their coat and the all-important pedigree. Both can cost an
absolute fortune.</div>
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There is a disparaging saying, “A camel is a horse designed
by a committee” because its parts don’t go together. But, I tell you that after
our forays into camel festival beauty contests, I believe that a camel is
far more complex and has a beauty all-to-its own that can rival a
thoroughbred any day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now that Roger and I are semi-pros on the camel festival
circuit, I think it is time to impart what we’ve learned about judging a camel’s
beauty. I am certain that newly un-employed <b>American Idol</b> judge <a href="http://www.biography.com/people/simon-cowell-10073482"><b>Simon Cowell</b></a> is rolling his eyes
and touting that little “I can’t believe I am hearing this” smirk. But just eat
your heart out Simon, this is way out of your judging league. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">A bevy of Majaheem beauties strike a pose for the camera.</span></b></td></tr>
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First of all, a camel beauty contest is called <b>Al Mazayna.</b> Participating camels in the
UAE are <a href="http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/dromedary-camel/">Arabian
dromedaries</a>, which sport one hump, and come in two colors –<b> Asayels</b> (tan), and <b>Majaheems </b>(brownish-black). The
Majaheems are from <b>Saudi Arabia</b> and the
tan ones are from the rest of the Arabian Peninsula. </div>
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That seems simple enough. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Next, there are the judging points with 100 being the top
score. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Camel festival official (on far right) explains the complexities of judging a camel contest</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></td></tr>
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The head and neck are good for 25 points. Judges are looking
for a large proud head with firm ears. Long wispy whiskers expertly groomed are
key, as well as a shapely nose and plump pouty lips. No Botox needed here. A
long elegant neck is an esteemed asset.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Long wispy whiskers, shapely nose <br />and plump pouty lips are prized.</b></span></td></tr>
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Worth 20 points is the quintessential camel hump. It is
prized when it is large and curvaceous having its length and width
well-proportioned.<br />
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Just for your
information, a camel’s hump does not store water; it stores up to 80 pounds of
fat which can be broken down into water and energy when needed. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZonrO8O6_Pk8o7yOSVOyaqBpEt9BQqP5qkT8TXw8CZ-WYrgbx7vBAjxmeG1pAWCl_1qV69JQvYvDUVOp7sNNmpWVo_sm8WGPwLiqPynHg0jNkmEK5yWGeJyuKIOR9kPqXOX-clm-zZc/s1600/IMG_0408+two+beauties+with+bling+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZonrO8O6_Pk8o7yOSVOyaqBpEt9BQqP5qkT8TXw8CZ-WYrgbx7vBAjxmeG1pAWCl_1qV69JQvYvDUVOp7sNNmpWVo_sm8WGPwLiqPynHg0jNkmEK5yWGeJyuKIOR9kPqXOX-clm-zZc/s1600/IMG_0408+two+beauties+with+bling+resized.jpg" height="351" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>A pair of Asayels glamour girls are “blinged” and ready to strut their stuff</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></td></tr>
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A well-structured front end – neck shoulder and front feet –
is worth 15 points. A beautiful camel will have a prominent neck wide against
its strong shoulders and stand tall on its large stately footpads rising to
more than seven feet. A camel with slender
but muscular straight hind legs can garner up to 10 points. Strangely in a
society where by tradition the men and women do not socialize together, in camel beauty
contests the male and female compete against each other. But, female beauty
contestants are more prevalent than males as they are larger.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlQ9sfgYZd7oKVew47XYEP04qZbY6Gez_OCC0Emmk_HCKWQsWpqgCBClJsWWT3hRJIgdEk-3LMhP2Pe1S9NjeFoi20K43I5L4RP84jAWtlSAyUaTNeASsvlQNkLCsfXl9Pfh7ZH1u_qo/s1600/IMG_0443+camel+bling+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlQ9sfgYZd7oKVew47XYEP04qZbY6Gez_OCC0Emmk_HCKWQsWpqgCBClJsWWT3hRJIgdEk-3LMhP2Pe1S9NjeFoi20K43I5L4RP84jAWtlSAyUaTNeASsvlQNkLCsfXl9Pfh7ZH1u_qo/s1600/IMG_0443+camel+bling+resized.jpg" height="253" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Like beauty contestants all over the world, <br />these rivals jockey for position in front of the cameras showing off their hatat.</b></span></td></tr>
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The general shape and fitness of the camel is the final
category good for 30 points. The camel’s overall health and fitness rate high, the
width of the toe parting matters and the silkiness and shine of the coat are
all point getters. What the camel is wearing, the loveliness of its hatat – the
hump and neck adornments - is a way for the breeder to make his own statement. <a href="http://www.arabiantalesandotheramazingadventures.blogspot.com/2014/01/dhafra-camel-festival-camel-bling-bling.html#more"><b>Camel Bling-Bling</b></a> is all important.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>The classic beauty of these Majaheems surely makes them winners.</b></span></td></tr>
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So with a 100 point potential score, how many points does it
take to win? One of the December 2013 winners captured 96 points to win that
competitive lap. Darn near perfect. She/he must have been a “hot-dish!” </div>
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Judging is serious. The Judges are camel experts hand-picked
by the authorities and sequestered for the duration of the festival. Millions
of dirhams are at stake here so the judges must be most trustworthy. Each must take a public oath of honesty<b>. </b>While the actual judging is going on,
breeders are banned from the arena to insure that the judging is on the
up-and-up. They only come back for the announcement of the winners. The breeders of the top 10 finalists in each
category must swear on a Quran to the age of thier camel. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>OK, now it’s going to
get a little crazy. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQOuOcwvrNIyC988myWDXsfgvGViXtgOiNROzfYC7XgPFzjRyUFRL06zkxdU9Pe6Zk1PSyhU53jFystFBeqh80_6O5ySTIcetoRM_yrqRzASJr0_zFpX6uRJJUgj-iRmyfzll8XU8uHo/s1600/IMG_0444+group+resizede.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQOuOcwvrNIyC988myWDXsfgvGViXtgOiNROzfYC7XgPFzjRyUFRL06zkxdU9Pe6Zk1PSyhU53jFystFBeqh80_6O5ySTIcetoRM_yrqRzASJr0_zFpX6uRJJUgj-iRmyfzll8XU8uHo/s1600/IMG_0444+group+resizede.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Contestants for "The Most Beautiful Herd."</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoCaption" style="text-align: left;">
There are a total of 70 competitive laps, or brackets, at
the Al Dhafra Mazayna from which “the most beautiful are selected according to
the highest known authentic standards that guarantee an unrivalled beauty.” “Competitive laps” are what each of the
judging categories are called.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The competitions are divided by breed and age; Sheikhs have
their own laps and some laps where others can compete against them; some laps
are reserved for tribes; and there are separate laps for locally owned camels. The
Asayels and the Majaheems, who do not compete against each other, each have
their own set of competitive laps. There is also a field for “The Most
Beautiful Herd” -25, 35 and 50 camels-strong all owned by the same breeder. In
2013, the number of winning camels in all positions and categories was whopping
200. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsXgUlax7KSHSfOnBANOuXiW1BM0gpPBItYEDyQ6usQeWotAjyzd1OCa9N1I8r14Q0mGx7Fdyzzg7LqomA6arCQl1wXpuwA6LnZJUwmK-YqlHXAaOxNIps7cnp9DUy_Trr5CG8Qojzrs/s1600/IMG_0389+SUV+prizes+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsXgUlax7KSHSfOnBANOuXiW1BM0gpPBItYEDyQ6usQeWotAjyzd1OCa9N1I8r14Q0mGx7Fdyzzg7LqomA6arCQl1wXpuwA6LnZJUwmK-YqlHXAaOxNIps7cnp9DUy_Trr5CG8Qojzrs/s1600/IMG_0389+SUV+prizes+resized.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Line-up of SUVs. One of the prizes to be awarded to winning breeders.</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The day of competition begins very early with the morning’s contestants
gathering in the judging pens in front of the grandstand flanked on the right
by the 198 SUVs which are part of the prizes awarded to the winners. Judges
enter each owner’s pen to examine the dromedaries in this contest. Then each competitor is paraded in front of
the grandstand to the raucous cheers of its supporters. The winning camels are
proudly escorted by their breeders and his friends in a madcap parade down <b>Million Street </b><a href="http://www.arabiantalesandotheramazingadventures.blogspot.com/2014/01/top-10-tips-for-enjoying-dhafra-camel.html#more">(see
#10 of my Top 10 Tips for the Al Dahfra Camel Festival) .</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
In case you are wondering, it was 21 years ago that <b>Ramos Salih</b>, a Bedu grandfather,
founded and eventually codified camel beauty contests to settle a family
rivalry with his father-in-law as to who had the most beautiful camel. Today,
the Al Dhafra Camel Festival draws more than 25,000 camels to compete and
awards 45 million dirhams ($12,261,580) in prizes. Competitors come from the <b>UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman,
Jordan </b>and<b> Yemen.</b> Many travel by
foot over the desert in caravans. It takes one month for a Saudi Arabian camel caravan to make it to the festival.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKcaxZ8mE9BvOrBhncpLyN-_gUuExlztIP038P0y3owzOHryp2njqd2Nyn_FW9ukPCA6vv3fKMPvuAH6UnBvxm8edtLoUV34w2Sq0-vcA5xssI1vPKnq1GgFEsLUoWu2H_6NvYgLOMWU/s1600/IMG_0435+RKF+with+%252310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKcaxZ8mE9BvOrBhncpLyN-_gUuExlztIP038P0y3owzOHryp2njqd2Nyn_FW9ukPCA6vv3fKMPvuAH6UnBvxm8edtLoUV34w2Sq0-vcA5xssI1vPKnq1GgFEsLUoWu2H_6NvYgLOMWU/s1600/IMG_0435+RKF+with+%252310.jpg" height="577" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Two sexy beauties. I vote for the one in blue!</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoCaption" style="text-align: left;">
Roger and I highly recommend a trek to a camel festival. I
know of only two in the UAE. The <a href="http://www.aldhafrafestival.ae/?Lang=EN">Al Dhafra</a> Camel Festival
that happens the last two weeks of December and the <b>Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed al-Nahyan Camel Festival </b>held at the <b>Sweihan</b> racecourse in <b>Al-Ain</b> on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi
held in February. Check out the postscript.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
There is a real art to enjoying a camel festival. Before you
go to any camel festival you really should read my <a href="http://www.arabiantalesandotheramazingadventures.blogspot.com/2014/01/top-10-tips-for-enjoying-dhafra-camel.html#more"><b>Top 10 Tips for Enjoying the Al Dhafra
Camel Festival. </b></a> </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Here is a great video on the Al Dhafra Camel Beauty contest
from Gulf News:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=410ie8zbOm0">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=410ie8zbOm0</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><b>Photo
Gallery . . . <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcALW3LhwxmZs8WfKunv0RzJvh9Yok0yJYtengKltCEe2tC7ObdDxp-Wm6-OpdGo4Hyf4c5-ecKY3oHRpRjcvQClw_QQipJpd6C_XtjRJuxxHB-xBiHr_rX5DOakHcSuAnM17GNaIrE44/s1600/IMG_0394+instructions+to+grandstand+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcALW3LhwxmZs8WfKunv0RzJvh9Yok0yJYtengKltCEe2tC7ObdDxp-Wm6-OpdGo4Hyf4c5-ecKY3oHRpRjcvQClw_QQipJpd6C_XtjRJuxxHB-xBiHr_rX5DOakHcSuAnM17GNaIrE44/s1600/IMG_0394+instructions+to+grandstand+resized.jpg" height="560" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Contest official explains the intricacies of judging a camel beauty contest T</span></b></span><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">o the spectators. </span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEgnZitkA1nw8sTCP1vcO9gXL9kDsMP-0h_UGU0yxTkAv1yTqQPjE92vvGiwxse0xIeCBh_adOW6L3v1muwLKSewh0LFJuoPouRE9lnk11nLdlZkugrKhs3bvB9zqL_mZotfl23PLgCI/s1600/IMG_0403+the+grandstand+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEgnZitkA1nw8sTCP1vcO9gXL9kDsMP-0h_UGU0yxTkAv1yTqQPjE92vvGiwxse0xIeCBh_adOW6L3v1muwLKSewh0LFJuoPouRE9lnk11nLdlZkugrKhs3bvB9zqL_mZotfl23PLgCI/s1600/IMG_0403+the+grandstand+resized.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Spectators relax in the bejeweled grandstand between the judging of the competitive laps.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoK2NECVKh4J1ENwxhPkI-icHk29kO5eV4pHgFxfMF0DdNzFd8P0t-x4grVWmoVS_WFnMpGWMD4T2AG2rk9Zj8WtIiajNGcyL8L6Z3INibSyyHIcktlxiu_V8ztjnQqYDBueG-oqSe0V4/s1600/IMG_0405+prizes+cropped+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoK2NECVKh4J1ENwxhPkI-icHk29kO5eV4pHgFxfMF0DdNzFd8P0t-x4grVWmoVS_WFnMpGWMD4T2AG2rk9Zj8WtIiajNGcyL8L6Z3INibSyyHIcktlxiu_V8ztjnQqYDBueG-oqSe0V4/s1600/IMG_0405+prizes+cropped+resized.jpg" height="505" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Prizes include cash, a gold trophy and keys to 198 SUVs.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIXEmixEFkI26t2wv9O6k5krILjl3igsABKU32PXDJsU9GXha1O7C9aCioUadL_DIl5Y7lKFj3XYby56PPIJfSpXlqFcPh5jWPrmiFZyMqwQdUgfjhRvgkdozEZQHMG3nldJ8rvDWFho/s1600/IMG_0406+camel+tuckered+out+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIXEmixEFkI26t2wv9O6k5krILjl3igsABKU32PXDJsU9GXha1O7C9aCioUadL_DIl5Y7lKFj3XYby56PPIJfSpXlqFcPh5jWPrmiFZyMqwQdUgfjhRvgkdozEZQHMG3nldJ8rvDWFho/s1600/IMG_0406+camel+tuckered+out+resized.jpg" height="379" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sometimes a “Beauty Queen” just has to rest her gorgeous legs.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5vE-gq9qmN82oRr6ZtwPAaOKW4YPsXGgt9GVuUBZybcfHVRDXsidUyHHhCxZK5JqhrxjrslSLga5TGAX7tw58AfI9JP-s5gjm70Htk-wnH8Oyqxbguy52T9LvvQU_TDL07mehZx8Iz0/s1600/IMG_0422+camels+bling+cropped+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5vE-gq9qmN82oRr6ZtwPAaOKW4YPsXGgt9GVuUBZybcfHVRDXsidUyHHhCxZK5JqhrxjrslSLga5TGAX7tw58AfI9JP-s5gjm70Htk-wnH8Oyqxbguy52T9LvvQU_TDL07mehZx8Iz0/s1600/IMG_0422+camels+bling+cropped+resized.jpg" height="396" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Camel Bling-Bling.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-CHkLptF-6NlAkmNbKYrZhq8aDGGvO-q1rvIhv4ykaFn8b-clj3dUkNfZtCU5aJ0Q7G6jtJSL1mjkSUIEeAVo8P0S_N8q5MhDFDgzzzIP30taPMjD7hLESXIo6tlJH42_nhM_x7P2UY/s1600/IMG_0424+RKF+pouty+lips+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-CHkLptF-6NlAkmNbKYrZhq8aDGGvO-q1rvIhv4ykaFn8b-clj3dUkNfZtCU5aJ0Q7G6jtJSL1mjkSUIEeAVo8P0S_N8q5MhDFDgzzzIP30taPMjD7hLESXIo6tlJH42_nhM_x7P2UY/s1600/IMG_0424+RKF+pouty+lips+resized.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Roger checks out a pouty- lipped belle.</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><i>Postscript . . .</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoCaption">
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b>Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed al-Nahyan Sweihan Camel Festival .</b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gbAKWoCm9VdKWnl2ueMeiLlvNymE8Y_-NdQqVdfVZ1wZN4PqnRX4DBk-pST24N_IifSCEuhAQCzDnvjQJOUKUVdwRRWgWb3vo4X-Fqx6YpC7uZBbMBy-O-nzolpY40apxFubaYzSNFw/s1600/IMG_4091+w%252C+Y%252C+J+with+camel+cropped+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gbAKWoCm9VdKWnl2ueMeiLlvNymE8Y_-NdQqVdfVZ1wZN4PqnRX4DBk-pST24N_IifSCEuhAQCzDnvjQJOUKUVdwRRWgWb3vo4X-Fqx6YpC7uZBbMBy-O-nzolpY40apxFubaYzSNFw/s1600/IMG_4091+w%252C+Y%252C+J+with+camel+cropped+resized.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Wendy, Yvonne and Jani get <br />up-close-and-personal with a racing camel.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The
2012 Al Dhafra Camel Festival was the
first camel festival Roger and I attended. When friends heard me raving about it they decided that a
camel festival would be a great girl-friend day outing. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So early one morning, fortified with a picnic
lunch <b>Wendy Mervin, Robin Loving, Jani
Diedam</b> and <b>Yvonne Townsend</b> and I
headed to the Camel Festival in Sweihan. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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To show us around, Yvonne made
arrangements with <b>Mohamed Saad Maarout</b>
from the <b>Emirates Heritage Club.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdgHYDWFqTVJCC8uHQFQzaPHB3th3oo8TTXBfINEjtcKUXpruLBBYNRE0mJvLpxm2E5bhJjfuF0adJf-sGsjok6LxwUhcci_wZq-Ycrhyphenhyphen9N7i5VaX_Tbs-S05KHgfqoEehkLzw3RAhoQ/s1600/IMG_4261+KGF+with+winner%2527s+owner+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdgHYDWFqTVJCC8uHQFQzaPHB3th3oo8TTXBfINEjtcKUXpruLBBYNRE0mJvLpxm2E5bhJjfuF0adJf-sGsjok6LxwUhcci_wZq-Ycrhyphenhyphen9N7i5VaX_Tbs-S05KHgfqoEehkLzw3RAhoQ/s1600/IMG_4261+KGF+with+winner%2527s+owner+resized.jpg" height="601" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Katie congratulates the owner and winning camel.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In the course of that day we saw the judging of a
competitive lap, shook hands with <b>Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan</b>, listened to a young Emirati
serenade the Sheikh with his <a href="http://www.sheikhmohammed.com/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=9bd838e26c894310VgnVCM1000004d64a8c0RCRD">Nabati
Poetry</a>, was entertained by an energetic elderly Bedouin who danced for us, learned how to load a camel into a lorry and I bought an antique oud at the festival's market.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2REVLAAuERLla-_h1nVbr7Skm-Y5qxa5Ajx1hADmgnz_5bzTmjwLi4ZrAqSGlUKY2j8681_IAbO3deNUvRY-KKUrJdM5avFWUClAwcVZBEgHi_VrPaplh7PWt1PVBS_MaOm-iQGAFepU/s1600/IMG_4234+cropped+elderly+singer+dancer+resized.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2REVLAAuERLla-_h1nVbr7Skm-Y5qxa5Ajx1hADmgnz_5bzTmjwLi4ZrAqSGlUKY2j8681_IAbO3deNUvRY-KKUrJdM5avFWUClAwcVZBEgHi_VrPaplh7PWt1PVBS_MaOm-iQGAFepU/s1600/IMG_4234+cropped+elderly+singer+dancer+resized.png" height="640" width="536" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This is the talented dancer <br />who entertained us with a spontaneous performance</b>. </td></tr>
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We topped it all off with a picnic lunch in a deserted grandstand and just could not resist having our pictures taken with the Sheikhs!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Katie, Yvonne, Jani, Robin, Wendy and The Sheikhs!</b></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomes Katie to the festival.</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></td></tr>
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Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-91102502231503357722014-02-11T14:20:00.004+04:002014-02-11T18:58:10.950+04:00A TUFF Adventure in the UAE with 900 teenagers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The cavernous hall is set to accommodate 900. The band puts
finishing touches on a few songs. Volunteers
struggle to hang banners on the stage. A group of helpers hustle to fill 900 “goody”
bags. Performers focus inwardly, preparing for the show.<br />
<br />
Outside, buses continuously arrive disgorging their boisterous teenage passengers into the courtyard. This mass of adolescent humanity steal clandestine measures of each other as they move into the hall and jockey for front row seats. The noise level is close to ear-splitting. Roger and I sit in the audience stunned by the scene unfolding around us.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">NET Team Band
members (l. to r.) Emily, Laura, Becca and Mario<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">are cheered on
by Mickenzie.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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A music concert about to begin you may think? </div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
“We are chaperoning
this group for the weekend?” Roger asks incredulously. All I can muster is a
catatonic nod. </div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext;"><b>NET Team MCs Mike and Sara.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The MCs walk out onto the stage and finally the crowd goes
quiet in anticipation.<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
No, this is not a rock concert but a retreat for Catholic
teenagers from around the <b><a href="http://www.emirates.org/">United ArabEmirates (UAE).</a></b> We are at <b>St.
Anthony of Padua </b>church in<b> Ras Al
Khaimah</b>, chaperoning a youth retreat organized by the <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ccsarabia">Vicariate of Southern Arabia</a> </b>(comprised of the UAE, Yemen and Oman).
The theme of the retreat is <b>TUFF </b>–
Teens United For Faith.</div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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In addition to chaperoning, I am asked to write an article about the event and take photographs during the weekend. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="color: windowtext;"><b>Teenagers arriving at St. Anthony of Padua.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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When one thinks of the UAE, an Arab country in the Middle
East, one thinks of Muslims and the <b><a href="http://www.islam101.com/faith/">Islamic</a></b> faith. But with the UAE’s immense
expatriate population, the <b><a href="http://www.patheos.com/Library/Roman-Catholicism.html">RomanCatholic Church</a></b> has a huge congregation of devout worshipers. Thanks to the
benevolence and spirit of tolerance embraced by the rulers of the UAE,
Christians are permitted to hold services in their churches and minister to
their members.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">NET Ireland
Traveling Team - front l. to r. Kat, Sasha, Emily, Bev. Laura </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">- back l. to r. Mario, Mikenzie, Levi,
Michael, Justin.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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This high-energy retreat is led by the <b><a href="http://www.netministries.ie/">National Evangelization Team (NET) Ireland</a></b>, a group of 10 enthusiastic
young adults trained to bring the message of Christ’s love to Catholic youth. The
Team is in the UAE for two weeks conducting youth rallies and “Encounter Hours”
in six of the seven parishes. They also train 65 young adults (ages 18-30) from
across the UAE in a new approach to youth ministry – peer to peer vs. teacher
to student.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Bev gives
testimony to the difference<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Jesus' love
made in her life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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"One rally we led had 350 primary school children from
the Catechism classes singing at the top of their lungs with passion and love
for Jesus! They were more excited to be at Mass than Canadians would be at a
hockey game.” noted NET Team member Bev.
<o:p></o:p><br />
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The 10-member NET Ireland Team visiting the UAE includes
young adults from <b>Ireland, Canada</b>
and the <b>USA</b>. Each commits a year to do
this missionary work. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Roger and I are the host family for two young women on the NET
team, <b>Mickenzie</b> and <b>Laura.</b> We come to admire their dedication and prayerful
commitment to this traveling ministry.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You may ask how does a group of young Catholic missionaries
find their way to the Muslim country of UAE? <o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"><b>NET Team members with (left 2<sup>nd</sup> row) Mariya
Flynn<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"><b>and (front row) her brother Joseph and sister Elizabeth.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The answer is the persistence of 14-year old <b>Mariya Miles Flynn, </b>who encounters NET
Team in Ireland at the <b><a href="http://www.iec2012.ie/">2012 EucharisticCongress</a>. </b>It is Mariya’s enthusiasm that persuades <b><a href="http://www.stjosephsabudhabi.org/bishop-s-office/">Bishop Paul Hinder</a></b>, <b>Vicar</b>
<b>Apostolic of Southern Arabia</b>, to
invite NET Ireland to the UAE to conduct the youth retreat. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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“In Ireland I met members of NET. They explained their
missionary work and it really appealed to me because it was so natural and
comfortable – not threatening at all. I thought right away that the kids in the
UAE would really get this,” she explains.
<o:p></o:p><br />
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On Friday afternoon at 5pm the retreat begins. Upon
entering the hall, Bishop Hinder receives thundering applause and cheers from
the gathered teens.<o:p></o:p><br />
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“The kids are acting like he is a rock star.” Roger exclaims.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="color: windowtext;"><b>Bishop Hinder with NET Team and retreat attendees.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The Bishop affectionately welcomes the audience and presents
them with a challenge.<br />
<br />
“I have bestowed the sacrament of <b><a href="http://www.catholic.org/clife/prayers/sacrament.php?id=3">Confirmation</a></b> on most of
you in this room. This means you are now with the Lord. What are you going to
do with this gift?”<br />
<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Roger and I are impressed with the Bishop’s enthusiasm. Not
only does he attend the entire retreat, he eschews the VIP chair provided for
him in the front row and sits among the kids in the audience. His bright pink zucchetto
(cap) beams like a beacon in the midst of the dark-haired teens. Judging by the
way the teenagers swarm around the Bishop, his presence is much appreciated. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bishop Hinder's pink zuchetto beams like a
beacon among the dark-haired teens.</span></b></td></tr>
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<br />
“When I sit in the front I always feel segregated. The whole
crowd is at my back. By sitting in the audience I get to experience a little
bit of how it is with them. By being closer to them, I invite them to approach
me without fear.” explains the Bishop.<br />
<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Bishop eagerly joins in the singing and clapping,
although he is a bit reticent with the dancing. We think he is having as much
fun as the teenagers. <br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUaT5GgSu0ZIYiSCV1E2KwEYA0WJCGmJpuvC1C2vjKvgP983oQ_cFkJOizkfEGJmwMHRfkZI3aTbaJ_tinGe8MgSBGegROFxQfGjVLaVPzWjJ00N-5nTVHPPGlNecP1Jo-aedc_Htqsw/s1600/IMG_4490+drama+cropped+colored+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUaT5GgSu0ZIYiSCV1E2KwEYA0WJCGmJpuvC1C2vjKvgP983oQ_cFkJOizkfEGJmwMHRfkZI3aTbaJ_tinGe8MgSBGegROFxQfGjVLaVPzWjJ00N-5nTVHPPGlNecP1Jo-aedc_Htqsw/s1600/IMG_4490+drama+cropped+colored+resized.jpg" height="264" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">NET Team‘s
drama performance<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">l. to r.
Laura, Justin, Sasha, Levi and Mario.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This dynamic retreat is a well-paced program that builds in
intensity with each encounter. Simple but poignant dramas on topics such as God’s
forgiveness, looking for love in all the wrong places and accepting God’s plan
all entertain the youth; personal testimonies from NET Team members as to the
difference Jesus made in their lives are inspirational; small group discussions
led by local young adults leaders allow for meaningful open discussions; the
rockin’ songs keep the energy level high. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the most awesome aspect is the prayerfulness of the NET
Team that the retreat teens seem to absorb by osmosis. By Saturday morning’s
session, Roger and I both sense a shift in the <b><o:p></o:p></b>crowds’ demeanor. They are deeply attentive, more focused and respectful while still having a great time. The concluding Mass celebrated by the Bishop is a devout ending to an inspired weekend.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xPDejgLUpOMHb-754Zamn8Q95LAYVoe_MufiCGEWRmZDm11Jr4Rva6wnDcIIVGsFGp5mV0otV5df6gi3RfasjJ9_K5uGxeTlLIB0m1957GUZeByYtumBvVo3S3J8yucGDBMFEhwv2ik/s1600/IMG_5024+MASS+RESIZED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xPDejgLUpOMHb-754Zamn8Q95LAYVoe_MufiCGEWRmZDm11Jr4Rva6wnDcIIVGsFGp5mV0otV5df6gi3RfasjJ9_K5uGxeTlLIB0m1957GUZeByYtumBvVo3S3J8yucGDBMFEhwv2ik/s1600/IMG_5024+MASS+RESIZED.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Bishop Hinder
celebrated the Mass for the teens<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">at the end of
the retreat.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqKKOKsR2UTfldLyyuX9idFkY301m3bUghQ7WQg-x_icXPycWSucqsh-FEp2EYEAOH_QHMzyL4ZmWfPFoEoFRoC92uuPfxIZoTAUkC6lm5B-BAG1he7Tdo9TGduuY2ksVnBg9f0WNIm8/s1600/IMG_4705+Thomas+and+Kevin+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqKKOKsR2UTfldLyyuX9idFkY301m3bUghQ7WQg-x_icXPycWSucqsh-FEp2EYEAOH_QHMzyL4ZmWfPFoEoFRoC92uuPfxIZoTAUkC6lm5B-BAG1he7Tdo9TGduuY2ksVnBg9f0WNIm8/s1600/IMG_4705+Thomas+and+Kevin+resized.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: windowtext;"><b>Thomas and Kevin <br />from St. Michael's in Sharjah.</b></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoCaption">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Thomas</b>, age 14,
from <b><a href="http://www.stmichaelssharjah.org/">St. Michael’s</a></b> in <b>Sharjah</b> says, “This is the best retreat
ever. I like the dramas the best. This is an experience I will not
forget.” His friend <b>Kevin</b> decided to come to the retreat after experiencing the NET Team’s
rally at his school. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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The highlight of the retreat is a panel discussion. The
panel is comprised of<b> Bishop Hinder</b>,
NET Team members <b>Mickenzie</b> and <b>Levi</b>, <b>Monsignor Francis Jameson </b>with the Vicariate of Southern Arabia, <b>Thushara Zachariasa</b> who ministers to
youth in St. Francis in Jebel Ali, <b>Sister
Elizabeth Fernandez</b> a pastoral minister at St. Michaels’s in Sharjah, <b>Ariel </b>and<b> Christina Atabug</b> volunteer Catechists at St. Josephs’ in Abu Dhabi,
and panel MC <b>Pervis De Souza</b>
Catechist and coordinator of Children’s Liturgy of the Word at St. Joseph’s. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqXN7QYCKlHCcsC4ZeyKXlPC74KEXfDER8wISCxCWRg8lUtUAyocSpqKiV1epnHjZc8NPcJxoJTAQvvwjmLx69nBR-OxURFhCX2MidSnbRQEdrrJEhtTJKs5TrMUxqiCj5wUrXZdMBdM/s1600/IMG_4756+panel+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqXN7QYCKlHCcsC4ZeyKXlPC74KEXfDER8wISCxCWRg8lUtUAyocSpqKiV1epnHjZc8NPcJxoJTAQvvwjmLx69nBR-OxURFhCX2MidSnbRQEdrrJEhtTJKs5TrMUxqiCj5wUrXZdMBdM/s1600/IMG_4756+panel+resized.jpg" height="211" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Panel l. to
r. Monsignor Francis, Thurshara Zacharias, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Sister
Elizabeth Fernandez, Bishop Hinder, Ariel and Christina Arabug <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">and NET Team
members Mickenzie and Levi.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The panel challenges the audience to submit <u>any</u>
questions they want. The teens rise the occasion and approach the stage placing their written questions in the “question” box.<br />
<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Subjects range from fearing the Lord, to managing peer
pressure, to handling difficult relationships with parents, to confession and
sexuality. All are answered straightforwardly. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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“For me the key moment of the weekend was the panel
discussion. It was from the youth’s reaction to certain questions that I knew
they were really listening and they realized that I understood their concerns.”
said Bishop Hinder. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8waQ7Xky4UZe3wa7IB0feuYtwePwCX2JEcNd0aZ00hcG-D8U5tb4dGg78EBhvYp2ikyUVunJE_2drDpwLCsN-vZzGnazXdWjvH3njck-xDmLhYHmSZo2JHNDkV-Pg2j48iUguC6-GL2o/s1600/IMG_4153+justin+boys+colored+cropped+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8waQ7Xky4UZe3wa7IB0feuYtwePwCX2JEcNd0aZ00hcG-D8U5tb4dGg78EBhvYp2ikyUVunJE_2drDpwLCsN-vZzGnazXdWjvH3njck-xDmLhYHmSZo2JHNDkV-Pg2j48iUguC6-GL2o/s1600/IMG_4153+justin+boys+colored+cropped+resized.jpg" height="323" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">NET Team
member Justin (center back row) with</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">some of the
boys at the TUFF retreat.</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To conclude, the NET Team challenges the teens to look
deep into their hearts to find out what God wants them to do with their lives.
To keep the retreat energy alive, NET TEAM offers four tools:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
1) through prayer, have
conversations with God to deepen your relationship; <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
2) frequently receive the
sacraments of the <b><a href="http://www.americancatholic.org/features/special/default.aspx?id=36">Eucharist</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.catholic.com/tracts/confession">Confession</a></b> to wipe away distractions that keep
you from God;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
3) surround yourself with
friends who also want to deepen their relationship with God and,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
4) follow Jesus’ example of
service to others through simple acts of kindness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
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The chaperoning mission becomes a breeze for Roger and I as
soon as we find out that our assignment is to chaperone the teens during the actual
retreat which <u>does not include</u> monitoring the boys and girls throughout
the night. Whew! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYckc7Y_BB0ZETuAP_hLdJiug54rtjgOtAFgAdHiUDLHLUAdO4MI8Lkteg0WqW2PHByb_9YTCSjXjgO47EXQoSX3gaMS5UgJYhVMm4TdhWDiJiSL-sdTDsMeQi7bBT0ialSv0kXEdvCss/s1600/IMG_4943+praying+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYckc7Y_BB0ZETuAP_hLdJiug54rtjgOtAFgAdHiUDLHLUAdO4MI8Lkteg0WqW2PHByb_9YTCSjXjgO47EXQoSX3gaMS5UgJYhVMm4TdhWDiJiSL-sdTDsMeQi7bBT0ialSv0kXEdvCss/s1600/IMG_4943+praying+resized.jpg" height="205" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoCaption">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><b>Retreat attendees at prayer.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</tbody></table>
Roger sums up our weekend so well, “It’s remarkable that 900
teenagers willingly travel long distances and happily give up their weekend to
listen to young adults talk about developing a better relationship with
God. This is my first experience
attending a religious retreat . . . it
will be hard to top!” <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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Indeed, the NET Team succeeds in the impossible task of
capturing the attention and energy of 900 teenagers for two days. I believe
this based on the prayerful attitude of the teenagers and the long lines to go
to confession. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
And what did NET Team think of the UAE experience?<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAdhyphenhyphenQiYzDnkyknrITqnx52QqE9-0Crmw0E6cbkZn8w7OjbKelpqWpmUQenJRQK_-6VqGGGY9C5pKhOck30p9rMNzOcqU5rfHJBEBo1hjcDHk_ZCuRNenSxu5xMMiD1s9rBUIgOGnGnQ/s1600/IMG_4149+Levi+boys+colored+cropped+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAdhyphenhyphenQiYzDnkyknrITqnx52QqE9-0Crmw0E6cbkZn8w7OjbKelpqWpmUQenJRQK_-6VqGGGY9C5pKhOck30p9rMNzOcqU5rfHJBEBo1hjcDHk_ZCuRNenSxu5xMMiD1s9rBUIgOGnGnQ/s1600/IMG_4149+Levi+boys+colored+cropped+resized.jpg" height="278" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: windowtext;">NET Team member Levi with retreat participants.</span></b><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoCaption">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
NET Team members <b>Levi, Emily</b> and<b> Laura</b> agreed that, “We were expecting the Catholic community to be repressed, limited
or not allowed to express their faith. What our Team learned is that the Catholic
Church is much more alive and vibrant in the UAE than in many places around the
world. “ <o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Alleluia . . . Alleluia . . . Alleluia</span><o:p></o:p></i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Postscript . . . .<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYn25zjOVHQAry8he73JwKyxcjxq8QrLKgx8lPf4elTut40DAszobEjfj1dVPVoTZNy-WhXsbrjwWQR6l2oXiI9t5KaauO8shOnhyphenhyphenkHCrp9M-dRPuqD17E-cs0cUeHEBnuQoew_t1Z3zw/s1600/IMG_3947+group+courtyard+colored+cropped+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYn25zjOVHQAry8he73JwKyxcjxq8QrLKgx8lPf4elTut40DAszobEjfj1dVPVoTZNy-WhXsbrjwWQR6l2oXiI9t5KaauO8shOnhyphenhyphenkHCrp9M-dRPuqD17E-cs0cUeHEBnuQoew_t1Z3zw/s1600/IMG_3947+group+courtyard+colored+cropped+resized.jpg" height="435" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">NET Ireland Traveling
Team members visit the</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Sheikh Zayed
Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><i><a href="http://www.netministries.ie/">NET Ireland</a></i></b><i><a href="http://www.netministries.ie/"> </a>. . . every
year young people apply to become NET Ireland Team members. They commit a year
to the ministry of bringing Christ to the youth of Ireland. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>In a year’s time
they reach over 10,000 youth. During 2013-14, NET Ireland is operating three NET
Teams in Ireland and two in <b>Scotland.</b> </i><i>One of the Irish teams is a traveling team which came to the UAE.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>NET Ireland has
sister organizations in <b><a href="http://www.netusa.org/">NET USA</a>, <a href="http://www.netcanada.ca/">NETCanada</a>, <a href="http://netministries.com.au/blog/welcome-net-ministries-australia-website">NET Australia</a></b>, and <a href="http://www.netministries.com.au/net-ministries-uganda"><b>NET Uganda</b>. </a></i></div>
</div>
Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-25402129087700397762014-01-27T15:03:00.002+04:002014-03-17T11:03:32.948+04:00Dhafra Camel Festival - CAMEL BLING-BLING<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>Note to readers: This is part one of a three part series about our adventure to the <b>Al Dhafra Camel Festival. <a href="http://www.arabiantalesandotheramazingadventures.blogspot.com/2014/01/top-10-tips-for-enjoying-dhafra-camel.html#more">Top 10 Tips for Enjoying the Al Dhafra Camel Festival</a>, </b><b>Camel Bling-Bling</b> and <a href="http://arabiantalesandotheramazingadventures.blogspot.com/2014/03/how-to-judge-camel-beauty-contest.html#more"><b>How to Judge a Camel Beauty Contest</b>. </a></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVfbjCSeDpCcUvHIDh-PxRsrLQwOJEg0vsmbOhYKUxoJ_y687YJD0ETqDa0cleLkldhUaTpvMNNV8leQPyEr4tJ2vuebjn3qiBVuqTwlUPgxJHofJnUqAuw9nXPXrlcFahGoWP20BDqs/s1600/IMG_0443+camel+bling+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVfbjCSeDpCcUvHIDh-PxRsrLQwOJEg0vsmbOhYKUxoJ_y687YJD0ETqDa0cleLkldhUaTpvMNNV8leQPyEr4tJ2vuebjn3qiBVuqTwlUPgxJHofJnUqAuw9nXPXrlcFahGoWP20BDqs/s1600/IMG_0443+camel+bling+resized.jpg" height="253" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoCaption">
<b><span style="color: windowtext;">Prized camel beauty contestants showing off their
bling-bling</span>.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In all beauty pageants what one wears is most important. Beauty
contestants usually get decked out in flowing evening gowns and skimpy swim suits. But camel
beauty contestant dress in dazzling bling-bling called <b>hatat. </b>The hatat is artfully draped over the hump and around the
neck and face like precious jewels. Actually, some are jewelry as they are made
with real gold and semi-precious stones<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Roger and I are at the <b>A<a href="http://www.aldhafrafestival.ae/?Lang=EN">l Dhafra Camel Festival</a></b> located just
passed <b><a href="http://www.algharbia.ae/contents.php?pageid=20">Madinat Zayed</a></b> in the desert off <b><a href="http://visitabudhabi.ae/en/default.aspx">Abu Dhabi Island</a></b>. Among the many events
at this two-week long celebration are camel beauty contests. It is astounding
that more than 25,000 camels come from neighboring Gulf countries to compete. And
it is even more astounding that in the offering is AED 66,000,000+ ($1,798,365)
in prizes for the various contests held during the festival. All this is
enticing, but I am most intrigued with the camel bling-bling – a huge business
here. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Vendors set up their own compound next to the festival’s traditional
souq to sell their dazzling creations. Roger and I are fortunate to find <b>Umm
Khalid</b> known in <b>Saudi Arabia</b> as<b> “Queen of the Bling-Bling.” </b>She was the first
to use real gold and semi-precious stones. I have been dying to meet her ever
since I read an article about her last year in <a href="http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/umm-khalid-the-camel-bling-queen-at-uaes-al-dhafra-festival">The
National.</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p> </o:p> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMgYLS1FLgkBavinJ4uBS7QJ8oezy4o6jzc5G6ZhIVxMziW_xIlzwyA-w869rWaSStj-x7F5SFxhRey5yanmtiFK6My9iNyYS9qwHc73xHs49KQQu5PufSZKXBtTOZk8Sr49MVBmNspE/s1600/IMG_0461+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMgYLS1FLgkBavinJ4uBS7QJ8oezy4o6jzc5G6ZhIVxMziW_xIlzwyA-w869rWaSStj-x7F5SFxhRey5yanmtiFK6My9iNyYS9qwHc73xHs49KQQu5PufSZKXBtTOZk8Sr49MVBmNspE/s1600/IMG_0461+resized.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoCaption">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><b>The shop of Umm Khalid Khalid, the “Queen of Camel
Bling-Bling.”</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Umm Khalid’s shop is actually a container, like what an
18-wheeler pulls. It has a carpeted terrace in front with her creations
dangling from wood poles undulating in the strong wind causing glittering
sparkles to cascade along the walls. The inside is completely covered - floor, walls and
ceiling - in red and cream carpets emblazoned with the Saudi emblem of palm
trees and crossed swords. Hanging on every hook are more glittering camel
decorations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As with fashions, hatat styles change each year
necessitating customers’ return to get the latest style. Today, Umm Khalid is
holding court sitting on floor cushions <a href="http://www.geographia.com/egypt/sinai/bedouin.htm">Bedu</a> style wearing a black velvet <b>abaya </b>(gown),
a black<b> hijab</b> (head scarf), a <b>niqab</b> (face mask) with a red scarf thrown
over it all for good measure. Her very large deep dark sunglasses complete her attire
that conceals her completely. She shakes her head to decline my request for a
photo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZXAWNO4QVZFT65Me5RWMCjFLKjQv4RkpDtXGEdoNrn1POTpb124ctFT2rq9EZB-EB3B2UDz1YVG-I9iRBdBVGtjnIonj4dMRnDDBVI7-oSNtVhoMO8e1F92TU8PGST8nLYglJtsCYdk/s1600/IMG_0477+KGF+%2526+Sheikh+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZXAWNO4QVZFT65Me5RWMCjFLKjQv4RkpDtXGEdoNrn1POTpb124ctFT2rq9EZB-EB3B2UDz1YVG-I9iRBdBVGtjnIonj4dMRnDDBVI7-oSNtVhoMO8e1F92TU8PGST8nLYglJtsCYdk/s1600/IMG_0477+KGF+%2526+Sheikh+resized.jpg" height="323" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Katie
with HH King Gaboabraa – I think they are kidding me.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Umm Khalid is accompanied by <b>Rajeeb</b>, an Egyptian artisan who helps make the bling-bling and
speaks a little English. Sitting next to Umm Khalid is a gentleman dressed in a
smart looking cream colored <b>khandora </b>(gown),
a red checkered <b>ghutra</b> (head scarf)
held in place by an<b> igal </b>(a black
cord). Rejeeb introduces him as King Gaboabraa. I think they are kidding me but
I give him a cursory bow anyway. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
All during my visit with Umm Khalid there is a steady
stream of customers who Rajeeb proudly announce as Sheikh so-and-so. When I
question him about so many Sheikh out doing their own shopping he retorts, “Oh,
they are just little sheiks!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Umm Khalid,” I ask through Rajeeb, “I would like to buy one
of your creations. Can you please show me something?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIZ1vzpO5kjHTy1RlIphT2miC7nRJpbrMG2YCULSycxlKv2Xc7oss4uIBBg5MiTMpuIZG7JIqqEDQogNVn0h0Gy3RLHo5LzfuxGkp8LivOwN0KgcfWODF9f2xnfkjTDpqZ8Vb9rUetdE/s1600/IMG_0483+Rajeed+with+bling+cropped+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIZ1vzpO5kjHTy1RlIphT2miC7nRJpbrMG2YCULSycxlKv2Xc7oss4uIBBg5MiTMpuIZG7JIqqEDQogNVn0h0Gy3RLHo5LzfuxGkp8LivOwN0KgcfWODF9f2xnfkjTDpqZ8Vb9rUetdE/s1600/IMG_0483+Rajeed+with+bling+cropped+resized.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Beautiful
camel hatat fit for a sheikh . . . <br />but
too expensive for mine and Roger’s taste.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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She produces a beautiful gold and green “necklace” she tells
us is similar to a piece purchased during this festival by <b>H<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamdan_bin_Zayed_bin_Sultan_Al_Nahyan">H Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan</a></b>, the Ruler’s
Representative in the Western Region where this camel festival is held. She
sells it for 5,000 dirhams ($1362+). I can sense Roger tensing up. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After tea and more conversation I try again. “Since I do not
have a camel perhaps there is another piece that is more affordable for my
humble purse.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rajeeb’s response is, “you are at one of the greatest camel
festivals in the Arabian world and there are plenty of camels here to buy.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Roger deadpans that we only get two parking spaces at our
apartment and therefore have no place to put a camel. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcvCp55JZq0VWo-9KTGtPS5xeVVZNjDmP5PKOHVrqrJGjxksBAuFcKyXi8IbV64U7fNb-Yq99E68ZApuguhUS4WMo3mbhJi4UPCoUamyQSxwVPzj7Q7gY5C9H1Y7Wz2aWfGUU-sYg-6w/s1600/IMG_1109+KGF+camel+bling+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcvCp55JZq0VWo-9KTGtPS5xeVVZNjDmP5PKOHVrqrJGjxksBAuFcKyXi8IbV64U7fNb-Yq99E68ZApuguhUS4WMo3mbhJi4UPCoUamyQSxwVPzj7Q7gY5C9H1Y7Wz2aWfGUU-sYg-6w/s1600/IMG_1109+KGF+camel+bling+resized.jpg" height="246" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoCaption">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><b>Our camel bling-bling displayed on our only camel - a treasured camel
hide bench.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rajeeb comes back with a
beautiful yellow and gold number (not real gold) for 100 dirhams ($27+). I hear
Roger let out a sigh as he digs quickly into his wallet like a saved man. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both Roger and I are pleased with our purchase. Roger
because he didn't have to buy a camel, and me because I have one more unique item
for my growing collection of Middle East regalia. Maybe I can hang it next to
my <a href="http://www.arabiantalesandotheramazingadventures.blogspot.com/2013/10/my-first-omani-wedding-distinctive-arab.html#more">Omani
wedding dress</a>?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Coming up next is ‘How to Judge a Camel Beauty Contest!” Eat
your heart out Simon Cowell. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-35571660539054969072014-01-11T08:42:00.002+04:002014-03-17T11:04:15.490+04:00Top 10 Tips for Enjoying the Al Dhafra Camel Festival, Abu Dhabi, UAE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="text-align: left;">Note to readers: This
is part one of a three part series about our adventure to the <b>Al Dhafra Camel Festival. </b>Coming soon are <b><a href="http://arabiantalesandotheramazingadventures.blogspot.com/2014/01/dhafra-camel-festival-camel-bling-bling.html#more">Camel Bling-Bling</a></b> and <a href="http://arabiantalesandotheramazingadventures.blogspot.com/2014/03/how-to-judge-camel-beauty-contest.html#more"><b>How to Judge a Camel Beauty Contest</b>. </a></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="text-align: left;">Stay tuned.</i></div>
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<i>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVJJA6nDfj7RPhDGPw8E6zy0mADeR7zNsaCblXI1JSzkloCThSPBAH4LOTuHeHtxZ2g5r3KLlPq7j54AJH4yxHyTGgPwJpbLBBICtuHldWSegAMfUx1J_LlM61AZ8F7Q9nWwUetSPAyY/s1600/IMG_0808+camels+with+kids+colored+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVJJA6nDfj7RPhDGPw8E6zy0mADeR7zNsaCblXI1JSzkloCThSPBAH4LOTuHeHtxZ2g5r3KLlPq7j54AJH4yxHyTGgPwJpbLBBICtuHldWSegAMfUx1J_LlM61AZ8F7Q9nWwUetSPAyY/s1600/IMG_0808+camels+with+kids+colored+resized.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Al Dhafra Camel festival Million Street parade. See Tip#10</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There is an art to enjoying a camel festival . . .<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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If you are looking for an authentic Arab experience, the <b><a href="http://www.aldhafrafestival.ae/?Lang=EN">Dahfra Camel Festival</a></b> is a must see. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This celebrated festival occurs the last two weeks of
December in a desert camp city that sprouts up just outside of <b><a href="http://www.algharbia.ae/contents.php?pageid=20">Madinat Zayed</a></b> about a 2 hour ride into
the desert from <b><a href="http://visitabudhabi.ae/en/default.aspx">Abu Dhabi.</a></b> This is a
serious festival. At the 2013 Festival, the winners of the various festival competitions
took home 50 million dirhams ($13,623,978+) in prize money including 198 top-of-the-line SUVs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 2012, Roger and I ranked this camel festival #2 in our <a href="http://www.arabiantalesandotheramazingadventures.blogspot.com/2013/01/2012-top-adventures-in-and-around-dubai.html#more"><b>2012 Top Adventures In and Around Dubai;</b></a><b> </b>for 2013 it will retain its #2 slot. We just
love getting down with the natives!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So here are my Top 10 Tips for enjoying the one-and-only
Dhafra Camel Festival:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>#1 Book a Room . . .
or pitch your tent </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiD_pTH_Kq7hd8_Wc25g-D3ZZd-7NarE5Zz_BLnynKd5HhL-7Cb08v9z9Jy5sGtG_YEmOUKdDvOlUUY6K_hHi0Jxt9m1KgfmUNjwL4Tjd0hParmxE-TCfrMc6QtW7MomCYmMO3R9p6oM/s1600/IMG_0382+uae+compound+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiD_pTH_Kq7hd8_Wc25g-D3ZZd-7NarE5Zz_BLnynKd5HhL-7Cb08v9z9Jy5sGtG_YEmOUKdDvOlUUY6K_hHi0Jxt9m1KgfmUNjwL4Tjd0hParmxE-TCfrMc6QtW7MomCYmMO3R9p6oM/s1600/IMG_0382+uae+compound+resized.jpg" height="210" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A camel festival compound proudly flying the UAE flag<br /> - wish we'd been invited to tea! </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Since it is a very long ride into the desert and activities
run late into the evening, I strongly suggest that you plan on spending the
night. The <b><a href="http://www.tilalliwa.danathotels.com/">Tilal Liwa Hotel</a></b> is right
in the middle of the festival. The <b><a href="http://www.almarfapearlhotels.com/liwa/">LiwaHotel</a></b> is a 30 minute ride down the road. Roger and I have stayed at both
and are comfortable recommending either depending on how much pain your wallet
can endure. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or . . . be adventurous and join the crowds who pitch their
own tents. Just pick a prime piece of desert property and claim it as your own.
Many festival participants travel from the Gulf region, some even come by camel
caravan. They set up elaborate tent compounds that patriotically fly their
country’s flag. I decline Roger’s
gracious invitation to attach an American flag to our antenna and “camp out” in
our Ford Explorer. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>#2 Don’t rush it </b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGBcee7xtEyGkGvJNUd5COKCXI5ORk-Pq0gkJ-MLCNolXMAdcAtPiS3rqzuRfQ9pmkVaY_VoDoxd5U-a-TWmYfkwzL0a24kHdfcykKeYvnbWE6lLNbQ_j9VUrH8klAcxlY_jEKF2RAEg/s1600/IMG_0717saluki+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGBcee7xtEyGkGvJNUd5COKCXI5ORk-Pq0gkJ-MLCNolXMAdcAtPiS3rqzuRfQ9pmkVaY_VoDoxd5U-a-TWmYfkwzL0a24kHdfcykKeYvnbWE6lLNbQ_j9VUrH8klAcxlY_jEKF2RAEg/s1600/IMG_0717saluki+resized.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Arabs love racing their Saluki hunting dogs, <br />one of the oldest domesticated dogs know to man. </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
To get the real feel of the festival, you need at least 2
days to experience the many events. . . <b>Al
Dhafra Mazayna</b> (camel beauty contests) are center stage but also offered
are races – camel races, <b><a href="http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/saluki.htm">Saliuki</a> </b>(Arabian hunting dogs) races and Arabian horse races. There are competitions
with falcons, dates, <b>Halab</b> (camel
milking), photography, <b><a href="http://www.sheikhmohammed.com/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=98fdf9b743cb4110VgnVCM100000b0140a0aRCRD">Nabati</a></b> (Arab
poetry) and handicrafts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Go shopping at the camel auction, the livestock market, a
camel “bling-bling” souq or a traditional heritage souk where you can purchase
Emirati goods hand-made by local women. “Camp follower” vendors set up tents
along the main road selling everything from ear-splitting audio speakers to food
stuffs, firewood, clothes, pots and pans and more. Roger makes a beeline for the <b>Classic Car Contest</b>
but its meager offerings do not set him on fire. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>#3 Adjust quickly
to Arab time</b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGJQMNcI4UzxS5KsYK5SkHMK7xS1O6h9F_Wgs8PAX2wp7O8CV9dW9_LSf2SfJHRQFQSBqjR9TsVUFhfuPZPDz31Igg68ZEhjbOs0Oa5FyoyM4Q6iL7WmQAGkIDXE1QdENScL59McOr4g/s1600/IMG_0450+camel+face+resized.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGJQMNcI4UzxS5KsYK5SkHMK7xS1O6h9F_Wgs8PAX2wp7O8CV9dW9_LSf2SfJHRQFQSBqjR9TsVUFhfuPZPDz31Igg68ZEhjbOs0Oa5FyoyM4Q6iL7WmQAGkIDXE1QdENScL59McOr4g/s1600/IMG_0450+camel+face+resized.png" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Camel Beauty contestant poses for the camera. </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a pure Arab experience. Don‘t expect to see a schedule
and if you happen upon one understand it's only a suggestion. Events sometimes happen
spontaneously, run late or not at all. However, there are some basic times for
certain events. Camel beauty contests generally occur in the morning starting
around 7am and again in the late afternoon; races are mostly in the afternoon;
the souqs open around 2 pm and run well into the night. But not everything
happens each day. See tip #4.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>#4 Reach out and
touch someone </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCEQkYWmN9odqmbROWfgHJe_cMzRMf3-fEBJHiIm4o6jrdOwLMpE3NuZHzr74EwGqNC5l2bt8wXrmS5SCOAq7h7I0ympn2I9m9NpSzi4Ue0t5f4n2jHAiaD0Qt7OAqNG6Gk91VdzukZA/s1600/IMG_0457+RKF+%2526+friend+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCEQkYWmN9odqmbROWfgHJe_cMzRMf3-fEBJHiIm4o6jrdOwLMpE3NuZHzr74EwGqNC5l2bt8wXrmS5SCOAq7h7I0ympn2I9m9NpSzi4Ue0t5f4n2jHAiaD0Qt7OAqNG6Gk91VdzukZA/s1600/IMG_0457+RKF+%2526+friend+resized.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Roger with kind gentleman who helped us find the horse races. </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
You can’t be a shrinking violet if you want to get in on
the good action. My tactic, which makes Roger cringe (I think it is a guy
thing), is to talk to anyone I can find who speaks any amount of English. I inquire
as to what is happening today, where and what time. I find most are eager to
help an inquisitive American blonde.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It is important you not rely on one person’s answer. Think
about the rule of journalism – you must have three independent sources before
you can print it – most likely you will get conflicting information but just
keep asking. When you find a good
suspect you can even go so far as to ask him to take you there. He probably will
politely oblige. Remember <b><a href="http://www.bedawi.com/Bedouin_Culture_EN.html">Bedu</a></b> hospitality is in play here and Bedouins are
bound by a cultural tradition to help anyone they find lost in the desert. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
If you see a cluster of expats being led by someone who
looks official, just join the group. It's your best bet. A bonus would be to get an invitation for
lunch or dinner at one of the tented compounds set up by festival participants.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>#5 Become a
participant whenever you can <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHyQuldW-A5AIqXUx7oRR18yRPS9gxjphyrPCwWJTDv6yVsuoAlOmLFcjqkGp4ZxYZGop3TejuVkvkss-PXgaWM_z9zrF0qKbmwCJl8wmIZLs8bFkEMOw0L5GwCVFwTK0wxYmlB9emY8/s1600/IMG_0396+roger+in+chair+colored+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHyQuldW-A5AIqXUx7oRR18yRPS9gxjphyrPCwWJTDv6yVsuoAlOmLFcjqkGp4ZxYZGop3TejuVkvkss-PXgaWM_z9zrF0qKbmwCJl8wmIZLs8bFkEMOw0L5GwCVFwTK0wxYmlB9emY8/s1600/IMG_0396+roger+in+chair+colored+resized.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Roger relaxing in the Camel Beauty Contests' reviewing stands. </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The races afford the opportunity to join the fun if you
are brave enough. While the camels, horses and Salukis are running as fast as
they can to win their races, owners and spectators are recklessly speeding alongside
the track in their SUVs cheering them on. You too can join this merry ride if
you are a good driver. I prefer to hitch a ride with someone else (all you have to do is ask) since it is a
bit too “wild west” for my driving skills. Roger just won’t even talk about it. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When there are reviewing stands, always take a prominent seat so you can see all the action. For a really good time, try to find the “Magic Carpet Ride.” I will let you discover what that
is. Hint: locate the <a href="http://tcaabudhabi.ae/en">Abu Dhabi Tourism and Cultural Authority</a> compound.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>#6 Location,
location, location<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuSZf2Ql85kke6fId72ijjft9eDNzw0g22N-vGFOu5Ur2VT_qdLRBp9v2sHQs-8VqXhVgF8V7sSRmRd9bpY6ZzIVEiH_wR4teRH4-zl1o-ezKta43iV8MP8O0nReZzMff9ua3gBFJNB8/s1600/IMG_0104+horserace+w.cars+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuSZf2Ql85kke6fId72ijjft9eDNzw0g22N-vGFOu5Ur2VT_qdLRBp9v2sHQs-8VqXhVgF8V7sSRmRd9bpY6ZzIVEiH_wR4teRH4-zl1o-ezKta43iV8MP8O0nReZzMff9ua3gBFJNB8/s1600/IMG_0104+horserace+w.cars+resized.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>SUVs full of enthusiastic Arabs roar down the side of the track cheering on their prized Arabian horses.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It is all about being in the right place at the right
time. Rather than wait at the race finish lines we find it far more exciting to
drive to the starting line and mix with the contestants and their owners. All
the tracks we saw have dirt roads on both sides so you can drive down them to
find the starting line. Caution . . . once
the races start there will be a herd of crazies driving SUVs heading for the finish-line at breakneck speed alongside the sprinting animals – make certain you are well out of
their way.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Didn't wake up in time for the camel beauty contest? Just
stroll among the judging pens that are beyond the grandstands and pick out the ones you think are the most
beautiful. Primer on judging a camel beauty contest to be posted soon. Be sure
to read tip #9.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>#7 Finding petrol
in the desert </b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkUQdMU5O660keSBJiGwuH9BWhI4qWbYlfWJ4ayOb-7MuFDHUwiHQqqhyphenhyphenzRmuf6TI5CdKFbfka2M_9FdZEoMrcWcn_YVZ5fgKn1KH_fXEOzAVpZbxH8SI4t5qZFlT5RWePmdz7FdptmE/s1600/IMG_0682+Roger+fueling+up+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkUQdMU5O660keSBJiGwuH9BWhI4qWbYlfWJ4ayOb-7MuFDHUwiHQqqhyphenhyphenzRmuf6TI5CdKFbfka2M_9FdZEoMrcWcn_YVZ5fgKn1KH_fXEOzAVpZbxH8SI4t5qZFlT5RWePmdz7FdptmE/s1600/IMG_0682+Roger+fueling+up+resized.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With our gas gauge hovering close to empty, <br />
Roger says, "Shukran" to the festival organizers for providing a mobile fueling station. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Everyone knows the first rule of traveling to the desert
is to go with a full tank of gas. But what do you do when you are there and the
petrol stations are few and far between. The organizers of the camel festival
have solved that problem for you with a portable fueling station. With our gas
gauge hovering very close to empty, Roger gladly takes advantage of this
service. Oh yes, you only want to visit the festival in a four-wheel drive
vehicle since you don’t want to miss something interesting because you can’t
drive off-road. </div>
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<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>#8 Eating at the
festival</b> <o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQQ_dBbhrYbXxJDKYQcCT7FH9O7ubisVahf9iJdQw5AcosjvoSvpVg73T0Zk44DQ0_OPr1SUSCG-KUKrjfSUiEcfyqTIe3FNmjIAUMVCFJJrEHFZ484OIDR1drmVxnblM8PZB6MJQstM/s1600/IMG_0662+horns+eyes+colored+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQQ_dBbhrYbXxJDKYQcCT7FH9O7ubisVahf9iJdQw5AcosjvoSvpVg73T0Zk44DQ0_OPr1SUSCG-KUKrjfSUiEcfyqTIe3FNmjIAUMVCFJJrEHFZ484OIDR1drmVxnblM8PZB6MJQstM/s1600/IMG_0662+horns+eyes+colored+resized.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Bar-B-Q Goat anyone? </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Street food vendors are plentiful serving traditional
Bedu and Arab cuisine cooked on the spot. There are even a few “pop-up”
restaurants. Feeding a crowd? Go to the livestock souq and purchase your meat
for the evening’s feast - goat and lamb seem to be most plentiful. I bet you
can even find someone who would cook it for you. If you are not wild about
street food – or picking out your dinner from a corral, there is more
traditional hotel fare at the adjacent Tilal
Liwa Hotel.<b> </b>This year we had lunch at the Tilal bar. Can’t say we were
overwhelmed with the food but it served the purpose. The bartender very cordially
allowed me to teach him how to make a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_19537924"></span>dry martini<span id="goog_19537925"></span></a> – he didn't know what it was - go figure! The second option is the Liwa Hotel
about 30 minutes up the road in Liwa. We stayed overnight there and had a very
nice buffet breakfast. </div>
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<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>#9 Be careful what
you admire . . . Mashallah<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyG9qfOeLZtUPwKXhBFsUuIcfhSWMJi0KTi5IQbnPTb-VqXXOYvAow-nklwNcdvg5y0oJiKDOmaz1nPLsnUqjGkP994aS3HoSSm6gXqP_6RuJQs3UGhSKw4As_9fvmUsV6DNen3mS0AM/s1600/IMG_0879+mother+and+baby+camel+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyG9qfOeLZtUPwKXhBFsUuIcfhSWMJi0KTi5IQbnPTb-VqXXOYvAow-nklwNcdvg5y0oJiKDOmaz1nPLsnUqjGkP994aS3HoSSm6gXqP_6RuJQs3UGhSKw4As_9fvmUsV6DNen3mS0AM/s1600/IMG_0879+mother+and+baby+camel+resized.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mashallah! Aren't these just the cutest camels? </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be careful how you compliment a beautiful camel. You may end
up taking it home. If you tell an owner, “What a beautiful camel you have,” it triggers Arabs’
generous nature and the owner could feel obliged to gift you with the admired dromedary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In the Arab culture, always add <a href="http://www.islamic-dictionary.com/index.php?word=mashallah">“Mashallah” </a>to a compliment. This means “As
God has willed it” and it glorifies Allah for anything which is pleasing or
beautiful and gets you off the hook. It should be used whenever you praise or admire someone or something.
Adding Mashallah to a personal compliment also guards that person from the
<a href="http://www.islamicexorcism.com/evil-eye/">"evil eye." </a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My friend Linda tells the tale of being in Tunisia and
admiring a friend’s stunning gold charm on her necklace, which the owner took off and
presented to her as a gift.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“Of course, this
cultural blunder resulted in my needing to return the favor with a present of a
gold charm to her,” said Linda. “It was an expensive way to learn to add
‘Mashallah’ to my compliments.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When Roger heard this he made me practice
"Mashallah” 20 times just to protect us from any unexpected camels
appearing on our doorstep.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>#10 The MUST see
event of the festival<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0T0guMsHzkh0rHyJU8U4HuWOWPZ7kPxZAUDrBEo8D4TLBvXjrJ0eb4JQW94mOkXpb8u8weWwzbaNd1kbkf8Yo8CxT3bQMOQzNZx12U1gmRgty9xoHo3bLCmFznJwPInYGKhjtNmNV_Ig/s1600/IMG_0856oarade+colored+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0T0guMsHzkh0rHyJU8U4HuWOWPZ7kPxZAUDrBEo8D4TLBvXjrJ0eb4JQW94mOkXpb8u8weWwzbaNd1kbkf8Yo8CxT3bQMOQzNZx12U1gmRgty9xoHo3bLCmFznJwPInYGKhjtNmNV_Ig/s1600/IMG_0856oarade+colored+resized.jpg" height="211" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Million Street chaos. </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Million Street . . . . this is hard to imagine. One of
our first UAE road trips was to the Tilal Liwa Desert Resort where we saw the
sign <b>“Million Street.”</b> Not until we
visited the festival did we learn what that meant. At around 4:30pm every day during the
festival there is the<b><i> parade</i></b> - this is a pageantry of camel
beauty contestant winners who are for sale - road is so named because millions and millions of dirhams change hands in the buying and selling of camels on this street during the festival. It
is a tad out of control.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Zooming around the parading camels are cars full of
excited participants robustly cheering, FRANTICALLY honking their horns, joyfully
backfiring their engines, and blasting loud Arab music in celebration of their
camel’s win. In the middle of the chaos, camel handlers proudly strut their award-winning
dromedaries down the broad dirt boulevard with as much aplomb as a bevy of
fashion models on the runway. And then
you have the “escapee” camels who have managed to elude their handlers and are
running wildly amongst everything else. Oh, and don’t forget the fearless
photographer who gets right out into the middle of the fray and her darling
husband sitting in the car just holding his head in his hands. This bedlam continues long into the
night. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p>Well there you have it. Your personal guide to enjoying a camel festival. We will back next year! Inshallah! Hope we see you there. </o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Postscripts . . . <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwR-qjtyLHvm0MvDZUjaqu19D3XKASEwndvyeWxRpQZExOOIVlP33LWgcu7VkF-4OMagUqwdre47sFcCPeXbBuf6SUzmYjv7Wj17CBrUvFdpEQ-Ps6BMmNGtHKrzbva9XNuPjtaK7G98/s1600/IMG_9928+fest+sign+cropped+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwR-qjtyLHvm0MvDZUjaqu19D3XKASEwndvyeWxRpQZExOOIVlP33LWgcu7VkF-4OMagUqwdre47sFcCPeXbBuf6SUzmYjv7Wj17CBrUvFdpEQ-Ps6BMmNGtHKrzbva9XNuPjtaK7G98/s1600/IMG_9928+fest+sign+cropped+resized.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>The Al Dhafra Festival,</b> formally in its
seventh year, actually started 21 years ago to settle an argument between a father and his son-in-law as to who had the most beautiful camel. Today, it has grown into
an iconic camel festival where hundreds of buyers and sellers come from the
across the UAE and surrounding Arab countries. The festival strives to preserve
and promote Emirati heritage and the pure bred Asayel (tan) and Mahajim (black)
camels. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Directions:</i></b><i> On E11 past Abu Dhabi take exit #236 towards
Madinat Zayed. After passing through Madinat Zayed you can follow signs to the
festival or to the Tilal Liwa hotel. This is how the festival was set up in 2013
. . . Once you turn off the highway,
continue straight on that road. On our left was the livestock souq and tents
selling different goods; on our right on top of a dune was the traditional
souq; next to this souq was an encampment of tents where they were selling camel
bling-bling. Continuing on this same road, on our left is a smallish white
building - site of the camel and saluki races. Following signs to Tilal Liwa
Hotel we turned left at a roundabout; as we approached another roundabout we
saw a long structure in front of us. This is where the camel beauty contest was
held with the holding pens for the camel contestants behind it. On our right was
the sign for Million Road. The Tilal Liwa Hotel is just beyond all of this.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Looking for another authentic Arab experience . . .</i></b><i> . try the </i><i><a href="http://www.arabiantalesandotheramazingadventures.blogspot.com/2011/08/bull-butting-in-fujairah-uae-this-is.html#more">Bull-Butting in Fujairah</a></i><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: currentColor; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;">
<b><i>Photo album . . .<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcgi0FgcnID3GzxwhbZ2zvK3jYbW1E8BgWxypZsDeffDt38Yc-usMI_wBLnaVO5Plso4tqnnS0h5YqduxvkCkoYTyZK2K7iNcI_MUlINMf8f7ptd72W5aPi3aimmw7QBCuilcwhCsOeI/s1600/IMG_0380+camels+million+street+sign+colored+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcgi0FgcnID3GzxwhbZ2zvK3jYbW1E8BgWxypZsDeffDt38Yc-usMI_wBLnaVO5Plso4tqnnS0h5YqduxvkCkoYTyZK2K7iNcI_MUlINMf8f7ptd72W5aPi3aimmw7QBCuilcwhCsOeI/s1600/IMG_0380+camels+million+street+sign+colored+resized.jpg" height="440" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Racing camels exercising on Million Street.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswW87NUL0L43VBrbjmIZbkj71Yk2ann-0oukbbazf0GY9jnZ_GMbIFWV07x59Wfcu3YSKyZWBqCC2OVk1tk3dI7VXzwPVtNC-uoUKFu_90lU5-4CihvyoQEwrGK1IKDIdeoZq9WjpXHk/s1600/IMG_0020+3+guy+falcon+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswW87NUL0L43VBrbjmIZbkj71Yk2ann-0oukbbazf0GY9jnZ_GMbIFWV07x59Wfcu3YSKyZWBqCC2OVk1tk3dI7VXzwPVtNC-uoUKFu_90lU5-4CihvyoQEwrGK1IKDIdeoZq9WjpXHk/s1600/IMG_0020+3+guy+falcon+resized.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Harsh, the prized falcon, with (l. to r.) owner Gareeb Al Kabi, my trusted translator Mohammed Al Hanidi<br />and his friend Gharbia Madfrez.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjpAePAioeFmx2RV5fsK19y25iLqZuyLrJGXxIQZxUdd3gbu86EpO269J4bqi-ztnPifNh3_nQ_ZQf0Re2GhocyqTWpBFyWuIiTdJHwiWgpu4_5i7I43hfvyOqEpVISshmai9mTuLZ4Q/s1600/IMG_0163+horses+out+of+the+shoot+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjpAePAioeFmx2RV5fsK19y25iLqZuyLrJGXxIQZxUdd3gbu86EpO269J4bqi-ztnPifNh3_nQ_ZQf0Re2GhocyqTWpBFyWuIiTdJHwiWgpu4_5i7I43hfvyOqEpVISshmai9mTuLZ4Q/s1600/IMG_0163+horses+out+of+the+shoot+resized.jpg" height="252" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Arabian horses break out of the gate headed towards the finish line. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWpjWL-HC0_buyJdt2ES8tTj88YaY-nbusLB8Dq_o2ydZfL5_KSuwYt-gs9oAjLjampRGX6xQvZSx0XcA_kF3ND1PzVdkTNWFHfd_GFwIZMS0BH6zWO3BvDd_bUgHwkuPgfJ1aW641Oc/s1600/IMG_0248+praying+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWpjWL-HC0_buyJdt2ES8tTj88YaY-nbusLB8Dq_o2ydZfL5_KSuwYt-gs9oAjLjampRGX6xQvZSx0XcA_kF3ND1PzVdkTNWFHfd_GFwIZMS0BH6zWO3BvDd_bUgHwkuPgfJ1aW641Oc/s1600/IMG_0248+praying+resized.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Taking time in the desert to pray to Allah. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNU75uytg9DuHqV1IX3lc-_Z4FIDLT6pgD9V8TJptqUe_h3FYk93-TvfuPW6VKcpr1Giu5_LgFyphCG5U5pVj2bZtT9A2Mm3BWzMGrDwy_5hpELSgiiUQEF_O3w9M4f9sShZ3-Wo4GEv0/s1600/IMG_0464+camel+bling+bling+colored+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNU75uytg9DuHqV1IX3lc-_Z4FIDLT6pgD9V8TJptqUe_h3FYk93-TvfuPW6VKcpr1Giu5_LgFyphCG5U5pVj2bZtT9A2Mm3BWzMGrDwy_5hpELSgiiUQEF_O3w9M4f9sShZ3-Wo4GEv0/s1600/IMG_0464+camel+bling+bling+colored+resized.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Camel "bling-bling" for sale. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Camel Beauty Contest winners parade on Million Street.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSp4nQaVtBw3rvZqdftSgYPmlOVAUoo1pkUPNsKdiWDmb01fDXShsRYSXsT-Sw7W1ceXonku6qKjinf9ADu5Hh5iTmnXJPDTDLUs3PhVbdTpHdoKqQCSdAM8ecY1Ym1otFBTQ53YaEPBU/s1600/IMG_1014+man+and+camel+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSp4nQaVtBw3rvZqdftSgYPmlOVAUoo1pkUPNsKdiWDmb01fDXShsRYSXsT-Sw7W1ceXonku6qKjinf9ADu5Hh5iTmnXJPDTDLUs3PhVbdTpHdoKqQCSdAM8ecY1Ym1otFBTQ53YaEPBU/s1600/IMG_1014+man+and+camel+resized.jpg" height="486" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Camel pride!</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Million Street camel traders. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpUWeyRDH8FOB2VD_3BS4_U8MWNb-orY5wYYpeP7qN8Z12EVcVEJGGG0siRrhRdB1HGiQmOlMOjiEf8zyPSirCm4bnnALWfp0XdG-pD2fd9lgun_KoEWaX5fMl8W4nktlx5RN7_ggH2g/s1600/IMG_0707+ghazel+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpUWeyRDH8FOB2VD_3BS4_U8MWNb-orY5wYYpeP7qN8Z12EVcVEJGGG0siRrhRdB1HGiQmOlMOjiEf8zyPSirCm4bnnALWfp0XdG-pD2fd9lgun_KoEWaX5fMl8W4nktlx5RN7_ggH2g/s1600/IMG_0707+ghazel+resized.jpg" height="488" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Race officials position the "lure" ghazel that the Saluki dogs chase in their races. </b></td></tr>
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Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com5Madinat Zayed - United Arab Emirates23.613159 53.7216610000000423.380423 53.398937500000038 23.845895 54.044384500000042tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-42231410277999908552013-12-04T11:18:00.000+04:002013-12-04T12:04:46.524+04:00UAE National Day Celebration <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Countries around the world relish celebrating their founding
days and in the <b>United Arab Emirates</b>
(UAE) they take their <b><a href="http://gulfnews.com/in-focus/uae-national-day/shaikh-khalifa-congratulates-uae-people-on-national-day-1.1261865">National Day</a> </b>seriously. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Nayhan</b></td></tr>
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Celebrated on December 2, National Day commemorates the day in 1971 that <b><a href="http://www.uae-embassy.org/uae/history/sheikh-zayed">His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan</a> </b>banded together the seven emirates of the <a href="http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/4284003?uid=2&uid=4&sid=21103054818257"><b>Trucial States</b> </a>to form a
new country - <b>United Arab Emirates. National
Day</b> is an exuberant celebration of the greatness of this young country’s
heritage. <o:p></o:p></div>
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One thing Emiratis love is their cars. Just stand on any
street corner and watch the show. Glitzy, glamorous, bejeweled and audacious
are words that describe the cars you can see. For National Day, all restraints
are unleashed in the fervorous activity to decorate one’s car for the big celebration
and show one’s love for their country . . . and proudly parading them all over
town. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For National Day 2013, I go to <b><a href="http://www.yasisland.ae/">YAS Island</a></b> in <b>Abu Dhabi</b>
for the annual car parade where they were trying to break the <b>Guinness World Record</b> for the most decorated
cars in a parade. Unfortunately, they come a little bit short of the required
300 cars but the contestants certainly have a grand time celebrating and competing
to be one of the three vehicles names “2013 Best Dressed.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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Here are some of the highlights!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">The largest
vehicle is Yehya Bel Helli’s seven ton Peterbuilt Ultra Sleeper </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">truck. Last
year he won Best Dressed vehicle with this behemoth </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">decorated
with a map of the UAE. This year he is honoring the founders of the UAE </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9pt;">with a
graphic of their portraits with the </span><span style="font-size: 12px;">inscription</span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"> in Arabic, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">“You are for
us and we are for you.”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">The UAE
developed <a href="http://www.army-technology.com/projects/nimr-armoured-vehicles-uae-emirates/">Nimr</a>
– 300 horse power tiger armored military vehicle designed to </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">operate in
the harsh desert climate of the Middle
East– was decked out in military colors </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">with a giant
falcon embellishment on the hood</span></b>.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Sara and the “Golden
Racer.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Glittering
cars were very big this year. “Team
Spirit of the UAE” entered 3 vehicles, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">a sparkling
gold BMW coup named Sabiaq Al Fhahiba (Golden Racer), </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">a 1962 GMC
pickup truck and a Lexus 4x4. Sara told me it took her three days </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">to decorate
the gold glitter covered car. Sure hope
she gets all that glitter off that beautiful car.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Azam Khan
with Katie and friend.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Azam Khan, an
Afghani who lives in Al Ain, took three days </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">to decorate
his car himself. He is hoping to win the “Best Dressed” competition.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Mohamed Lari,
born and raised in Abu Dhabi, spent 3 ½ days decorating his </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Honda SUV in
the colors of the UAE flag. “I decorated
my car to celebrate National Day </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">in a unique
glittering design so it would attract attention.”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Sisters Maitha
(black dress) age 10 and Mahara (in the white dress) age 9 </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">proudly show
off their family’s decorated car. “We are so proud of our car. It is going to
win.”</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">MY SELECTIONS FOR CONTENDERS FOR THE “BEST
DRESSED” VEHICLE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b>AND THE FANS LINING THE PARADE ROUTE WERE GREAT TOO!!!</b></div>
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<b><i>Postscript . . . <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLePBkvHihaHS2TV6AOxo9Jbw816Z0Y8zDp3rceIi5cbQLeWZeiFtuyN2fU-EPhYX9U63GzVTFN3fjmujJ7t-MnGq-pQ8twbjA_ZAxnzNuJZUGPR0EPZjTeWxoTZ2NQdBE0BxJGpC3to8/s1600/IMG_5042+bycyclists+colored+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLePBkvHihaHS2TV6AOxo9Jbw816Z0Y8zDp3rceIi5cbQLeWZeiFtuyN2fU-EPhYX9U63GzVTFN3fjmujJ7t-MnGq-pQ8twbjA_ZAxnzNuJZUGPR0EPZjTeWxoTZ2NQdBE0BxJGpC3to8/s320/IMG_5042+bycyclists+colored+cropped.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Flag to Flag cycle marathon . . . </i></b><i>On my way to Yas Island I passed the cyclists participating in the <b>Flag to Flag Marathon.</b> These 1000
cyclists started at 7 am in Dubai at the <b>Union
House</b> where <b>His Highness</b> <b>Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan </b>raised
the UAE flag for the first time 42 years ago. The participants pedaled a total of
150 km traveling down the infamous Shaikh Zayed Road to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi
and then over the Saadiyat bridge arriving at the Abu Dhabi Cornish at 2 pm. Quite
a ride!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com15Yas Island - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates24.4958385 54.60401209999997724.3802355 54.442650599999979 24.6114415 54.765373599999975tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-73567333390559510022013-10-23T10:26:00.000+04:002015-10-03T19:41:13.714+04:00My First Omani Wedding . . . A Distinctive Arab Experience<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: windowtext;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Bride’s Love Seat</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The female security guard discretely slips me through a side
door and gestures for me to sit at the table in the corner. The Arabic music is
pulsating and the room is reverberating with the nervous energy of 400 women. Suddenly,
the lights dim and everyone turns to watch. A bride, dressed in a
Western-style long white wedding gown with matching trailing veil has a death grip
on her bouquet of roses as she takes very slow measured steps down the center
aisle towards the “Bride’s Love Seat.”
Her unsmiling face is devoid of emotion.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Following the bride are several bejeweled “bridesmaids”
moving en mass like a swarm of bees following their queen. Rising above the
pounding music, warbling female tongues emit the<b> <i><a href="http://soundstudiesblog.com/2013/05/13/zaghareet/">zaghareet</a></i></b>, the high-pitched
ululation made by Arab women to congratulate the bride. The level of noise is
deafening but I am not going to miss a moment of this. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>We are at the <b>Millennium
Resort</b> in <b>Al Musanaah, Oman</b> for
a long weekend dive trip with friends. Al
Musanaah is located in a rural area on the coast of the Gulf of Oman1 hour west of Muscat. We do not see many other Westerners. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>The Millennium Resort in Al Musanaah, Oman</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i><span style="color: windowtext;">photo courtesy of </span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumresortmussanah">http://www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumresortmussanah</a></span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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Since I choose not to dive because I find it too claustrophobic, I make
the most of my time with a stroll around the expansive hotel property. As I re-enter
the lobby I see a party being set up in the ballroom. I am told that there is
to be an Omani wedding tonight. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Do you think I might be able to just watch a little bit
from the back of the room?” I inquire of the on-duty hotel manager. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Expecting a definite no, I am surprised by his accommodating
response.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I am not Omani so I don’t know. Let’s ask the Omani men who
are working at the front desk what they think” he graciously replies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The conversation is in Arabic so I am at their mercy. The
answer comes back that they will ask. When I return to the front desk at 9 pm I
am told that yes, the mother of the bride has invited me to the wedding but <i>no camera</i>. Muslim women do not want
their faces revealed in pictures let alone posted on the Internet. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It is Islamic tradition for wedding party
celebrations to be separated by gender. The women have their party and the men
have theirs. The purpose of the elaborate women's party is to make the marriage
known publicly and to show hospitality to the guests.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gro<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">om's
party</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span><b><i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">Photo courtesy of<span style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://www.howtolivelikeanomaniprincess.blogspot.com/">www.howtolivelikeanomaniprincess.blogspot.com</a></span></span></i></b></td></tr>
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The women’s wedding party I attend is a “white” wedding, which
is held in a hotel rather than in a home with the bride wearing a western-style
white wedding gown. All this considered, it must be noted that there are many
different local customs followed by various regions in Oman. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I am very content sitting alone at the corner table observing
the women happily greeting each other but a young woman dressed in an iridescent green head veil and matching gown is motioning for me to come to her table.
I approach apprehensively. With a
brilliant smile, she gestures for me to sit with her group. The women at the
table all motion a greeting – no one here speaks English – and anyway,
conversation is impossible because of the outrageously loud music. They offer
me water and nine very welcoming smiles. We are seated next to the mother-of-the-bride’s
table – an honor I discover. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The still unemotional bride reaches the “love seat” that is artfully
decorated and sitting on a raised dais at the front of the room. The
photographer proceeds to position the bride in multiple poses snapping away.
Some look rather awkward but I am sure the photographer knows what she is doing. The bride remains on the dais throughout the party; a impassive guest at
her own wedding. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">An Omani woman in traditional elaborate dress<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo courtesy of</span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> www.howtolivelikeanomaniprincess.</span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">blogspot.com<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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Throughout the evening I watch three ornately clothed imperious
women dominate the flow of the night’s events and surmise them to be sisters or
close relatives who are charged with running the evening. You do not want to have a run-in with these three
<i>majordomo </i>women. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The women guests arrive in black <b>abaya </b>cloaks and <b>hijab </b>head
coverings and are quickly escorted to the ballroom which is guarded by a female
security person. <i>No men</i> are allowed
past the curtains covering the entrance to the ballroom.<br />
<br />
By the time I arrive
the women have mostly shed their black coverings to reveal some rather dazzling
outfits. These women are “dressed to the teeth” in a mix of blazing colors with
a ton of bling-bling, crystal adornments and sparkles that are literally blinding. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Bejeweled
pants<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo courtesy of </span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">www.howtolivelikeanomaniprincess.</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">blogspot.com</span></i></b></div>
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The traditional dress is a calf-length, high-low hemmed,
sleeved bejeweled tunic worn over long pants boldly encrusted from shin to
ankle with more sparkles. A jeweled head scarf is worn more for adornment than
as a head covering. Some veils drape down to the floor to form a short train.
Very high heels are only topped by the BIG hairdos. I also see jeweled kaftans and some
western-style ball gowns worthy of the red carpet. Gold jewelry is everywhere.
Noting the elaborate hairstyles and extravagant make-up, I conclude that in
this area, hairdressers and make-up artists do a brisk business.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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In sharp contrast to all the glitz in the room, some women,
seated towards the rear of the room, are wearing plain black abayas and hijabs.
I finally figure out that the most elaborately dressed women are members of the
family. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And what do I wear you ask? </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Bangladeshi
tailors at the Ladies Tailoring <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Shop in As
Suwayq with my dress.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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On my afternoon excursion to the local market in the small
town of<b> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suwayq">As Suwayq</a></b> it came to me that I would need an appropriate dress should I
get an invitation to the wedding party. Thanks to a couple of nice Bangladeshi
tailors at the <b>Ladies Tailoring</b> shop
I was properly outfitted in a beautifully embroidered red, turquoise, purple,
silver <u>and</u> gold satin tunic with red pants. The only thing I missed out
on was the veil – so sad! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My gracious hostess is rising from the table. Taking my hand,
she leads me to the dance floor where about 20 women are dancing. So, “when in
Rome,” I dance too. In fact, they do not let me leave the dance floor for quite
some time. I am honored when the mother-of-the-bride comes to dance with me.
And by dancing, we are talking uninhibited gyrating and twirling that would
make my mother blush! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Luckily, the Arabic music has a discernible beat that makes
dancing fun and we all have a great time. Oh yes, as part of the celebratory dancing,
the women are still emitting the zaghareet, that high-pitched ululation, which
I master after a few tries. I am having such a great time and I am also pleased to receive compliment after
compliment on my flamboyant dress.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Young children are everywhere. Little girls dance and twirl
making their ornate little gowns swish and sway as they mimic the women. Young
boys (none older than 5 years), dressed in their miniature dishdashas and ammamas,
are running everywhere with some delighting in torturing their Umma (mother)
and Jaddah (grandmother) by sneaking up behind them tugging on their
veils. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Finally the food is ready and I am released from my “dirty
dancing” performance. It is a traditional Arab buffet fare of rice and chicken
heaped on a gigantic platters, samosas, Arabic flat bread, hummus, lots of
sweets, fruit juices and water. Not an extensive menu but one laden with untold
numbers of calories. Seeing the way these women are loading their plates I am
tempted to express a word of caution but keep my thoughts to myself and delicately nibble.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UODhU5BPli3nNNENrASiduQJLupP36HcNt0OIxUbLa3CLCup-7vhGST7cZ6BpdfvaM1uK0vks9Jw5Om0jbeNTRjhIoB0RXeN3J9fSrUbqRfNovw6sDqZcbg6Sv3uPXkzKqfQPfcED_4/s1600/travel.nationalgeographic.com+-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UODhU5BPli3nNNENrASiduQJLupP36HcNt0OIxUbLa3CLCup-7vhGST7cZ6BpdfvaM1uK0vks9Jw5Om0jbeNTRjhIoB0RXeN3J9fSrUbqRfNovw6sDqZcbg6Sv3uPXkzKqfQPfcED_4/s320/travel.nationalgeographic.com+-.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Henna
painting of the bride’s hands and arms is a<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">treasured
tradition of the Omani wedding. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>Photo courtesy of</i></b><i> www.travel.</i></span><b><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">nationalgeographic.com <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After we eat, my hostess, whose name I find out is <b>Amaira</b>, comes for me again and takes me
up to the “love seat” to meet the bride. I offer my congratulations, – I do not
think she speaks English - shake her <b><a href="http://silknstone.com/pages/About-Henna.html">henna</a></b> painted hands and retreat back to
the dance floor. I think I may be the entertainment for the night. More and
more of the family members and guests come to dance with me. I am getting a
little winded. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As I dance I sense a shifting vibration in the room. I am
not certain what is happening. I see some of the women covering their hair with
their veils and can feel a rising anticipation. On the dais, one of the
“majordomo sisters” covers the bride’s face with a white jeweled hood. The
bride stands motionless looking down at her bouquet. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy32aK7-jLkQ-gjD8rjt-cE0cGkmNkwczdSlIAs4ywNPmyrgEEt-vG7lH0tqNDi3BuIxyDYSt2vC7QZ_E7ayRX_1w77_rjxLaSaCnYzCCmvJ-vWTcvM7ZL74PlAYjjsfudKzeVW6jVoO0/s1600/www.oman.de+RTEmagicC_p2-11.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy32aK7-jLkQ-gjD8rjt-cE0cGkmNkwczdSlIAs4ywNPmyrgEEt-vG7lH0tqNDi3BuIxyDYSt2vC7QZ_E7ayRX_1w77_rjxLaSaCnYzCCmvJ-vWTcvM7ZL74PlAYjjsfudKzeVW6jVoO0/s320/www.oman.de+RTEmagicC_p2-11.jpg.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Traditional
Omani men's dress<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoCaption">
<i><span style="color: windowtext;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo courtesy of
www.oman.de</span></b></span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 8.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The side doors open and the groom with 20 male family members
of all ages enter to the applause and zaghareet of the women. The men are
dressed in traditional Oman garb. The <b>dishdasha</b>,
the traditional white robe, the <b>ammama,</b>
a turban wrapped around the embroidered skull cap called the <b>kumma,</b> and a silver <b>khanjar</b>, the traditional Omani dagger,
tucked into the belt. More photos are
taken and female family members go up to the dais to greet the young couple
showering them with a rain of Omani riyals (currency). This delights the
children who quickly scoop up the loot. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When the male entourage makes a quick exit, the groom remains and the
bride’s hood is removed. More photos are taken with family members and at last,
the married couple is ready to leave. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The bride has yet to smile. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The female family members gather around the couple and escort them
out the door to applause and the eerie wailing shrieks of the zaghareet. I
thank Amaira and the women at my table. Oh, but they are not done with me yet.
Everyone wants their picture taken with me. I accommodate all requests handing
out my email address in hopes someone will send me a copy but, to date, I haven’t
received one. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When I am finally released from the ballroom, I head for the
hotel elevator. To my surprise, I find the bride and groom pressed against the
back of the elevator by the<i> entire</i> entourage
of female family members who have loaded on. The elevator is not cooperating
and hotel maintenance is working on it. No one in the elevator dares to make a
move to disembark. The bride is still expressionless while the groom reflects a
tad of annoyance. Finally the elevator doors close and take the smiling -
except one – passengers up to the wedding suite. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I am not certain what all the
women are going to but my wedding wish for the couple is that they finally find some peace and privacy
and the bride discovers something to smile about. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>Postscripts . . . <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Why wasn’t the bride smiling? . . .
</i></b><i>The mystery of the unsmiling
bride was settled by my Muslim friends Holly and Linda who explained it is quite
normal for the Muslim bride to be expressionless as a sign of her sadness in leaving
her family. A smiling Muslim bride would be in very bad taste. Ah, mystery
solved! <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLcL5yyTsARlPYnmf8Gu43yuhvhZQm3VQGfrf-Q6sqMx8GICM5pbLmREYWqQkPNATVIBOnc9fjG2ZnNJyy0IcEhwlvhlcFBKwKB2oR8VotakvniA0-eIz-iMdmO_w1soaO1dsSVR1-bk/s1600/www.gatewayantiques.co.uk+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLcL5yyTsARlPYnmf8Gu43yuhvhZQm3VQGfrf-Q6sqMx8GICM5pbLmREYWqQkPNATVIBOnc9fjG2ZnNJyy0IcEhwlvhlcFBKwKB2oR8VotakvniA0-eIz-iMdmO_w1soaO1dsSVR1-bk/s200/www.gatewayantiques.co.uk+.jpg" width="200" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Traditional Omani mantoos wedding chest<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo courtesy of www.gatewayantiques.cu.uk<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<i><b>Muslim wedding ceremony</b> . . . In Oman, the Muslim marriage is a sacred union with the contract signed by the father of the bride and the groom and witnessed by an Ormani judge or an Iman at a mosque. This ceremony is called the <b>melkah. </b> The time between the melkah and the wedding party is like an engagement period with the bride living with her parents and the groom visiting her. The man and woman only live together as husband and wife after the marriage is officially announced at the wedding party. </i><i>The <b>mahr</b> – the dowry – paid by the groom is given to the bride in a<b> mandoos</b> – a wedding chest and remains her property to do with as she likes. The amount depends on the status of the bride’s family, the bride’s beauty, her ancestry and if she is a virgin. </i></div>
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<i><b>Want to learn more about Oman?</b> . . . in my research I found an outstanding blog <b><a href="http://howtolivelikeanomaniprincess.blogspot.com/">"How to live Like a Omani Princess."</a></b> It is very well written by three women in Oman and gives great insight to the customs and traditions of that country</i>.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i><a href="http://www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumresortmussanah/">Millennium Resort Mussanah</a></i></b> <i>. . . </i><i>The very gracious Millennium Resort in Mussanah was an
absolute delight. The rooms were very spacious but it was the cordial staff and
the amazing meals that made our stay so enjoyable. The property has a 54-berth
marina and two swimming pools. When we went in August, they were in their soft
opening so still to come are the gym, the health club spa and tennis courts. The
web site boasts “Oman’s premiere <b>PGA
Championship Golf Course</b>” but I did not see that. Roger and I give this hotel
a BIG thumbs up and would go back in a minute. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdVWnGIgx6ZHkoY4ONrbUkH0IW69CKhkcR5Riq6qwxlgknxN6QLHNYXjpPGsFXMw4Sq4E2Hf5pWXC9NOhqqRmlMiWdSdn5TUAtCiFzH2aEdLeGyjuTqZP1IEQfiO2_dut3Nlb6oeJt0o/s1600/DSCF6273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdVWnGIgx6ZHkoY4ONrbUkH0IW69CKhkcR5Riq6qwxlgknxN6QLHNYXjpPGsFXMw4Sq4E2Hf5pWXC9NOhqqRmlMiWdSdn5TUAtCiFzH2aEdLeGyjuTqZP1IEQfiO2_dut3Nlb6oeJt0o/s320/DSCF6273.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Daymaniyat Island, Muscat Dive Trip</i></b><i> . . . Many thanks to Roger’s
diving buddy <b>Michael Cowan</b> for sharing
his beautiful underwater <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/101042183415308844705/DaymaniyatIslandDiveTripMuscatOman?feat=email">photos of the dive trip.</a> </i></div>
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Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com26Al Bāţinah, Oman23.760913293652262 57.66109374999996422.82854579365226 56.370200249999961 24.693280793652264 58.951987249999966tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-22194983959329820402013-10-10T13:09:00.001+04:002013-10-10T13:45:18.076+04:00Making the Most of Your Expat Experience<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://blog.moveguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/expat-terms4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://blog.moveguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/expat-terms4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Moving is recognized as one of the most stressful activities known to man.<br />
<br />
Add to that moving to a foreign country, and the anxiety scale goes wild. One needs a lot of coping skills to survive and enjoy expat living.<br />
<br />
I am delighted to pass to you a great article, <b><a href="http://arabiczeal.com/?s=expat">Making the Most of Your Expat Experience</a></b>, written by my good friend and fellow expat <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/HollySWarah">Holly Warah</a>,</b> a 12-year resident of Dubai, UAE.<br />
<br />
Holly writes a blog, <b><a href="http://arabiczeal.com/">Arabic Zeal</a></b>, that is packed with very useful information of interest to expat. Whether you are newly moved or considering the opportunity, Holly provides you with some great insight.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arabiczeal.com/wp-content/themes/inove/holly_img.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.arabiczeal.com/wp-content/themes/inove/holly_img.jpg" width="145" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Holly Warah</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Arabic Zeal "explores the food and culture of the region [Middle East]<span style="color: #3e2916; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="line-height: 23px;"><b>. </b></span></span><span style="line-height: 23px;">Here you can "f</span><span style="line-height: 23px;">ind recipes, photos, cultural insights, travel stories and a glimpse into expat life. Discover books and films that shed light on the Arab World." </span><b style="line-height: 23px;"> </b><br />
<strong style="background-color: #fdf8ee; color: #3e2916; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 23px;"><br /></strong>
It is possible to thrive during your expat experience but it does take work. Holly's suggestion to "stay in the present" is the most important. Enjoy your time, keep your sense of humor and stay busy. All great expat survival advice.<br />
<br />
Enjoy<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com4Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.271139 55.30748500000004224.3507025 54.01659150000004 26.191575500000003 56.598378500000045tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-65458743354771042292013-09-11T08:11:00.000+04:002013-09-11T08:13:14.942+04:00Hot Rod Memories . . . The Hottest Seat in Abu Dhabi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The dilemma of finding a meaningful gift for the one you
love is perplexing. Early in our relationship I figured out that Roger really
didn't need or want any “things.” So what am I going to do for him on his special days?</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Got It! Experiences .
. . exciting – new - unique life experiences.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WReDwOhB42E9WZp_m8q_oBmp0kTjAlFbf0wHV1Wxtf0osAsSLLX7A6PWJoSFhMHIsUOc-Og_sviVIzgimDDhCBFHnpU0N-VAg3wqxBhK6YbttvymNhYPjGfwGTE3DxQ8xzIppgLF6RU/s1600/On+the+track+%25231+RKF+Yas+Formula+1+Track+2011+123+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WReDwOhB42E9WZp_m8q_oBmp0kTjAlFbf0wHV1Wxtf0osAsSLLX7A6PWJoSFhMHIsUOc-Og_sviVIzgimDDhCBFHnpU0N-VAg3wqxBhK6YbttvymNhYPjGfwGTE3DxQ8xzIppgLF6RU/s400/On+the+track+%25231+RKF+Yas+Formula+1+Track+2011+123+resized.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The "Silver Surfer" races on the Yas Forlua 1 track.</b></td></tr>
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I can say that after 10 years it is getting very tough to
find new experiences. Roger, the builder of airports, has flown in a glider, a World War ll <b>Texan
T-6</b> warbird, a helicopter and a bi-plane. Roger, the car
enthusiast has raced a 600 HP <b>NASCAR </b>race
car at the <b>Daytona International </b><b>Speedway</b>, raced his treasured silver Corvette on the Yas Formula 1 track
and successfully mastered racing a <b>Segway</b>
around Downtown Dubai. This list could
go on but I bet you get the point.<br />
<br />
So, what do I give Roger for our tenth wedding anniversary? </div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyZfizJ1BBjhy1APLyrdbb0hkKcKR1w2DsNs7Xl4lAppk-qbZ0mZXAOkMVQGq7cAat-H2KzbTmzapOSf13HiDne40QicoQmZq3UACjSNJFABLA9xEPYc-r9smzh1QIKLhISBsH8U4o9w/s1600/IMG_1285+cropped+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyZfizJ1BBjhy1APLyrdbb0hkKcKR1w2DsNs7Xl4lAppk-qbZ0mZXAOkMVQGq7cAat-H2KzbTmzapOSf13HiDne40QicoQmZq3UACjSNJFABLA9xEPYc-r9smzh1QIKLhISBsH8U4o9w/s400/IMG_1285+cropped+resized.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Katie & Roger Segway-ing in Downtown Dubai</b>.</td></tr>
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I uncover a perfect
experience for this car-crazy guy I love – I put him in the hottest seat in Abu
Dhabi - drag racing at the <b>Yas Drag
Racing Centre</b>. This is the only drag racing strip outside North America
sanctioned by the <b>National Hot Rod
Association</b> and is located in the <b>Yas
Marina Circuit </b>complex. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Since I am<u> not</u> going to race the second car, I invite
our good friend <b>Michael Cowan</b> to
join in the fun. Michael’s wife <b>Gigi </b>and
daughter <b>Sydney</b> are recruited to be<b> </b>the film crew and are on hand to
surprise Roger when we pull into the drag centre. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbERcnpOGXfoFfmRX8yi_Y0VNUi0ClRoBayJRGFtLHRQZ8ElnPHpE_mzdOnwSR5jUZht8uJzEAxnCwOOYAgmSXm7xhbjoSND7HfXr4B-77IttiOanElphrWZo4uDHdZBmhBvecZUQ7izY/s1600/IMG_6257+Mike+and+Rkf+w.cars+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbERcnpOGXfoFfmRX8yi_Y0VNUi0ClRoBayJRGFtLHRQZ8ElnPHpE_mzdOnwSR5jUZht8uJzEAxnCwOOYAgmSXm7xhbjoSND7HfXr4B-77IttiOanElphrWZo4uDHdZBmhBvecZUQ7izY/s400/IMG_6257+Mike+and+Rkf+w.cars+resized.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The "Missile & the "Rocket" with their Camaros.</b></td></tr>
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After a quick safety briefing, Roger and Mike enthusiastically
suit up in helmets and select their cars. Michael chooses #01, a red car, and
Roger takes #05, the silver one. They are about to experience the power of top-of-the-line
<b>Chevrolet Camaros</b> fitted with a
400-horsepower 6.2-litre V8 engines. These
mean machines are known for their thrilling grit on the racing strip with the
ability to race from zero to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Drag racing is a race between two cars accelerating in a
straight line for ¼ mile on a closed race course. The race is started by an
electronic starting device affectionately called the “Christmas Tree” which
sits between the two racing lanes creating a calibrated countdown of lights for
each driver. It also records the
reaction time of each driver to the green starting light. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The "Christmas Tree" signals the green light to start the race. </b></td></tr>
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Just like the legendary 1960s drag racing rivalry between <b>Dan “Snake” Prudhomme</b> and <b>Tom “Mongoose” McEwen</b>, <b>Michael, "Missile" Cowan</b> and<b> Roger "Rocket" Foster </b>battle it out for five races. The competition is sizzling each time the “Missile” and the “Rocket” position their front tires at the
pre-stage spot seven inches behind the starting line turning on the small
yellow lights at the top of their side of the Christmas Tree. With engines
revving, they warily roll up to the starting line triggering their second row
of small yellow lights. With both cars in starting position the<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The "Missile" takes the lead.</b> </td></tr>
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Christmas Tree's calibrated countdown begins as the final light turns green the boys unleash
the horse power of their Camaros with screaming rubber attacking the pavement. <br />
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Wow! What a high octane adrenalin rush! The evening is a grand
success.<o:p></o:p></div>
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However, the statistics tell the real tale. The “Missile” manages to clock the fastest
reaction time (.238) <u>and </u>the slowest (.847). Roger claims three winning finish times to Michael's two but Michael claims the<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUHJK0M1mieJ_GHHjd7_SmeE5kefhlZA-hSfQYRaANCLWnT59X-ryHYmWaBathTR68uuZZTymCMlRC-QabWgmoON2IfiOFHrOmBoG9WIWCUh0FaNyzHRdvoVN5VH03LyC2XhXqm1HXUk/s1600/IMG_6226+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUHJK0M1mieJ_GHHjd7_SmeE5kefhlZA-hSfQYRaANCLWnT59X-ryHYmWaBathTR68uuZZTymCMlRC-QabWgmoON2IfiOFHrOmBoG9WIWCUh0FaNyzHRdvoVN5VH03LyC2XhXqm1HXUk/s400/IMG_6226+resized.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The "Missile" is quickest off the starting line<br /> with a reaction time of .244 to The "Rocket's) .344.</b></td></tr>
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fastest elapsed time start to finish of 14.445.
As to who went the fastest? The “Rocket’s” top speed was 166.03 kph (103.166
mph) while the “Missile’s” top speed was 165.20 kph (102.651 mph). Seems like a fairly even match.<br />
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Special thanks to the outstanding film crew, Gigi and Sydney,
and to Michael for creating this wonderful video of the experience. Have a look
and feel the excitement of the on-track action.<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/73867041" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/73867041">Yas Island Drag Race</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user5599079">Mike Cowan</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<b><i>Postscript . . .</i></b> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>Snake and Mongoose . . .</i></b><i> Wondering
who are these two guy? In the 1906s, Snake and Mongoose </i><br />
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<i><a href="http://snakeandmongoosemovie.com/_images/_downloads/SM_Desktop1_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://snakeandmongoosemovie.com/_images/_downloads/SM_Desktop1_sm.jpg" /></a></i></div>
<i>lifted drag racing out
of dirt back roads and changed motorsports forever. Now this historic rivalry
of real life drag racing legends is a just released movie. <b>Snake and Mongoose</b>, the film, is described as a “vintage slice of
American culture.” </i><a href="http://snakeandmongoosemovie.com/"><i>Check out the trailer.</i></a><i> <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><i>Yas Drag Racing Centre . . .</i></b><i>
Seated beside the Formula 1™ track, the Centre is an excellent place for local
drag racers and international talent to show off their skills. It has two
grandstands with a seating capacity of 5,000 and houses its own race control,
hospitality and paddock area. The Centre offers a range of events, experiences
and educational products including Yas Drag Racing Academy, Pro Drag Racing
Series, Open Drag Racing Night and Yas Dragster Passenger and Driving
Experience. The Drag Racing Centre can
be hired for private use at any time, except on race days. Check their web site
for more information</i> <a href="http://www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/content.aspx?gid=13"><i>http://www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/content.aspx?gid=13</i></a><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com0Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates24.467150664739002 54.272460937522.613797164739 51.6906739375 26.320504164739003 56.8542479375tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-72341942350413625492013-08-21T08:48:00.000+04:002013-10-24T14:45:35.000+04:00Prince of Sea . . . . A Royal Seafaring Day in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We are headed out to sea on the <b>Prince of Sea</b> sailing yacht when the deck hand Tamer motions for me to come to him. He's holding a woven rope basket that he's been vigorously rigging since we left the
dock. I look around thinking he means someone else, but no, he really wants me.
I hand my camera to Roger and walk gingerly towards him.</div>
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The contraption is indeed a basket to sit in. I notice it is
attached to the boom of the sailboat but what that implies doesn't exactly
register. He motions for me to sit. I glance over at Roger and see his look of
trepidation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Katie in the rope swing.</b></td></tr>
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The
minute I am in the basket Tamer lets go of the rope and I swing out over the
water on the ship’s starboard side. The swiftness of the movement startles me.
As the basket tilts at a dangerous angle, it takes a minute to comprehend that
if I don’t hold on really tight I will plunge headlong into the briny deep. Is
this a modern version of walking the plank?</div>
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I careen alongside
the starboard hull of the speeding yacht inches from the water; I feel like one
of the dolphins I have seen racing next to excursion boats. I am just about comfortable with this, when Tamer hoists me higher and I quickly fly over the boat to the port side only to be sharply brought
back again getting a great seagull view of the surroundings. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Wait a minute – this is great! <o:p></o:p><br />
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I spend about 15 minutes suspended over the water swinging
back and forth being hoisted up and down as Tamer has his way with me.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://az290931.vo.msecnd.net/www.arabiantravelmarket.com/__novaimages/317482x$query$xvx$eq$x634934225443870000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://az290931.vo.msecnd.net/www.arabiantravelmarket.com/__novaimages/317482x$query$xvx$eq$x634934225443870000" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Prince of Sea under full sail. </b><br />
on<strong><em>photo courtesy of Prince of Sea</em></strong></td></tr>
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The <b>Prince of
Sea is</b> a motorized luxury sailing yacht that travels out of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/alhamramarina"><b>Al Hambra Yacht and Marine Club</b> </a>on the
Arabian Gulf coast in <b><a href="http://www.rasalkhaimahtourism.com/%E2%80%8E">Ras Al Khaimah</a></b>
(RAK) about 45 minutes driving time north of Dubai. This 80-foot gullet is the
traditional two-masted wooden sailing vessel from the south-west coast of
Turkey. Our vessel has three levels, three separate dining areas and seven
en-suite air conditioned cabins. Yes, that was seven cabins! <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuinWJMwnts">This "PRINCE" is luxurious</a>.</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Roger supervises the hoisting of the sails by our shipmates. </b> </td></tr>
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Prince of Sea is named after RAK’s most famous son, <b><a href="http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/200504/the.navigator.ahmad.ibn.majid.htm">Ahmad Ibn Majid.</a> </b> A master navigator in the 1400’s, he was
famous for his navigational knowledge of the Indian Ocean at a critical time
when the European ships were just arriving. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Prince’s
gregarious crew works vigorously to engage the guests - this is definitely a
participatory trip. Along with the swing
basket, some guests try their hand at acrobatics swinging from a harness trapeze, body sliding and speeding pontoon boats rides. There is even a lesson in hoisting the sails. Roger and I opt for the more sedate swimming
and snorkeling off the side of the ship. <o:p></o:p></div>
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By mid-afternoon, after all these water sports, we are
famished and welcome the scrumptious buffet lunch laid out in the main salon – a
selection of perfectly chilled fresh salads, simmering pasta, fresh garden vegetables,
tender grilled meats and fish. To top off a completely satisfying feast are petite
pastries and ice- cold fruit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After
lunch Roger and I relax on the forward deck. There is just something magical
about the rhythm of a ship under sail. Her slow steady thrust against the
waves, the ripple of her sails catching the breeze and the
freshness of the salt air lulls us into an almost hypnotic cat-nap state. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Our merry band of sailors. </b></td></tr>
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By the end of our 6-hours on the sea our merry band of
sailors has bonded and is reluctant to say good-bye. Weary and sun-burned, Roger
and I agree this was one of our best days in the UAE and an experience we would
love to do again. </div>
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We enjoyed the full day excursion but the “Prince” offers
other options - sunset cruises - dinner cruises – ½ day cruise, 2 and 3 day
cruises to Dubai or almost wherever you want to go in the area. They have hosted corporate gatherings, weddings and birthday parties.<br />
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We give the Prince of Sea 5 stars!!!. </div>
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<i>Disclosure: Roger and I were guests of the Prince of Sea. </i></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Here is a video of some fun activities on board the Prince of Sea. These waters are known for sightings of rare large green
turtles - and eagle-eye Roger spots one. At the end of the video look for Roger pointing to a turtle swimming alongside Nimi, one
of the guests, who is cavorting in the water in the trapeze harness. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;"><b>VIDEO</b></span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZJv2-9PsaLw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<b>PHOTO </b><span style="text-align: left;"><b>ALBUM</b></span></div>
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Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com0Ras Al-Khaimah - United Arab Emirates25.8006926 55.97619940000004125.342943100000003 55.330752400000044 26.2584421 56.621646400000039tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-45261038472027062752013-08-13T13:43:00.000+04:002013-08-13T16:01:24.248+04:00Ramadan Iftar Dinner . . . A generous gesture of mutual respect<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ23JMjj5CzhTt_w2bI6CtdAJ_pL7sMYZb1LVteco9LWISGd1TLUYoBA3YFfhMOy7k3KfDcX3mNb82CAn7ju0Mx81yBJuB5VtdcHgVvAWjJ-4O8I6Ii5h4CgRiwjZmtGh2weEty3pSwtc/s1600/IMG_0583+the+camp+resized.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ23JMjj5CzhTt_w2bI6CtdAJ_pL7sMYZb1LVteco9LWISGd1TLUYoBA3YFfhMOy7k3KfDcX3mNb82CAn7ju0Mx81yBJuB5VtdcHgVvAWjJ-4O8I6Ii5h4CgRiwjZmtGh2weEty3pSwtc/s320/IMG_0583+the+camp+resized.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Camp</b></td></tr>
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The stark compound is bathed in the fading sunlight. The cream colored containers blend with the sand
into a monochromatic landscape. It is very still on the island with only the movement
a mild gulf breeze breaking the searing heat of the day. </div>
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I see a few men dressed in <b><i>shalwar
kameezs</i></b> (baggie trousers and long tunics) and <b><i>lungis </i></b>(sarong like skirts)<b><i> </i></b>waiting
around the gate entrance with wary anticipation as we position our cars full
of food and gifts just up the hill from the camp. My welcoming wave receives no
like response. I admit that this makes
me apprehensive. What if we don’t have enough for everyone? What if we've
brought the wrong food? What if they
don’t come for our gifts? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiR4GImRxJREGZ6vNyQXlubxvRBVfewjeezIGStSZzQvC5MQRaF4NhtOe8NwWe-rYDq6z2FlEMZ5eG_P8E2ni7TawPTYlM4BHEVWhA27NcI9VZXVzYbILCV9Sl2UJW1kyyVkMdkUd2_ms/s1600/IMG_6467+que+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiR4GImRxJREGZ6vNyQXlubxvRBVfewjeezIGStSZzQvC5MQRaF4NhtOe8NwWe-rYDq6z2FlEMZ5eG_P8E2ni7TawPTYlM4BHEVWhA27NcI9VZXVzYbILCV9Sl2UJW1kyyVkMdkUd2_ms/s320/IMG_6467+que+resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volunteer Farooque Rao assists the men to<br />
line up to receive their Iftar dinner and gifts. </td></tr>
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It is the last Friday of <b><a href="http://www.whatisramadan.com/">Ramadan</a></b> and the <b>Al Reem
Ramadan Charity Project</b> is delivering its first Iftar dinner and gift
package to the 250 men living in a labor camp on <b><a href="https://maps.google.ae/maps?q=reem+island+map&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x3e5e67becd78ccdd:0xad4befbe23b2d345,Al+Reem+Island&gl=ae&ei=keIJUu6JH4iu0QWasYBI&ved=0CCoQ8gEwAA">Al Reem Island</a></b> in <b>Abu Dhabi,
UAE</b>. Just three short weeks before, through
emails and flyers, I began gathering generous souls to help. My goal was to
fund one <b>Iftar</b> dinner (the celebratory evening meal during Ramadan) and give the
men a gift bag of 5-6 essential personal items and food. (The team so over
achieved this goal!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHBKYzHhf0aKdmFiZBLRl1w0-u32tXM9V24MEzf3KBcQwCtjBig-2_q2q4RGf8jgGkl04z2Dlp2bLh3ijOdzn1J1KnN4ytQ68OFz_rFQr-ZkYDNz53bqX8NQRpfx58byl-C6SwCeyBnU/s1600/IMG_6410+Mark+Fuller%252C+Graham+and+Vicki+Eveille%252C+Govind+packing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHBKYzHhf0aKdmFiZBLRl1w0-u32tXM9V24MEzf3KBcQwCtjBig-2_q2q4RGf8jgGkl04z2Dlp2bLh3ijOdzn1J1KnN4ytQ68OFz_rFQr-ZkYDNz53bqX8NQRpfx58byl-C6SwCeyBnU/s320/IMG_6410+Mark+Fuller%252C+Graham+and+Vicki+Eveille%252C+Govind+packing.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mark Fuller, Graham & Vicki Eveille and <br />Govind Ayyappan assemble gift packages</b>. </td></tr>
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Ramadan is the Muslim holy month of spiritual renewal,
fasting, family gatherings and alms giving. During this holy time many acts of
compassion and generosity are performed. The past two Ramadans, while living in
Dubai, I joined in the <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/AdoptaCamp/128987127135944">Adopt A Camp</a></b>
program to help provide and assemble 5,000 gift packages for various labor
camps. These “care packages” contained personal hygiene products, clothing,
bedding, and food items. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8h-2owNPuhVe6hb2dnbxfQjEBoajjLwj9P72Quq07ZykLtXsjZbUNOC_lNZcBj8jc3uDrru8gocBgktb98TN55WFS52gXepoK9AyC__bLHrnaa4ZnJEB_-HuQVEBDBK6qZDDoPe85csM/s1600/IMG_6430+Emily,+Csilla,+Woman,+Woman,+Hibo+resized+better.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8h-2owNPuhVe6hb2dnbxfQjEBoajjLwj9P72Quq07ZykLtXsjZbUNOC_lNZcBj8jc3uDrru8gocBgktb98TN55WFS52gXepoK9AyC__bLHrnaa4ZnJEB_-HuQVEBDBK6qZDDoPe85csM/s320/IMG_6430+Emily,+Csilla,+Woman,+Woman,+Hibo+resized+better.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Emily Howells, Csilla Fodor, Nargis Jhet<span style="background-color: white;">am, Iman,</span><br />Hibo Osman assemble gift packages. </b></td></tr>
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This past April, we moved to a beautiful apartment on <b>Al Reem Island</b> in <b>Abu Dhabi</b>. From our living room we have a stunning view of the gleaming
turquoise <b>Arabian Gulf</b> and the expansive
bridge crossing to <a href="http://www.saadiyat.ae/en/"><b>Saadiyat Islan</b>d</a>.
From my kitchen window I have an unadorned view of a men’s labor camp. Six
containers stacked two high with 6 doors each housing 250 men. A meager sand
yard and two nondescript buildings complete the very small compound that is defined
by a corrugated steel fence. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKTaCfJM43bLw7uKq_jfal0z3C4fM1wgci13T1b_o1b4YXkcuuRM9gMcXoCZ9CaVk12cA4v858BoqEGXhxwLrm3nymAOxtbw7jbpXd7PEwhB9GrxVMAEnxxG4v-6jc7gnlD7eSOcP2kY/s1600/IMG_6387+gift+package+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKTaCfJM43bLw7uKq_jfal0z3C4fM1wgci13T1b_o1b4YXkcuuRM9gMcXoCZ9CaVk12cA4v858BoqEGXhxwLrm3nymAOxtbw7jbpXd7PEwhB9GrxVMAEnxxG4v-6jc7gnlD7eSOcP2kY/s320/IMG_6387+gift+package+resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>One of the gift packages. </b></td></tr>
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Six days a week, in the
intense Abu Dhabi heat, I see the men in their blue overalls with
heads wrapped in scarves, as protection from the blistering sun and sand, trudge
across the street to build another new luxury apartment building. These men
have left their homelands of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh to work and earn
money to send back to their families. It is hard to believe that this life is a
better option for them and their loved ones. It must be hard for the families to be separated during holy month of Ramadan.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“You can do this,”</i>
I say to myself. <i>“So what if you only
know three people in Abu Dhabi. You’ve seen the outpouring of generosity from
Muslims and non-Muslims alike during Ramadan and you know the first rule of
fundraising - you have to ask. And, if you don’t do it, who will?” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-N2xMjKMKOxvfTm9d_tRhaRsJ9IVnI1dHrkXg7rAkCQpuLPAOGP8siJH03Nt1gdKG0GsOcbw8rc-g4vTuh5sAua6597VE_AqvApJRx5suwPXJa0hdjoUMlGhlElE0_1xrk2kmNYJYIiI/s1600/IMG_6454+Nicole+hands+out+bags+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-N2xMjKMKOxvfTm9d_tRhaRsJ9IVnI1dHrkXg7rAkCQpuLPAOGP8siJH03Nt1gdKG0GsOcbw8rc-g4vTuh5sAua6597VE_AqvApJRx5suwPXJa0hdjoUMlGhlElE0_1xrk2kmNYJYIiI/s320/IMG_6454+Nicole+hands+out+bags+resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Nicole Dobrata helps distribute gift packages.</b></td></tr>
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My husband Roger is less convinced but promises to fill in
any shortages. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My anxiety lifts on day number ten. <b><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=39903438&locale=en_US&trk=tyah">AngelWesley</a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=39903438&locale=en_US&trk=tyah">,</a></b> founder of <b><a href="http://www.laborofloveuae.com/">Labor Of Love</a></b> an informal group that assists laborers, informs me she has a donor for the
Iftar dinner, <b>Tamquest Events/Media.</b>
Tamquest‘s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/smileontheface"><b>Smile on the Face</b></a><b> </b>program
to help laborers also commits to shampoo, hand wash, water, chips, and more. I tally the other commitments I
have for the package and realize with immense gratitude we have a program!<br />
<br />
But it
doesn't stop here.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEmfDpiclFcmWYY4zjYQjgZE6RQKnanlPGof0FdEWEnkORZwguYz8KZU3w8iPu5JoX8ibUWdLwrZrv4545I9Y7V08kDY6JTk-trYKE9qktB3bEJIB2TURmcX0WJJ3XXkj5Rzaw8f2zi4/s1600/IMG_6479+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEmfDpiclFcmWYY4zjYQjgZE6RQKnanlPGof0FdEWEnkORZwguYz8KZU3w8iPu5JoX8ibUWdLwrZrv4545I9Y7V08kDY6JTk-trYKE9qktB3bEJIB2TURmcX0WJJ3XXkj5Rzaw8f2zi4/s320/IMG_6479+resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dan Taylor wishes Ramadan Kareem to the men. </b></td></tr>
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Over the course of the next two weeks the generosity of
people in Abu Dhabi is overwhelming. <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=14113882&locale=en_US&trk=tyah"><b>BabS </b><b>Kly</b><b>n</b></a> from <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FeelGreatHelping">Feel Great Helping</a></b> and
<b>Cause Connect</b> post my flyer on their
volunteer web sites and <b>BodyTree,</b> my
Pilates studio, posts the notice and provides a drop off point for contributions.
Very soon the donations outgrow our guest bedroom, seep down the hallway, take
over the dining room and pour into our living room. <br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Did I mention that Roger is a saint?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2X9HW0y0TVGc-9DosVonHPxXm1ERUO3Q5isFwcKWQkA95oU8-ChgyMPDmDTs4aNOW996d_LjH2m7en5fsWQ4mjEYID8FMPYc7NaquMzOa-ePvqpEtoUQLmePXUQq3OdSdxFmExckwss/s1600/IMG_0601+Food+distribnution+Dan+and+Vicki+Taylor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2X9HW0y0TVGc-9DosVonHPxXm1ERUO3Q5isFwcKWQkA95oU8-ChgyMPDmDTs4aNOW996d_LjH2m7en5fsWQ4mjEYID8FMPYc7NaquMzOa-ePvqpEtoUQLmePXUQq3OdSdxFmExckwss/s320/IMG_0601+Food+distribnution+Dan+and+Vicki+Taylor.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <b>Dan Brown and Vicki Eveille hand out Iftar dinners. </b></td></tr>
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In all, this incredible band of 100+ volunteers fund and
deliver<u> four</u> Iftar diners valued at AED 10,000 ($2725) and <u>four</u> gift bags
containing a total of 34 pieces of food and personal items with an
estimated value of AED 31,000 ($8447). <o:p></o:p></div>
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This band of volunteers are a virtual United Nations representing
many countries and many beliefs - Muslims, Christians, Hindus and others, all
who put aside their political and religious differences to come together for a humanitarian
cause. It is inspiring. That it is happening in a region of the world so full
of conflict is a real testament to the generosity of the individual and our
deep respect for one another.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What comes to mind is <a href="http://www.biography.com/people/margaret-mead-9404056">MargaretMeade’s </a>famous quote, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever
has."<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRw_lDWXanrQ5L0JSz80MbHU7Hd-I6KhG5UJyx7hMnYujKsqDGUt6CHGulhumPmuziAT7CA9cO9hggrbwebDrcHoK7T1ZerXk-1N9z4gl6WWj1l3iQ6-6rOuXNw551OB1PGjDBxaniwH8/s1600/IMG_0606+littlest+volunteer+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRw_lDWXanrQ5L0JSz80MbHU7Hd-I6KhG5UJyx7hMnYujKsqDGUt6CHGulhumPmuziAT7CA9cO9hggrbwebDrcHoK7T1ZerXk-1N9z4gl6WWj1l3iQ6-6rOuXNw551OB1PGjDBxaniwH8/s320/IMG_0606+littlest+volunteer+resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Nina Brown helps our littlest volunteer Levi Steele!</b></td></tr>
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I do want to express my unending thanks to the residents,
the management and maintenance crew of <a href="http://www.amayatowers.com/Other_Pages/Location.htm"><b>Amaya Towers</b> </a>for the donations, the assistance with assembling the gift bags and
the endless trips up and down the elevator carrying boxes of goods. I am also so
grateful to <b>Abdel</b>, the camp manager,
who was so patient with my question and saw to it the men arrived on time. Also,
thanks to <b><a href="http://www.mubadala.com/">Mabadala Development Company</a>,</b> <b><a href="http://www.waitrosememorystore.org.uk/page_id__575_path__0p32p39p.aspx">Waitrose, </a><a href="http://www.mafraqhospital.ae/">Mafraq Hospital</a>, <a href="http://www.parsons.com/projects/Pages/abu-dhabi-intl-airport.aspx">Parsons</a></b><a href="http://www.parsons.com/projects/Pages/abu-dhabi-intl-airport.aspx">Parsons, </a> and <a href="http://popular-popcorn.com/category/partners/"><b>Popular</b><b> Popcorn</b></a> for their generous corporate support. But the real heroes of
the project are the <i>regular</i> folks who
reached into their wallets to share their abundance with others less
fortunate. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqm3cKU93ix4FvlL9s0d5wSG9bWFtDD7uSrxL04RjC-PgHuPDuduQUuvNQiwWtd0lQlHHSAdbbunM3Xz2CsWJXg2L79GgO1xtLHsa03SK2B3qPihXFGKQmNDXM5XDGK1jotx_99tHEr4/s1600/IMG_6482+waves+resized+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqm3cKU93ix4FvlL9s0d5wSG9bWFtDD7uSrxL04RjC-PgHuPDuduQUuvNQiwWtd0lQlHHSAdbbunM3Xz2CsWJXg2L79GgO1xtLHsa03SK2B3qPihXFGKQmNDXM5XDGK1jotx_99tHEr4/s320/IMG_6482+waves+resized+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The perfect thank you. </b></td></tr>
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As we are about to leave, volunteer <strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/vicki.eveille">Vicki Evielle</a></strong> waves to the small of men gathered in the yard. <br />
<br />
“Look,
they are waving back at us.”<br />
<br />
This simple gesture
creates a very heartfelt moment – what a perfect thank you. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
We all wave back. </div>
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<b><i>Ramadan Kareem.</i></b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FKHa5cbE8iT0h7f_WIkAy2rpHt8gzL7ipaPh1FxXMYFpZdnFXrjzaPAKe9TVtW1opDQd0eMrc03Um13ex1GapyoM8SZxw7D_WF12qc-ek3ayU7K3xcgizuxTJgW46v7pXoMz_WCcw8w/s1600/IMG_0660+Aug+7+Team+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FKHa5cbE8iT0h7f_WIkAy2rpHt8gzL7ipaPh1FxXMYFpZdnFXrjzaPAKe9TVtW1opDQd0eMrc03Um13ex1GapyoM8SZxw7D_WF12qc-ek3ayU7K3xcgizuxTJgW46v7pXoMz_WCcw8w/s400/IMG_0660+Aug+7+Team+resized.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Iftar Dinner Team August 7.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJDNEeyJN1MUL3-eNthyphenhyphen4txDm8IIYZbOOTbBJwnyowvtJ4Uom8oJ3SDF4Q57KfB6gfxdYhfrW7Ih-uBfL4IzxEglhIPFV5uKLBzASMQMV4PjErZ_-8pzQWjVz9wghzxt1IthgIe9p6OM/s1600/IMG_6400+Liam+with+oil+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJDNEeyJN1MUL3-eNthyphenhyphen4txDm8IIYZbOOTbBJwnyowvtJ4Uom8oJ3SDF4Q57KfB6gfxdYhfrW7Ih-uBfL4IzxEglhIPFV5uKLBzASMQMV4PjErZ_-8pzQWjVz9wghzxt1IthgIe9p6OM/s400/IMG_6400+Liam+with+oil+resized.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Liam - the oil man!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUqWM9JxZa6lJsiQzkr2_2tTTTXzFp2g9b4lpivJxAn-XotFdkE3TPB9M7oHomreLzi6F41vwPwW6Cr5mnNMiwHZu_VH_Ik8MbWKz5m_9KNrQEQKVJNgustrPwiNSL8Dds-yJ7isZSUM/s1600/IMG_6407+Dan+Taylor+&+Eli+w.waitross+bags+resized.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUqWM9JxZa6lJsiQzkr2_2tTTTXzFp2g9b4lpivJxAn-XotFdkE3TPB9M7oHomreLzi6F41vwPwW6Cr5mnNMiwHZu_VH_Ik8MbWKz5m_9KNrQEQKVJNgustrPwiNSL8Dds-yJ7isZSUM/s400/IMG_6407+Dan+Taylor+&+Eli+w.waitross+bags+resized.png" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Eli and Dan Taylor are the bag boys.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6d5XkRhAc8RnJmoIqZ9mZEvM0X7pKTgAWsR-ni2uXiw8qKEl6mSUebyDUxTyQzwqOqNPd-w97VDEugK6gyzHfyqs7nFUN_xS1rrye_bCjZqb_Gb3slSJwizhQyQOwBKe6jzDJ_q2pX0/s1600/IMG_6432+Dianna+S+kids+popcorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6d5XkRhAc8RnJmoIqZ9mZEvM0X7pKTgAWsR-ni2uXiw8qKEl6mSUebyDUxTyQzwqOqNPd-w97VDEugK6gyzHfyqs7nFUN_xS1rrye_bCjZqb_Gb3slSJwizhQyQOwBKe6jzDJ_q2pX0/s400/IMG_6432+Dianna+S+kids+popcorn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Diana Susann and her children Julia, Mike and Chris tackle the gourmet popcorn.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxj6OVyIQhDtNZUHok2tSow9peCr72UoQevAQ6f89K8ny1VV75GAawGHmXdIJM35_UnZKjoZGShVMN6ruVwDffR0of4DVRbLwYfKXJb_3c_xGgwbJrzC1ewRnzmTgjul0Uqek9UuHt_Q/s1600/IMG_6425+Bridgette+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxj6OVyIQhDtNZUHok2tSow9peCr72UoQevAQ6f89K8ny1VV75GAawGHmXdIJM35_UnZKjoZGShVMN6ruVwDffR0of4DVRbLwYfKXJb_3c_xGgwbJrzC1ewRnzmTgjul0Uqek9UuHt_Q/s400/IMG_6425+Bridgette+resized.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Bridgette Peetz is the "sweet" lady!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LnXnpB3kVObjJ-DBByxJpp-cm4-a5puJUVadpszyylcDmqiE03UL1iq-NoFh3CwKoV6T8aU0i8BXgNz3FBeLPteX9_FpjO_2-xlGrm2Jfx58OvDGVfKjO2COW332jOphJZ9libKEI0g/s1600/IMG_6435+Govind%252C+Dianne+Susann+kid%252C+woman%252C+Amaya%252C+woman%252C+Daniel+son%252C+Lucretia+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LnXnpB3kVObjJ-DBByxJpp-cm4-a5puJUVadpszyylcDmqiE03UL1iq-NoFh3CwKoV6T8aU0i8BXgNz3FBeLPteX9_FpjO_2-xlGrm2Jfx58OvDGVfKjO2COW332jOphJZ9libKEI0g/s400/IMG_6435+Govind%252C+Dianne+Susann+kid%252C+woman%252C+Amaya%252C+woman%252C+Daniel+son%252C+Lucretia+resized.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Second set of bags ready for loadin<span style="background-color: white;">g by (l.tor.) Govind Ayyappan, Diana Susann, <br />Narjis, Jhetam, Mohammed Zaklin, Nous Al Hamly, Daniel Pierre, <br />Lucretia Lee and boys Eli and Liam. </span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXztUKEwqeVCHBPca0JvAIt1BKrriQ2_aB2Qyqcl1DvLG87No5qRd5VABX62lv2WWx3jEPT4YxH3OiXPy6FsRpOcmIyTNAa98jUsGxzYqbu4Zt7bgioR1crEoSV66B5RXd_g171rIyNVs/s1600/IMG_6477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXztUKEwqeVCHBPca0JvAIt1BKrriQ2_aB2Qyqcl1DvLG87No5qRd5VABX62lv2WWx3jEPT4YxH3OiXPy6FsRpOcmIyTNAa98jUsGxzYqbu4Zt7bgioR1crEoSV66B5RXd_g171rIyNVs/s400/IMG_6477.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Yasma Orsand keeps the line moving. </b> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWegejn9-hBu7FNCFkszAVBPKAnnVgAKq4mwMBar_5H-mWtjeetHAFH40LkpoqR84_DysXcAJzlvmJzVeUvdBPf5aOWG7orboASBSUBNBtsbTspop7qZNw4hlfZXQ74JhloYZfINteF40/s1600/IMG_6487+Vol+Aug+2+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWegejn9-hBu7FNCFkszAVBPKAnnVgAKq4mwMBar_5H-mWtjeetHAFH40LkpoqR84_DysXcAJzlvmJzVeUvdBPf5aOWG7orboASBSUBNBtsbTspop7qZNw4hlfZXQ74JhloYZfINteF40/s400/IMG_6487+Vol+Aug+2+resized.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Iftar Dinner Team August 2</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-n6e77IEwy8t4ZDtDgZpUbTfPZeSDHzPcaky-IkKl09zOIPb33OQ3P9f0wRZ1pMvyczV0G2EGrJVri9C4jechnujMDkzuLdse21ofsSeGacKqZMLpFICbDovRvDI5olKvNI0Ls_r-MLE/s1600/IMG_6491+laborers+line+up+resized+colored.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-n6e77IEwy8t4ZDtDgZpUbTfPZeSDHzPcaky-IkKl09zOIPb33OQ3P9f0wRZ1pMvyczV0G2EGrJVri9C4jechnujMDkzuLdse21ofsSeGacKqZMLpFICbDovRvDI5olKvNI0Ls_r-MLE/s400/IMG_6491+laborers+line+up+resized+colored.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A wave of thanks. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoMWCWil4vY14fNCl7JJIQWPFOWzXIz2I7IilXa6ciBYpTwXPbvY9Tb9zv5JoJOTUgbP2eBwWV2htyYDX-6TfinupaJi9FGZtAGwu44YOzzifPcaxwMlhq1nqpQkXqWLgofxCygPG64A/s1600/IMG_6518+Aug+3+Pia+and+Aedela+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoMWCWil4vY14fNCl7JJIQWPFOWzXIz2I7IilXa6ciBYpTwXPbvY9Tb9zv5JoJOTUgbP2eBwWV2htyYDX-6TfinupaJi9FGZtAGwu44YOzzifPcaxwMlhq1nqpQkXqWLgofxCygPG64A/s400/IMG_6518+Aug+3+Pia+and+Aedela+resized.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Acevedos - Pia, her mother <span style="background-color: white;">Adele and her father work as a team <br />to hand </span>out gift packages. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Heading back to camp.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Iftar Dinner Team August 3 with men from the labor camp. </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Manar Sultan and Emily Howells handle the fresh fruit.</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The best assembly crew in town.</b></td></tr>
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Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com0Al Reem Island - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates24.4942437 54.40686030000006224.436444199999997 54.326179300000064 24.5520432 54.487541300000061tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-76854105569426316992013-07-16T17:02:00.000+04:002013-07-22T13:47:49.383+04:00How does a non-Muslim living in a Muslim country survive and thrive during Ramadan? . . . Thoughts from Abu Dhabi.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Holy Month of <a href="http://www.whatisramadan.com/"><b>Ramadan</b> </a>is upon us. For a non-Muslim living
in a Muslim country like the <b><a href="http://www.uaeinteract.com/">United Arab Emirates</a></b>, this means making some
lifestyle adjustments. To make this
easier, the first thing a non-Muslim must do is understand the practices and
rituals of Ramadan. The second thing is to find a way to thrive during Ramadan.<br />
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Ramadan is observed in the 9th month of the Muslim calendar,
the month the<b> <a href="http://www.al-islam.org/allah/info/quran.html">Qur’an </a></b>was revealed to the <b><a href="http://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-8.htm">Prophet Mohammed</a></b> (Peace Be Upon Him). Its
exact timing is determined by the lunar cycle. During this holy month Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, negative thoughts and deeds as well as
having sexual relations. During these
long hot summer days this can sometimes mean up to 15 hours. Patience and self
–restraint are blessed during this holy month.
It is a time that Muslims humble themselves before God asking for
forgiveness and giving thanks for their blessings. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In every religion, the depth of ritual observances and prayer
life can vary with believers. If you are
a <b>Christian, Muslim, Jew </b>or <b>Hindu</b> it is your choice how much and to what degree
you observe these rituals. I do not know how many Muslims practice everything
during Ramadan, but it does appear to me that the Muslims I associate with observe
most of the formalities. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, what is the day like for a pious Muslim during Ramadan? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Before dawn, Muslims rise to eat the <b>Suhoor,</b> a meal taken while it is still dark before the fast begins.
This can mean an entire full course meal with complete Suhoor meals offered by many restaurants. At
about one hour and twenty minutes before sunrise, Muslims perform the first
prayer of the day – the<b> Fajr </b>which
means dawn<b>. </b> Some people may go back to bed rising in time
to begin their normal work day.<br />
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At noon, Muslims pray the <b>Zuhr </b>(midday) and later in the afternoon the <b>Asr</b> (afternoon)<b>.</b> They will fast all day – no food or water –
until sunset when they pray the <b>Maghrib</b>
(dusk)<b>. </b><b>Iftar</b> is the meal taken at sunset to break the fast. It
traditionally begins with a few dates and water. In the evening, Muslims will pray the <b>Isha </b>night prayer, and some will go to the mosques for <b>Taraweeh,</b>
special evening prayers. The Suhoor and
the Iftar are considered very meaningful times to celebrate with family and
friends. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There are other Ramadan practices intended to purify the soul.
A common goal for many Muslims is to read the entire Qur’an, one chapter at a
time, during the month of Ramadan. During this time Muslims strive to forgive others
and repair strained relationships.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A great example of doing good during Ramadan. This <br />store in Dubai offers free food for those with no <br />money or who are unemployed.</b></td></tr>
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As Ramadan is a time of alms giving, many Muslims
will send plates of food to their neighbors and make a special point of
inviting friends and family to their homes to break the fast together. <b><a href="http://www.hidaya.org/publications/zakat-information/10-what-is-zakat-obligatory-charity">Zakat</a> </b>(charity) is one of the five
pillars of Islam and especially important during Ramadan with many charity projects
in the offering. Zakat can mean giving money to the poor or feeding the hungry.<br />
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Without a doubt this regime is strenuous and takes a good
amount of fortitude to accomplish. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For non-Muslims, Ramadan brings some restraints on the daily
schedule and shifting to nocturnal time frame for many activities. Most restaurants
are closed until the evening time when the fast is broken. You must avoid
eating, drinking or smoking in public places or in view of Muslims.<br />
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Non-Muslims
must also practice a lot of patience as nerves can become frayed from the
stress of fasting. And, we are cautioned to be careful driving as reaction
times of people who are fasting may drop during the day. Many businesses and services will open only
after the Iftar meal around 9 pm and stay open to midnight or later. The good
news is that the work day is shorter so non-Muslims too get to enjoy more time
with family. <o:p></o:p><br />
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So how can non-Muslims thrive during Ramadan?<br />
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I am greatly moved by the sacrifice, hospitality and
generosity of the Muslims during Ramadan, as well as during the year, and wish to join them during this holy
month in sharing my abundance with those in need.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Adopt-A-Camp care package delivery to a labor camp. </b></td></tr>
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For the last two Ramadans, while living in Dubai, I
participated in the <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/AdoptaCamp/128987127135944">Adopt A Camp</a></b>
charity project. The first year we pulled together <b><a href="http://www.arabiantalesandotheramazingadventures.blogspot.ae/2011/08/ramadan-simple-act-of-charity-adopt.html#more">3,000 care packages for the laborers</a></b>. The second year we delivered <b><a href="http://www.arabiantalesandotheramazingadventures.blogspot.ae/2012/08/11000-volunteers-being-human-for-every.html#more">5,000 care packages</a> </b>to the labor camps. </div>
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This year, having arrived in Abu Dhabi only 3 months ago, I
am organizing my own Ramadan charity project to bring a hot Iftar meal and a
care package to the 200 men living in the labor camp across the street from our
apartment on <b>Al Reem Island</b>. Two
informal Abu Dhabi organizations, <b><a href="http://www.laborofloveuae.com/">Labor of Love</a></b> run by <b><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=39903438&authType=NAME_SEARCH&authToken=-Qbw&locale=en_US&srchid=504969311373975974219&srchindex=1&srchtotal=1&trk=vsrp_people_res_name&trkInfo=VSRPsearchId%3A504969311373975974219%2CVSRPtargetId%3A39903438%2CVSRPcmpt%3Aprimary">Angel Wesley</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FeelGreatHelping">Feel Great Helping</a></b> run by <b><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/babsklyn">Babs Klyn</a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/babsklyn">,</a></b> have helped to make
this project a success. Also, big thanks to <b>Tamquest Entertainment</b> for funding the meals and items for the care packages as part of their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tamquestofficial?ref=br_tf">Smile on Your Face </a>Ramadan effort. <o:p></o:p><br />
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The outpouring of generous donations has been amazing and you can help too. We will deliver the packages and meal on <b>Friday, August 2.<i> </i></b><br />
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<b><i>If you
would like to contribute please email me <a href="mailto:katiefoster46@gmail.com">katiefoster46@gmail.com</a> and I will
send you the information on the project. </i>Deadline for donations is Wednesday, July 31. </b></div>
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To my Muslim friends I say, “Ramadan Kareem.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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To my non-Muslim friends I say, “This Ramadan, join with
your Muslim neighbors by reaching out and helping someone in need. To quote author John Holmes, ‘There is no
better exercise for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.’” <o:p></o:p><br />
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<b><i>Postscripts . . . </i></b><br />
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<i><b>Ramadan Culinary Tour . . . </b>my good friend <b>Arva, Frying Pan Adventures</b>, is offering a <b>Ramadan <a href="http://www.fryingpanadventures.com/#!tour-dates-and-bookings">"Sacred Sunset" </a>Culinary Tour</b> (from this link you need to accept the condition and then the info on the tour will come up). While her current dates are full she said if she had enough inquiries she would schedule more. This sounds like a really good way for non-Muslims to experience the Iftar breaking of the fast. Send her a message if you would like to join her. </i><br />
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<i><b>Healthy Tips for Ramadan</b> . . . another good friend <b>Holly, Arabic Zeal</b>, blogger who was recently features in <a href="http://arabiczeal.com/bbc-good-food-middle-east-meet-blogger/"><b>BBC's Good Food</b> </a>magazine, offers two great posts for Ramadan. <a href="http://arabiczeal.com/2013/07/"><b>Ramadan Recipes - What's cooking this month </b>and <b>10 Goals for A Healthy Ramadan </b></a></i></div>
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Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com0Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates24.4666667 54.36666669999999624.0037877 53.7212197 24.929545700000002 55.012113699999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-1198662163187458842013-07-13T15:38:00.000+04:002013-10-23T15:03:17.392+04:00MALALA YOUSAFZAI is ONLY one of many children seeking education.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>Note: I feel compelled to repost this blog in support of Malala's speech on July 12, 2013, before the UN advocating for education for all children. On her 16th birthday, having survived an attack by the Taliban, this young girl inspired an entire world with her worlds of compassion, courage and determination. If you feel compelled to help a disadvantaged orphan child in the UAE receive an education please read the post below and contact me. </i><br />
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The media is full of reports of the young Pakistani girl <b>Malala
Yousafzai</b> who
was shot by the <b>Taliban</b> for speaking
out for the education of women. This inhumane act has sent reverberations
around the world rightfully denouncing the Taliban, supporting Malala and everyone's right to education.<br />
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Malala is not alone in
her quest for education. There are many more Malala’s in the Middle East and Asia who
must struggle each day to obtain their education. </div>
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I was fortunate to meet such a young woman through the <b>Al Ihsan Charity Association</b>. While this
young woman is lucky to live in the <b>United
Arab Emirates</b> where education of women is encouraged, nevertheless she had
to overcome many obstavles to obtain her education. </div>
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Here is her story . . . </div>
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The young woman sits quietly on the floor of the bare
majilis of her mother’s home in Ajman looking like a small fragile black bird
wrapped in her simple abaya and hijab. But it is the combination of her calm
demeanor and the determined glint in her eyes that tell as much of her story as
her words. In her soft educated voice this woman of Pakistan descent quietly recounts
a journey of courage, perseverance and strength of character. It is the brave
odyssey of one young woman’s drive to give meaning to her life. </div>
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Married at 19, Aisha (not her real name) separated a year
later from her abusive and domineering husband. The divorce attorney wanted AED 8,000 and she had
no funds. Her family takes her in but some family members are not in favor of
her decision to seek a divorce. Undeterred, alone and with little support, she quietly
continues on strengthened by her resolve to obtain her freedom. </div>
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With only an 8<sup>th</sup> grade education, she tenaciously wrestled her way through the UAE legal system for four years. Aisha never once questioned her decision to
see it to the end. Her only thought when
she received the divorce decree was, “I want to learn about this law thing so I
can help other girls.” </div>
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Thanks to the <b>“Back
to School”</b> scholarship program founded by two expat women, Aisha’s dream
came true. In may 2012 she graduated from Ajman Law School. Aisha Is now
studying with an attorney so she can qualify for the certificate that permits
her to speak in court. She wants to make sure that no woman
<u>ever </u>has to go to court alone and uneducated as she did.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Theresa Dommett, Beth Bohlen and <br />Diana Mullin distribute food <br />at Al Ihsan Charity</b></td></tr>
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“Back to School” is one program operated by the <a href="http://www.alihsan.ae/portal/en/home.aspx"><b>Al Ihsan Charity Association</b></a>.
Al Ihsan sponsors poor families with no supporter including
widows, divorcees and deserted women and families unable to work. The centre
also provides assistance to orphans through comprehensive care and additional scholarships.
These families are almost all expats who are unable to return home due to the
lack of family or the dire political or economic situation of their home
countries.</div>
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Volunteers <a href="http://gulfnews.com/life-style/people/heart-of-gold-1.25753"><b>Beth Lamont</b> and <b>Lynne Haboubi</b></a> raise funds to pay the school fees for some of
the orphaned and needy children who are part of the Al Ihsan Charity.<b> </b>Since 2004, contributions from
individuals and organizations totaling more than AED 419,000 have made it
possible for 125 children to stay in school and focus on obtaining an
education. <br />
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This year, however, the late withdrawal of a major
benefactor who had funded the majority of the costs for schooling of 100
children, the Back to School program has found itself able to pay for <u>only</u>
33 children to go back to school leaving 67 students with <u>no funding</u> for
their education. </div>
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“It is heart-breaking,” says Beth “to know that these
children did so well in school last year and now cannot return. These are eager
students and we all know that the path out of poverty is education. We only
have to look at Aisha’s success to realize that this effort is making a
difference.”</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Israt and her son Haseeb</b></td></tr>
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My husband <b>Roger </b>and I are
so moved by the plight of these children that we are sponsoring a child. <b>Haseeb </b>is a 5<sup>th</sup> grade
student in the Indian Private School. He is a polite boy and good student. We calculate that <i>our donation was equal to two nights out for dinner at our favorite
restaurant</i>; a small price to pay to help this bright young boy attain an
education. <br />
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<span style="color: windowtext;">Ishrat with her son Haseeb <i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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If you would be interested in helping one of these orphans please
contact me <a href="mailto:katiefoster46@gmail.com">katiefoster46@gmail.com</a>
or 056 350 4147. I would be happy to put you in touch with the Back to School
program. <br />
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Postscripts . . . <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<i>Malala's speech on July 12 2013 before the UN</i><br />
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<i><br /></i>
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<i>Here’s a sampling
of other students who have the most urgent funding needs . . . <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><i>Saeed</i></b><i> is a very strong student who pleaded for an opportunity to attend
Ajman University to study engineering. He is now in his final year and has
pledged that once he graduates and finds employment he will help children like
himself with their school fees. AED 20,031
($5458) to fund the Fall semester of his final year. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><i>Abbas</i></b><i>, who anxiously waited for a number of years to enter school as he was
in dire need of a kidney transplant, now is in the 5<sup>th</sup> grade at Oman
Bin Khatab School. His father passed away four years ago. AED 4290 ($1168) for
balance of 2012-2013 school year. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><i>Mohammed,</i></b><i> Aisha’s cousin, is 19 but only in the 9<sup>th</sup> grade since he
didn’t start school until four years ago. He attends Ajman Private School. AED 7590
($1306) for balance of 2012-2013 school year. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><i>Sharaz</i></b><i>, who had to miss two years of school due to family finances after his
father death, now stands ready to graduate from Sharjah Indian High School. AED 4798 ($1306) for balance of 2012-2013
school year.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><i>Nadar</i></b><i>, who was the first student to received funds from the Back To School
Program, sat out from school for four years due to his family’s dire financial situation.
He is now determined to attend the Association
of Certified Charter Accountants program at the Infomatic Center. AED 4125
($1123) for balance of 2012 classes. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><i>Kainath, </i></b><i>who missed a couple of years of schooling due to her family’s financial
situation, is now a straight “A” student and first in her class. AED 2475
($664) to complete the 2012-2013 school year.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<strong><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Abdul </span></i></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><i>didn’t start school – first grade
- until the age of 9</i></span><i> because
of his father’s death and the family’s financial situation. Today he is eager
to attend school and is doing quite well in his classes. AED 1,822 ($496) to
complete the 2012-2013 school year. <span class="apple-converted-space"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><i>Suhail, </i></b><i>who has lost both parents, dreams of becoming an engineer and helping
his younger brothers and sisters go to school. AED 3190 ($869) to complete the
2012-2013 school year.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><b>Samira</b>, a very artistic and
articulate 20-year old young lady, is in her last year, 12th grade.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> Like her mother, her paintings
are becoming a hit at the ARTE Souk where the Al Ihsan Charity Association Ladies’
Handicraft Cooperative sells the women’s work. Her father passed away several
years ago. AED 9,350 ($2547)to complete the 2021-2013 school year. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><a href="http://www.alihsan.ae/portal/en/home.aspx"><b><i>Al Ihsan
Charity Association</i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape alt="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gif" id="Picture_x0020_6" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: .75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: .75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</v:imagedata></v:shape></span></a> <i>sponsors
poor families with no supporter including widows, divorcees and deserted women
and families unable to work. The centre also provides assistance to orphans through
comprehensive care and scholarships. Their activities include daily
distribution of food stuffs to over 600 families, monthly contributions for
basic family needs for more than 1600 families and family sponsorship through
financial help and support. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>The
Ihsan Charity Health Centre provides free treatment and initial examination to
families registered with the centre as well as providing medical care for
orphans.</i><i> <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>In 2012,
the charity was listed as #14 on Forbes list of the Most Transparent Charities in
the Arab World. <span style="color: grey;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i>For
more information on the Al Ihsan Charity Association please call 056 200 2076.</i></div>
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<b><i>Thank you Ishrat . . . </i></b><i>. Thank you for your personal assistance in gathering the information for this article. The mother of<b> </b>two sons,<b> Haseeb and Sharaz, </b>Israt is truly an inspirational lady. This widow sought assistance from Al Ihsan when her husband took ill and subsequently died. Today she volunteers her time lending moral support and assistance helping other widows and single mothers to sustain their families. She was instrumental in setting up the Al Ihsan’s Ladies Handicraft Cooperative program and working with the Back to School program she is dedicated to seeing that every child receives their education</i></div>
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Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-32996940348776885572013-06-26T17:45:00.001+04:002013-07-16T13:56:54.754+04:00On the Streets of Abu Dhabi . . . . Ethiopian food at its best!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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What do new friends do?<b>
</b>We do lunch! Oh, but not just any ordinary lunch, we need something exotic
and enticing. </div>
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My new Abu Dhabi friend, American expat <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/valerie.enger">Valerie Enger</a>,</b> and I are on the prowl. The choices are endless in this international
city of Abu Dhabi – Indian, Thai, Chinese, Lebanese, Egyptian - you name a
country and I venture Abu Dhabi has a restaurant operated by someone from there.</div>
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We settle on <b>Ethiopian</b>
cuisine as Valerie has never tried it and I love it and I am eager to find a
good one in my new city. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Tucked in a far corner of the Tourist Club neighborhood is <b>Bonna Anne</b> - a slender slice of
Ethiopia. This unassuming jewel serves authentic Ethiopian food as testified by
the steady stream of Ethiopians eating there. Here we prove the thesis that if
you really want to eat the best ethnic food find out where the natives go. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The small store front restaurant, simply furnished with
black wicker tables and chairs, seats about 30. Valerie and I sense our
presence may be a bit peculiar as the other diners, all Ethiopian men, keep
staring at us. When I make eye contact, they just give me one of those blazing
Ethiopian smiles and turn back to their meal.
We surmise that not too many older white women frequent this
establishment. Oh, here come two veiled Muslim women – but they take a table in
the rear corner and sit with their backs to the other diners. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WUbvy4I7-npZ4rKoVuGNTM6SC4gjt-5k5I6n7sUuwLHr9OBVgb9St_3d-bENh39zDIZ6n_QBv0ebcvEhqGAfFoVR8542ItrlD60PlAHqTqPe3qFjEtl_tIm6IiQUeIarmj6rMOpqNHU/s1600/Ethiopina+mesab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WUbvy4I7-npZ4rKoVuGNTM6SC4gjt-5k5I6n7sUuwLHr9OBVgb9St_3d-bENh39zDIZ6n_QBv0ebcvEhqGAfFoVR8542ItrlD60PlAHqTqPe3qFjEtl_tIm6IiQUeIarmj6rMOpqNHU/s320/Ethiopina+mesab.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This is what a mesab looks like</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bonna Anne certainly did not spend much Birr, Ethiopian currency,
on the décor. Only a few worn African
decorative touches are scattered around the room.<br />
<br />
Sadly missing is the colorful
<b><i>mesab</i></b>,
a handmade hourglass shaped wicker basket with a cone top that is used as a
table to serve the meal. This is rather like a Chinese restaurant without
chopsticks. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ethiopia, once ruled by the <b><a href="http://www.pbs.org/mythsandheroes/myths_four_sheba.html">Queen of Sheba,</a></b> is the oldest
independent country in Africa and one who claims to have discovered the coffee
bean. The country boasts that is has the
spiciest chili-peppered food in all of Africa.
Thankfully at the Bonna Anne you can choose your degree of “heat.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuc816zFt8uDJGL4DxzR8GW7pYiutgHvqCNpbXHMp0dHJjoP_moi-k6T65E7tpTR8YGucT8r3tUw1NuV0lrx-_ldN1iyEhjHI-IbS8c2BnYNKjuasqwEH2XDA7qCGMSXq2Feg7NLd_7HI/s1600/IMG_5873+waitress+with+sign+resized.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuc816zFt8uDJGL4DxzR8GW7pYiutgHvqCNpbXHMp0dHJjoP_moi-k6T65E7tpTR8YGucT8r3tUw1NuV0lrx-_ldN1iyEhjHI-IbS8c2BnYNKjuasqwEH2XDA7qCGMSXq2Feg7NLd_7HI/s320/IMG_5873+waitress+with+sign+resized.png" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Elda shows us how injer is made</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The menu is a bit daunting but Elda, our helpful waitress,
takes us under her wing and suggests we order the <b>Bonna Anne Special</b> – a selection of <b><i>wats</i>,</b> meat and vegetables
stews, so we can have a taste of several savory items on the menu. Brilliant
choice! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dining Ethiopian is an intimate experience. The meal is eaten
communal style from a single platter placed in the middle of the table with no
cutlery offered. <a href="http://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/bread/recipe-injera.html"> <b><i>Injer</i></b></a>, the unleavened
bread that is the base of the meal, is torn into pieces and used as a scoop to eat
the various dishes. For sanitary
reasons, you eat using only your right hand.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Injer, made from <b><i>t<a href="http://whatscookingamerica.net/CharlotteBradley/Teff-Flour.htm">eff </a></i></b>flour, a species of <b><i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eragrostis_tef">lovegrass</a></i></b> (similar to millet and quinoa), is <u>only</u> found in the northern
Ethiopian high lands. Prepared today in the same way it has been for thousands
of years – it takes 4 days to ferment - this dull grey colored bread looks like
a piece of old flannel and has a sponge like texture. Despite its insipid
appearance, it provides a brilliant foil to the expertly spiced wats. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtth3z-1n4P_J2gYybcrDjZ5bclTvzYXhmgG6MNFxKTvlDgxzvQTZuyriOBf8NesrooHFGL_5ALc21nXoSnBLX_kr-V-b9bHf_gDqyQkUQXmkasytlQF1dBtc8PvUY4Yri3yVgN68f5I/s1600/IMG_5868+tray+of+wat+and+injer+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtth3z-1n4P_J2gYybcrDjZ5bclTvzYXhmgG6MNFxKTvlDgxzvQTZuyriOBf8NesrooHFGL_5ALc21nXoSnBLX_kr-V-b9bHf_gDqyQkUQXmkasytlQF1dBtc8PvUY4Yri3yVgN68f5I/s400/IMG_5868+tray+of+wat+and+injer+resized.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Our Bonna Anne Special arrives with a flourish. Elda brings a
tray of single dishes of wats and a large flat basket holding the injer. She
proceeds to tell us what each one is as she places them artistically on the bread.<br />
<br />
Valerie and I have opted for the mildly
spiced variety and are not disappointed. Even at this safe temperature the
spices and flavors come through clear and crisp.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDSalaxOP1trLx6Z37aj5f6wISo5Gaqph67ofZ3PXP5DV46Ac3LqPuZbKGGHJ7VxQtqHd0S5WqDh_HhC-G-TjoTeOr0ikbLD7efU_DfhxLjX7z2qOrvQs2ki3CVBcG0yvXXKKhdDv50o/s1600/IMG_5870+serving+wat+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDSalaxOP1trLx6Z37aj5f6wISo5Gaqph67ofZ3PXP5DV46Ac3LqPuZbKGGHJ7VxQtqHd0S5WqDh_HhC-G-TjoTeOr0ikbLD7efU_DfhxLjX7z2qOrvQs2ki3CVBcG0yvXXKKhdDv50o/s400/IMG_5870+serving+wat+resized.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
Our special includes:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>keywet,</i></b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> beef stew with diced onions,
tomato, garlic and Ethiopian chili powder; </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>minchet</i></b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">, minced beef sautéed in </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Bonna Anne special</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> sauce with onions,
tomato, pepper and Ethiopian butter;</span></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>lamb tib</i></b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">, lamb stewed with Ethiopian
spices and </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Bonna Anne special sauce</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">;</span></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">meser be
sega</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">, spiced lentils and ground meat stewed in a rich berber sauce, onion,
garlic, ginger and Ethiopian butter;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>bosena shiro</i></b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">, ground chickpeas and
ground meat simmered in </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Bonna Anne
special sauce</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> and spiced with Ethiopian butter; </span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> and </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>pickled cabbage</i></b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span></li>
</ul>
I think you can see the secret
ingredient here is Bonna Anne’s special sauce. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It takes us both a few tries to master using the injer as
the eating utensil. We break off pieces and scoop up a selection of wat. The
spongy texture is just perfect for soaking up the savory juices. The wats all
have a minced texture, except the lamb tib which has larger tender chunks of meat.
Each wat has a slightly different zing depending on the combination of seasonings
used. The fiery spices bring just the
right amount of fire to our taste buds; the pickled cabbage provides relief if
it gets too hot; and the injer just makes it all taste succulently earthy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVIV3d94zJ8eb9Zge_dI-IN2qNXYpg48a7jKu-UvJJUI0viD82lZlkGuc5S2_MrwriaLVrpU-kDv-6jSa_7gmebimPWbfaWzP7M0bQfBpdzP9Cd0Efjzcwmj7wnS3IaXqxA5imoBAMXU/s1600/IMG_5875+coffee+pot+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVIV3d94zJ8eb9Zge_dI-IN2qNXYpg48a7jKu-UvJJUI0viD82lZlkGuc5S2_MrwriaLVrpU-kDv-6jSa_7gmebimPWbfaWzP7M0bQfBpdzP9Cd0Efjzcwmj7wnS3IaXqxA5imoBAMXU/s400/IMG_5875+coffee+pot+resized.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We finish our meal with the <i><u>most</u></i> exquisite Ethiopian coffee served in a small black pot
accompanied by popcorn and incense. The deep deep dark thick coffee has a surprisingly
gentle taste that lingers on your palate and beckons you to sip more. I, who only
drink coffee once in a while at breakfast, enjoy three of the tiny cups. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Valerie and I agree that sharing the experience of a cultural
meal is a great way of bonding with new friends. On the way home she takes me by a small Indian
restaurant she recommends I try while she is back in the USA for the summer.
She promises it will be another one-of-a-kind tribal experience. India here I come!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Bonna Anne<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Tourist Club area of Abu Dhabi off Abu Hail Street<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Phone: 02 491 2128<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Price: Cheap Eat!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Postcript . . .</i></b><i> <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>For my Dubai friends . . . .</i></b><i> Thanks to <b>Arva </b>and her <b>Fr<a href="http://www.fryingpanadventures.com/">ying PanAdventures</a></b> I can recommend a great Ethiopian restaurant for you to try. There
are several branches of <b><a href="http://www.alhabasharestaurant.com/home.htm">Al Habash</a>. </b>We went to
the one tucked into the <b>Hor Al Anz</b>
neighborhood north of <b>Diera. </b> Here your meal <u>is</u> served on a mesab and
tastes divine. Recommend you try the Doro Wat, a sizzling hot chicken stew. <b> </b><o:p></o:p></i></div>
</div>
Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-42885930878779617282013-05-25T16:20:00.000+04:002013-05-29T14:17:11.733+04:00On the Streets of Abu Dhabi . . . . Comfort Food<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlfPfGKQTfjhN7c_B6hYlUy1942kD43oSs9g9J-GYn_r8lvCnwfDzaHarqEKZIF8s4AJgXc4pYXhy853G0DCrgSeyqhmkSCM4VyYWJwxacQah5C98LqRFVAfrK1YGzohIj3g0Hz8kMX8/s1600/IMG_0347.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlfPfGKQTfjhN7c_B6hYlUy1942kD43oSs9g9J-GYn_r8lvCnwfDzaHarqEKZIF8s4AJgXc4pYXhy853G0DCrgSeyqhmkSCM4VyYWJwxacQah5C98LqRFVAfrK1YGzohIj3g0Hz8kMX8/s320/IMG_0347.png" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A twirling action catches my eye as I round the corner. Across the street a man sits in the
window of a tiny store. The store sign says Ariyana Bakery but why is the man sitting in the store window? </div>
<br />
I am on a stroll
though one of the many “squares” created by the grid system of Abu Dhabi’s
streets.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
This downtown sector of Abu Dhabi is humming with the hectic flurry of men scuttling along the broad sidewalks. Some are clothed in Emirati national dress of<i> khandoura </i>(robes) and <i>ghatr </i>(headscarf)
others in the Pakistani dress called <em>shalwar
kameez. </em>Deliveries and shopping I
presume, and perhaps grabbing a quick bite to eat as the square is populated with ground level store fronts and a few hole-in-the-wall restaurants. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I near the bakery a crew of six men enter the small store in unison just barely fitting in the tiny space. They are all talking but I can’t understand. They glance quizzically at me and find something very humorous. Would that be me? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP69EyC_-J9_T72iiRArE-URFvMTRO1mPxwoLz4ET8YvEfWeTf8BA66MTG6naaj1XnlcYcS2M5WY-NXT9YMg13N2ds7bjT6zpUHhEoT9bQzc3OXL2GOW1xFhTdXBZoy8ddT6B7hckMbY0/s1600/IMG_0342.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP69EyC_-J9_T72iiRArE-URFvMTRO1mPxwoLz4ET8YvEfWeTf8BA66MTG6naaj1XnlcYcS2M5WY-NXT9YMg13N2ds7bjT6zpUHhEoT9bQzc3OXL2GOW1xFhTdXBZoy8ddT6B7hckMbY0/s400/IMG_0342.png" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are actually two bakers sitting cross-legged in the
store window. One takes a ball of dough and kneads it a bit and
tosses it to baker #2 who shows off for me twirling the thin dough, throwing
it high and deftly catching it just like the “pizza-jocks” at home. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Picture OK?” I ask pointing to the camera. All I get is a
nod. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Baker #2 leans over and the dough is gone. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The crew of six, wearing pale blue and off-white shalwar kameez and each carrying a white plastic bag, exit the tiny space en mass moving like a small school of fish. <br />
<br />
I step closer
entering the minuscule customer space catching a whiff of baking bread. I discover a hole in the floor and a store
engulfed in intense heat. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By pantomime and guess work I discover that the bakers are
from Pakistan and the unleavened bread is called <i>roti,</i> a staple of Pakistani diet. The hole in the floor is the
oven, a <i>tandoor</i>. After the dough attains
the proper thinness the roti is placed on a form that looks like a pillow. Then the baker
leans over the tandoor using the “pillow” to slap the roti up against the sides
of the tandoor to be baked. <br />
<br />
The bread comes out of the oven slightly charred
and dimpled with that comfy just baked bread smell. The baker unceremoniously flips the roti onto a serving
space for customers to help themselves. The second baker points to the plastic
bags hanging on the side of the wall. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The roti bread never makes it home. The soft texture and earthy flavor wraps
around me like a warm blanket. I have found my new comfort food. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Ariyana Bakery<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Location:</b> On
the north side of Hamden Bin Mohammed Street (5<sup>th</sup> Street) between
Bani Yas Street (6<sup>th</sup> Street) and Al Sharqi Street (4<sup>th</sup>
Street) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Menu:</b> One item
– Roti<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Cost: </b>1 dirham ($.27)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Timings:</b> no
idea but I have the sense they are there all the time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/potzfJO-2jg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-86042973037987169652013-05-24T16:15:00.000+04:002013-06-03T16:16:23.758+04:00Best of the Boomers #311<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This week's Best of the Boomers posts are prepared by <b>Karen Austin</b> of the <b>Generation Above Me</b>. Topics include new research on female Viagra drugs; how to learn more about your family history; thoughts of the Dalai Lama; what me worry about retirement funds; how many developmental task do you face in the second half of life? <a href="http://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.ae/2013/06/boomer-blog-carnival-311.html"> Enjoy</a></div>
Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-75212092735184287542013-05-24T08:44:00.000+04:002013-05-24T08:44:34.265+04:00The Best of Boomer Blogs #308<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Best of the Boomers are examining an eclectic mix of topics this week. Do you know what Snapchat is? Your grandchildren probably do. What is the right frame of mind if you are over 50 and looking for a job? What motivates us to write? Cross views of Boomers and 20-somethings. Take a cool arm chair tour of Dubai's art scene and iconic architecture. What about this emotion shame? The dangers of dehydration. Is your 401K on auto pilot?<a href="http://www.blueblindssocialmedia.com/baby-boomers/the-snapchat-generation-gap/"> Enjoy</a> </div>
Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-40299230604284506582013-05-14T13:32:00.001+04:002013-05-14T14:20:59.561+04:00A Culinary Voyage Through the Streets of Old Dubai with Frying Pan Adventures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sakLTFto59qrtPb0q8q2BVYkN4a2sevdd1hydyvEN-wM66UjaYYmXEoRsHEkHcUAsutB8yWORDBj9RdM9-YbzLwORzZmGn4toz6FloceT1GFqqENcDfabYIo7ZDA89eSe_uaVvhBpKU/s1600/IMG_3191+Arva+explains+the+making+of+Iranian+pepple+bread+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sakLTFto59qrtPb0q8q2BVYkN4a2sevdd1hydyvEN-wM66UjaYYmXEoRsHEkHcUAsutB8yWORDBj9RdM9-YbzLwORzZmGn4toz6FloceT1GFqqENcDfabYIo7ZDA89eSe_uaVvhBpKU/s320/IMG_3191+Arva+explains+the+making+of+Iranian+pepple+bread+resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Frying Pan Adventures foodie explorers </span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Varshik, Donna,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Kate, Bob
& Arva</span></b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Many times on my
explorations of old<a href="http://www.definitelydubai.com/"> <b>Dubai</b></a><b> </b>I pass by multitudes of hole-in-the-wall restaurants lining the
streets. Each cafeteria, as these small
street-restaurants are called, advertise their offerings with grainy pictures
of peculiar looking plates of food and strange – or maybe exotic - aromas settling
over the sidewalk.<br />
<br />
I always wonder if some really delicious foodie finds are lurking
inside. I must confess that I have been tempted but never found the required courage
to drop in for a bite.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
But that all changed when I met <a href="http://www.iliveinafryingpan.com/dubai-food-blog/"><b>Arva Ahmed</b></a>. I ran into Arva online through her blog <a href="http://www.iliveinafryingpan.com/"><b>I
Live in A Frying Pan</b></a><b>.</b> I was
instantly taken by her fresh wit, funny take on life and sheer joy of
exploring. I was certainly intrigued by the hidden food gems she featured. When
I read she was developing ethnic food walking tours in Dubai, I jumped at the chance
to try one. I was not disappointed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In late December I went on her <b>Middle East Tour</b>. I enjoyed it so much that I ranked it as one of
our <a href="http://www.arabiantalesandotheramazingadventures.blogspot.ae/2012/12/2012-best-dining-experience-in-and.html#more">2012
Top Dining Experiences. </a> And then in
February, I gathered a few friends and we did the <b>North African Tour. </b>Still in the offering are Arva’s <b>Indo-Arab</b> and the <b>Indo-Afghani</b> tours. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
For the tour, a driver picks you up at the <b>Mall of the Emirates</b> and drops you off
at the first restaurant where you meet Arva. Then you follow her and stroll
through old Dubai’s ethnic neighborhoods tasting foods from various countries
as she explains their origin, how they are made and a little history. At each
stop Arva cautions you <u>not to eat too much</u> because there is so much more
to sample. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><u>The Middle East
Food Tour <o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><u>The First Bite<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
On the Middle East Tour, we are in <a href="http://www.frommers.com/destinations/dubai/3866025074.html"><b>Deira</b></a> one of Dubai’s original neighborhoods
situated along the <b>Dubai Creek.</b> It was
once the city’s commercial center and here you still find Dubai’s old Gold Souq
and the amazing Spice souq. <b> <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yiC9mGis6JmO8GN78JxX4copafNkpv_RF3opanjVvgSG2S42eBvMBaSq6uUT75dQaxksFoMTqvUjeVPLRzz6wZTdUkIOaicGBISqfxiqyWpVJZ1zOUmkUxquvn0IPwa4YH0DtNOSGrM/s1600/IMG_3112+Arva+at+restaurant+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yiC9mGis6JmO8GN78JxX4copafNkpv_RF3opanjVvgSG2S42eBvMBaSq6uUT75dQaxksFoMTqvUjeVPLRzz6wZTdUkIOaicGBISqfxiqyWpVJZ1zOUmkUxquvn0IPwa4YH0DtNOSGrM/s320/IMG_3112+Arva+at+restaurant+resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoCaption">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><b>Arva offer Egyptian <i>Falafel Mahshi</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For starters we stop
at the <a href="http://www.zomato.com/dubai/qwaider-al-nabulsi-al-rigga"><b>Qwaider Al Nabulsi</b></a> restaurant.<br />
<br />
Sitting
at the outside tables, the steady stream of evening strollers steal only a
brief glance from us as we delve into Egyptian <i>falafel
mahshi</i>, made from chickpeas and a special tangy onion stuffing, and
Palestinian <i>musakhan, </i>an open-faced chicken
pie seasoned with<i> sumac,</i> a Middle
East spice with a mild lemony taste. <br />
<br />
Intrepidly,
I take my first bite. The falafel are a crunchy mouthful and the sumac in the chicken pie is a bit unfamiliar and may take some time and practice to acquire
a taste for. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>The</i> Jordanian
Bedouin dish<i> mansaf</i> gifts me with my
first taste of goat. It proves rather interesting with its slightly earthy smell and almost tender texture. Cooked in <i>jameed</i>, a fermented buttermilk
product made from goats’ milk yoghurt, it tastes a lot like lamb. Our starters are complimented by more
familiar dishes <i>- hummus</i> and<i> tabbouleh</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We end this first feast with <i>kunafa,</i> a Syrian/Palestinian layered pie made of cheese and semolina.
This is also doubles as a favorite breakfast treat! What a grand way to start
your day - a strong cup of coffee and sweet delicious <i>kunafa.</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I am stuffed and this is only the first of five stops!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><u>Danger Zone –
Arabian Sweets<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrkU69WrzZQuJ9S3pqLSLEws7FN-n1zt5lSn5-FHWvvTG8WHmjFL09lBNEodGF7wxcG_dGh2v7H4Al1uim1Bs_DnR74J_7o_XFdEvh8fxXzNz3budCxsaHRIRNRQmdS8KrzttDqC3UN8/s1600/IMG_3128+Kate+McClure+and+Arva+sweets+from+Al+Samadi+Sweets+RESIZED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrkU69WrzZQuJ9S3pqLSLEws7FN-n1zt5lSn5-FHWvvTG8WHmjFL09lBNEodGF7wxcG_dGh2v7H4Al1uim1Bs_DnR74J_7o_XFdEvh8fxXzNz3budCxsaHRIRNRQmdS8KrzttDqC3UN8/s200/IMG_3128+Kate+McClure+and+Arva+sweets+from+Al+Samadi+Sweets+RESIZED.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kate McClure
& Arva <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">present the diet-defying sweets</span></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.zomato.com/dubai/al-samadi-sweets-al-rigga"><b>Al Samadi Sweets</b></a> brings us more
sweets with a little sample of<i> bakelava </i>and <i>bird’s nest</i>, a sweet concoction of pistachios
all wound together bird-nest style into a <u>very </u>sweet treat and some other
pleasurable delicacies. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
These concoctions melt in your mouth as flaky bursts of feather
light pastry intertwined with sugar and honey and topped off with a random burst
of nutty splendor. Eat too many of these and your diet goes into definite
default. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Lebanese Pizza<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jCxrRBdwAa-a9ZEWRM0Ez0v5Kgjpy5jT1wrD26wsAq-7n2NPSpTsugWJlOIg8bjOBB7zUSRTtKP8iPdcpK-TFaXnL88PL2C8-qu0OEwwX5XZK7R1DLKiBighIEozO3aeC71AJ4R5jMk/s1600/IMG_3142+Breakfast+to+Breakfast+%2528BtoB%2529+Manousheh+Lebanese+pizza+RESIZED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jCxrRBdwAa-a9ZEWRM0Ez0v5Kgjpy5jT1wrD26wsAq-7n2NPSpTsugWJlOIg8bjOBB7zUSRTtKP8iPdcpK-TFaXnL88PL2C8-qu0OEwwX5XZK7R1DLKiBighIEozO3aeC71AJ4R5jMk/s320/IMG_3142+Breakfast+to+Breakfast+%2528BtoB%2529+Manousheh+Lebanese+pizza+RESIZED.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Hot
manousheh right out of the oven</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>B to B,</b> which stands for <a href="http://www.yadig.com/business/Dubai/Breakfast-To-Breakfast/4426"><b>Breakfast to Breakfast</b></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b> </b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink">a 24-hour Lebanese restaurant, </span>beckons us with <i>manousheh</i>, a leavened “pizza.” The small
unadorned restaurant is anchored with the brick oven in the corner. The smell of baking “pizza” is filling the tiny room. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Manousheh </i>is
rather like flatbread pizza we have all become accustomed to but the crust is a
little chewier and it has a definite “come right from the earth” taste. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We try one with a spice combination
of thyme, sumac and sesame seeds called <i>zatar.
</i>It brings a stern bite that takes just a minute to come to its full flavor.
Our second <i>manousheh</i> is made with <i>sujuak</i>, a spicy meat sausage. This is
more to my liking – not exactly pepperoni but maybe a distant Arab cousin. <i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><u>Eating Bedouin
Style</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
We follow Arva winding through a darkened neighborhood
only to emerge onto a major road and duck into <a href="http://www.zomato.com/dubai/al-tawasol-al-rigga"><b>Al Tawasol</b></a><b>,</b> a very
traditional Yemen restaurant.<br />
<br />
Our plucky group is quickly escorted to the rear
of the restaurant, past the men eating in the front, where we are sequestered
in a red, white and black Bedouin tent. In traditional restaurants, men and women eat
in separate dining areas. Mixed company such as ours is tolerated so long as we
stay in our tent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It doesn’t faze me a bit as here I find the very best
chicken. <i>mandi</i> is chicken roasted with
Arabic spices while it is suspended in an underground oven.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The tandoor oven is
a hole in the ground with insides covered with clay. Then a good amount of
dried wood is placed at the bottom and burnt until it’s blazing hot and becomes
charcoal; the chicken is suspended inside the tandoor without touching the
charcoal or the sides. The tandoor is sealed so no smoke can escape. Just sit
back and let the flavors roast. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dnLf-dXXcQspoOlUJhliZF3uA8-kaeRW3fvd-CvrdCVQsB0SIKQk2xmZvIILrZJ6MQf0d5MA7shy2NS-m-J7pCfBC4Q4_k3mLuPj6r4sOcYYuf4MyU5wyaVQdtdawiAnXYsnbNKk9Ig/s1600/IMG_3167+Varshik+Motwani+eating+Bedoin+style+at+Al++Tawasol+Restaurant+RESIZED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dnLf-dXXcQspoOlUJhliZF3uA8-kaeRW3fvd-CvrdCVQsB0SIKQk2xmZvIILrZJ6MQf0d5MA7shy2NS-m-J7pCfBC4Q4_k3mLuPj6r4sOcYYuf4MyU5wyaVQdtdawiAnXYsnbNKk9Ig/s320/IMG_3167+Varshik+Motwani+eating+Bedoin+style+at+Al++Tawasol+Restaurant+RESIZED.jpg" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoCaption">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><b>Varshik eating Bedouin style</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We
are eating Bedouin style seated on the floor. The server ceremoniously
places a sheet of plastic on the floor in the center of the tent which serves as our “tablecloth.” Our food
arrives and placed on the plastic sheeting.<br />
<br />
Arva, with a comical smirk,
states that we must take the first taste Bedouin style with our hands and
then she will give us the forks she has brought. We all dive in for the first
delicious bite but gratefully use the forks to finish this feast. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The <i>mandi</i> is served over yellow and white rice accompanied
by a spicy tomato sauce with nuts and raisins as garnish. The piquant sauce
raises the heat level just enough for the spices to warmly embrace the tender
fowl. This dish is from the <b>Hadhramaut</b> province of Yemen and is
traditionally used for special occasions like weddings. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Arva instructs us in the proper way Muslims eat. First, say "Bismillah," in the name of God, then
wash your hands, for cleanliness purposes eat only using your right hand, and
end the meal with a prayer of thanks to Allah. Additional Islamic table manners
include, only eat from your side of the plate, take small bites, chew slowly,
and don’t stare at anyone down the table. A hard one for us older westerners
who are unaccustomed to sitting cross-legged on the floor – do not show the
soles of your feet as it is a sign of disrespect. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><u>Cooking on Hot
Pebbles<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2rfUmerxgeGdLHKVeEeG5usAu5HJt2WsPTEPthCa8IJug0S5LG4rk72kLRfAZ1F6CSKsJITqAx5UkVojdaEHtFj0ZzYvQjoV4EHKoE-LGrFLFOoQz6hTX36uVPbvKMmd2-LclkXJpLY/s1600/IMG_3203+Sangak+bread+cooking+on+hot+pepples+best+RESIZED.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2rfUmerxgeGdLHKVeEeG5usAu5HJt2WsPTEPthCa8IJug0S5LG4rk72kLRfAZ1F6CSKsJITqAx5UkVojdaEHtFj0ZzYvQjoV4EHKoE-LGrFLFOoQz6hTX36uVPbvKMmd2-LclkXJpLY/s320/IMG_3203+Sangak+bread+cooking+on+hot+pepples+best+RESIZED.png" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoCaption">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><b>Sangak cooking on hot pebbles.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our final stop is <b>Al
Abashar Restaurant</b>, an Iranian eatery where we enjoy <i>chelo kabab</i>, the Iranian national dish. Ground lamb is marinated in
various spices then formed into cylinder shapes, mounted on skewers and roasted
over an open flame. Served with a
pyramid like mound of steamed rice, they are rich tangy bites that tease my
palate as I try to identify the spices. Definitely
cumin with possibly a touch of turmeric and I think the new spice I have tasted
all night, <i>sumac</i>. This is a good addition to any Bar-B-Q.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We also enjoy roasted eggplant and <i>gormeh sabzi,</i> a stew of lamb and mixed greens seasoned with <i>fenugreek, </i>a slightly sweet nutty flavored
Asian spice, served with rice spiced with<i>
</i>red barberries called <i>zersht</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
At this point, I cannot fathom putting another morsel in
my mouth. But the final treat is coming piping hot out of the oven. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Arva takes us over to the brick oven in the far corner of
the restaurant. There the artisan chef is baking<i> Sangak. </i>This oblong dimpled bread is cooked on hot pebbles in a blazing
hot brick oven. It is divinely soft with a little crunch. Urban legend has it that this cooking method was invented by military men when
they had nothing else on which to cook their bread.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtikuZwOOYfFx0SoQebnBp_qLyqB2P_HLS8TmAUaqj9EzpYr_0FMpuzoIA3r8b5XYiieWLd_E2dky03FUoFFd-Yn2s6vkQCMKDnn-gT7rXaBLt4MhKv48wJiUMHR0bU_oRsk1TKCqaG3w/s1600/IMG_3206+Iranian+wedding+musicians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtikuZwOOYfFx0SoQebnBp_qLyqB2P_HLS8TmAUaqj9EzpYr_0FMpuzoIA3r8b5XYiieWLd_E2dky03FUoFFd-Yn2s6vkQCMKDnn-gT7rXaBLt4MhKv48wJiUMHR0bU_oRsk1TKCqaG3w/s320/IMG_3206+Iranian+wedding+musicians.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Wedding
musicians - the yellow instrument </span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">is an Iranian
bagpipe - Ney Anban</span></b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u>An Unexpected Treat</u></b><br />
Our serendipitous treat for the evening is getting caught
up in the Iranian wedding reception happening at Al Abashar.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This is a lavish feast with live
musicians, copious amounts of food and dancing. It is very heart-warming to see
the love shared by the two families. The
queenly bride and her handsome groom enter the room to applause and dutifully
make calls at each table. Older men, their sons and grandsons are all up
dancing with hands raised high twirling handkerchiefs as they circle to the
beat of the traditional Iranian music performed by two musicians. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Our culinary voyage has come to an end and we are
completely sated. Arva has put together a memorable evening and seen to every
detail. Her commentary is witty and informative and the food is truly an
adventurous culinary voyage. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>The Bonus<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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The tour’s bonus is encountering Deira
up-close-and-personal at night. During the day old Dubai is about the intense activity
of business jostling along to make the delivery, the sale, the deal. But at
night, pressure subsides and Deira lets you feel her true heartbeat. There is such a sense of village. You see old people
sitting in plastic chairs outside apartments watching after the young people
flocking to wherever they are going. Families gently amble along the wide sidewalks with baby strollers
and toddlers in hand enjoying an evening stroll to their favorite restaurant.
Everyone is peacefully savoring the cool Dubai evening. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If you are looking
for something unique that will surely entertain your out-of-town guest, or
perhaps you are just looking for an adventurous night out for with friends or
even by yourself, <b>Frying Pan
Adventures</b> is just the answer.<br />
<br />
Nothing like wamdering through old Dubai’s
historic neighborhoods discovering rustic ethnic foods with an expert foodie
guide! You can book a tour with Arva at <a href="http://www.fryingpanadventures.com/">Frying Pan Adventures</a>.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Stay tuned to <b>Arabian
Tales</b>. Next up is the <b>North African
Tour</b>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>Postscripts. . .</i></b></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext;"><b>Arva, Kate, Bob, Donna and Varshik</b></span></div>
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<b><i>Foodie buddies . . .</i></b> <i>what great culinary explorers joined me this
tour. <b> Kate</b> and </i><a href="http://wp.stolaf.edu/education/mcclure/"><b><i>Bob McClure</i></b><i>,</i></a><i>
from Minneapolis, USA, were departing the next day on a cruise around the
Arabian Peninsula. Bob is a professor of Geography at <b>St. Olef College </b>and Kate is a registered nurse. </i><a href="http://www.travelcounsellors.ae/johanna.iisakkila"><b><i>Donna Johanna Iisakkila</i></b></a><i>, from Finland, owns a travel counselor
business and </i><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/varshik"><b><i>Varshik
Motwani,</i></b></a><b><i> </i></b><i>a young Indian gentleman
who grew up in Dubai and now works in the oil and gas business. </i></div>
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<b><i>Become a Frying Pan Adventure Food Explorer Guide
. . .</i></b><i> Looking to spice up your life? Meet
interesting people from all over the world? Arva is recruiting people to lead
tours for <b>Frying Pan Adventures.</b> </i><a href="http://www.fryingpanadventures.com/#!careers"><i>Check out the qualifications</i></a><i>
and drop her line if you are interested. </i></div>
</div>
Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com1Deira - Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2666667 55.31666670000004225.1517922 55.155305200000043 25.381541199999997 55.47802820000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-74976369530237837772013-05-11T16:52:00.000+04:002013-05-11T16:52:17.967+04:00Best of the Boomer Blogs #307<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h3 class="entry-header" style="margin: 5px 25px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Boomers are looking for answers to pressing questions. Why do men love their guns? What is the greatest loss for American expats? Is Debbie Reynolds really unsinkable? What is a helicopter mom? What are the four new symptoms of a stroke? What do you risk if you buy annuities? How can you help others through crowd funding? </span><a href="http://boomersurvive-thriveguide.typepad.com/the_survive_and_thrive_bo/2013/05/guns-living-life-well-parenting-health-sports-finances-and-charities-are-topics-for-this-weeks-best-.html" style="font-weight: normal;">Read on</a><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></h3>
</div>
Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-86456206987709449022013-04-22T12:18:00.000+04:002013-04-29T17:37:00.311+04:00Surviving Our Move from Dubai to Abu Dhabi . . . First Impressions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Abu Dhabi Corniche skyline</b><br />photo courtesy of www.panoramio.com </i></td></tr>
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When Roger and I announce our intention to move from <a href="http://www.definitelydubai.com/"><b>Dubai</b> </a>to <b><a href="http://visitabudhabi.ae/en/default.aspx">Abu Dhabi</a></b> many of our friends expressed grave concerns.<br />
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“It’s so
much slower than Dubai.”<br />
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“Do they have any really good restaurants?”<br />
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“It is
much more traditional than Dubai, it may be hard to make friends.”<br />
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“Oh, so
sorry to hear you have to move there. Everyone says it isn't as much fun as
Dubai.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh dear . . . .
listen up my Dubai friends, this<b> <i>joint is
jumping</i></b> – literally! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Our move to Abu Dhabi has been exceptionally
eventful. In the space of our first 10 days of living here, on our first night,
we watch a stunning sunset from our balcony as we enjoy the warm <b>Arabian Gulf</b> breezes. The next 3-days
we are captivated by a blinding sand storm.<br />
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Arriving in Abu Dhabi on Easter
weekend, we are inspired at the evening Mass at <b><a href="http://www.stjosephsabudhabi.org/">St. Joseph Cathedral</a></b> as we listen to the singing of Easter hymns enriched and blended with the
Imam’s evening call to prayer from the mosque next door. <o:p></o:p><br />
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As we wait for the leasing paper work to be completed, we take a 3-day breather enjoying the <a href="http://www.rotana.com/rotanahotelandresorts/unitedarabemirates/abudhabi/parkrotana">P<b>ark Rotana</b></a> in Abu Dhabi. Big find at the hotel is at <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g294013-d1488833-r157668227-Park_Rotana_Abu_Dhabi-Abu_Dhabi_Emirate_of_Abu_Dhabi.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT"><b>Coopers</b> </a>restaurant they have the most amazing French Onion Soup. And lucky us! One night at the hotel we find ourselves in the middle of a wedding celebration.<br />
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Thanks to the <b><a href="http://www.awnabudhabi.com/">American Women’s Network</a></b> (AWN) I quickly collect a good handful of nice friends while Roger accomplishes the impossible by finding <u>and</u> successfully navigating “electronic street” in search of our missing TV power cord. Roger and I find not one <u>but two</u> exceptional Italian restaurants - <b><a href="http://www.rotana.com/rotanahotelandresorts/unitedarabemirates/abudhabi/beachrotana/features/diningandentertainment">Pregos</a></b> in the <b>Beach Rotana </b>and <b><a href="http://italianissimollc.com/index.php?route=location/index">Italianissimo</a></b> in the Boutik Mall at the Sun & Sky Towers.<br />
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But <u>nothing</u> tops the exhilarating
experience of surviving our <u>first <a href="http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/dont-panic-calls-as-iran-earthquake-tremors-felt-across-uae">earthquake</a> </u>tremors.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have a feeling that the city of Abu Dhabi is going to be
every bit as stimulating as Dubai!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Roger’s decision to renew his contract for two more years
prompts our relocation. After three years, it is time to eliminate the
treacherous daily commute from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Notwithstanding the sore backs, aching
muscles and stress headaches, our move is proving to be a great idea. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s my best example of the difference between living in the two
cities.<br />
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In Dubai I get lost at 120km and take up to 30 minutes to make the correcting
turn. In Abu Dhabi, I get lost at 40km and only have to go around the block to
make the correction.<br />
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Yes, the pace of life is a bit slower in Abu Dhabi but I
know that I will fall in love with this beautiful city just as I did with Dubai.<br />
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Our Arabian experience has just been enriched
two fold. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Abu Dhabi is the capital of the <b><a href="http://www.uaeinteract.com/">United Arab Emirates (UAE)</a></b>
and is located about one hour south of Dubai. It is home to 1.3 million people. The
city is actually a collection of several islands with Abu Dhabi being the main
island. We live on <b>Al Reem Island</b> that sits between Abu Dhabi Island and
<b>Saadiyat Island</b>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rendering of Guggenheim Museum (top right), the<br />Louvre (top left) and the Sheikh Zayed <br />National Museum (center front). <br /><i>photo courtesy of www.saadiyatcultrualdistrict.a</i>e</b></td></tr>
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Like Dubai, the city is a virtual construction site with
cranes and construction everywhere. Among the most interesting projects are<b> <a href="http://www.saadiyat.ae/en/">Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District</a> </b>that will include a <b><a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/13e2f98088e13257">Louvre</a> Museum,</b> scheduled to open in 2015<b>, </b>and a <a href="http://www.guggenheim.org/abu-dhabi" style="font-weight: bold;">Guggenheim </a>Museum, scheduled to open in 2017. At the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District will be the <b><a href="http://www.zayednationalmuseum.ae/">Zayed National Museum</a></b> scheduled to be open in 2016. <o:p></o:p></div>
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With the high value placed on education in the UAE, it is no
surprise that renowned institutions of higher education such as the <a href="http://www.sorbonne.ae/EN/Pages/default.aspx"><b>Paris-Sorbonne</b> </a>and <b><a href="http://nyuad.nyu.edu/">New York University (NYU)</a></b> have campuses in the city. Each of these universities offer stimulating programs we can attend. The <a href="http://www.uaenso.org/">UAE National Symphony </a>adds another layer of
cultural enjoyment to investigate. <o:p></o:p></div>
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On earlier trips we enjoyed <a href="http://www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/Activities_and_Experiences.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Home_Page"><b>Yas Island </b>attending <b>Formula 1</b> </a><b><a href="http://www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/Activities_and_Experiences.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Home_Page">Races</a>, </b><b><a href="http://www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com/">Ferrari World</a> </b>and the <b><a href="http://www.arabiantalesandotheramazingadventures.blogspot.ae/2011/11/paul-mccartney-rock-star-knight-on-run.html#more">Paul McCarthy concert</a>. </b>On<b> </b><b>Saadiyat</b> <b>Island</b> we took a relaxing weekend retreat at the <b>P<a href="http://www.abudhabi.park.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html">ark Hyatt Resort</a></b> and enjoyed some of the cultural offerings.<br />
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Still to be explored are the <b>Desert
Islands</b> on the western coast. This is a cluster of eight islands full of
history and natural beauty. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>photo courtesy of The National</i></td></tr>
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At the top
of the “to go” list is <b>Bani Yas Island, </b> site of one of Arabia’s largest wildlife
reserves, home to more than 10,000 free roaming animals. Can’t wait to see the
Arabian Oryx, gazelles and giraffes – yes, you read that right, giraffes. I have heard that this giraffe herd is the result of two giraffes that were a gift many years ago from Ethiopia to Sheikh Zayed.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then there is <b>Marawah
Island</b> home to seasonal fishermen and the Gulf’s oldest known human-made
structures that predate the earliest Egyptian pharaohs. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Exploring this part of the UAE is going to be great. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>Postscripts . . . .<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51uQwE78yhL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_SX225_SY300_CR,0,0,225,300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51uQwE78yhL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_SX225_SY300_CR,0,0,225,300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<b><i>Recommended reading . . .<a href="http://www.amazon.com/From-Rags-Riches-Story-Dhabi/dp/1439218633/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1366550476&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=from+rags+to+riches+abu+dhabi+english+edition"> From Rags to Riches, A Story About Abu Dhabi </a></i></b><i>by <b>Mohammed
A. J. Al Fahim</b> . . . This is a vivid eye witness account of the growth of
Abu Dhabi. It is hard to image that just a short 30 years ago this thriving modern city was an impoverished
undeveloped coastal desert territory where the only means of travel was by camel. If you are interested in learning about how
life was “pre-oil,” then you will enjoy this personal memoir. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>Thanks to good friends .</i></b><i>
. . one of the best parts of expat living is the generosity of those who came
before you. Thank you </i><b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/cheryl-keown/18/254/43b">Cheryl Keown</a></b><i>
for help in located an outstanding moving company, <b><a href="http://www.writercorporation.com/services/index.htm">Writer Relocation</a></b>, and helping me find some good real estate
agents. And thanks to </i><b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/kristi.regan.5">Kristi Regan</a> </b><i>and her group of AWN friends who generously shared their experiences in various
apartments around the city. Need curtains? No problem an email brings a couple
of suggestions. The first response, from </i><b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=24795122&authType=NAME_SEARCH&authToken=Pn0w&locale=en_US&srchid=2073e434-5f29-428a-9af8-fd2c50995570-0&srchindex=1&srchtotal=4&goback=%2Efps_PBCK_gigi+cowan_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*2_*1_Y_*1_*1_*1_false_1_R_*1_*51_*1_*51_true_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2&pvs=ps&trk=pp_profile_name_link">Gigi
Cowan</a></b><i><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=24795122&authType=NAME_SEARCH&authToken=Pn0w&locale=en_US&srchid=2073e434-5f29-428a-9af8-fd2c50995570-0&srchindex=1&srchtotal=4&goback=%2Efps_PBCK_gigi+cowan_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*2_*1_Y_*1_*1_*1_false_1_R_*1_*51_*1_*51_true_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2&pvs=ps&trk=pp_profile_name_link">,</a> has the curtain maker at my door within hours and curtains hung
three days later! And the </i><b style="font-style: italic;">“Reem Ladies”</b><i> (residents of Al Reem Island) welcome me with open arms at their gathering in </i><b style="font-style: italic;">Bianca Verhoeff Rodriguez's</b><i> relaxing terrace apartment. No
matter where in the world you live, the expat community is there for each
other. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
</div>
Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-59757434745473660752013-04-20T21:02:00.000+04:002013-04-29T17:52:29.951+04:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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What are your fears? How do you handle them? This
week’s <b>Best of the Boomer Blogs</b> brings you advice on handling many things we fear. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: navy; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.sobabyboomer.com/">SoBabyBoomer</a> </span></b><span style="color: mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">says, "In order to rediscover our natural confidence
and live a fearless life, we must examine the challenge: </span><a href="http://www.sobabyboomer.com/2013/04/fear-of-death.html" target="_blank">we
must 'recognize fear.'"</a></div>
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What about the fear of romance and sex in our later
years? <b>Karen D. Austin</b> thinks too
many people believe that romance, love, and sex are extinguished by midlife. She
offers an <a href="http://thegenerationaboveme.blogspot.com/2013/04/movies-about-love-sex-for-people-50-plus.html">overview
of films</a> that explore how people 50 plus still have relationships that
include such goodies--and how mature lovers still have to manage the
accompanying complexities. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.midlifecrisisqueen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/believe-in-yourself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.midlifecrisisqueen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/believe-in-yourself.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
<b><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">The
Midlife Crisis Queen, Laura Lee</span></b><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> is focused on the subject of <a href="http://www.midlifecrisisqueen.com/2013/04/23/thinking-starting-business-first/">starting a business past age 50</a> </span><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">and <a href="http://www.midlifecrisisqueen.com/2013/04/25/feel-caught-money-meaning/">the ways we try to find balance between money and meaning in our lives</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="color: mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Looking for your purpose? Questioning the meaning of life,
especially now, at midlife? <b>Lisa Garon
Froman</b> makes the case that we all embark upon a </span><a href="http://taoflashes.wordpress.com/2013/04/26/the-heros-journey-to-uncovering-the-meaning-of-life/">hero’s
journey</a><span style="color: mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> at some point to uncover the meaning
of life. She believes the search for meaning in our lives, the search for
purpose, is a journey to our authentic selves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqCzUAz4StBW6OlWerZ8unVVEJxZXqgSgy3PDUuHOmTN5KwHnKr7a4VgNE7wsyBKihNwxqenwjSnIDHNb_8hCozqw1APKkBekh5CuYPUzF3vrBPofj4ZpK35zXcQx07uVGdrfz3z_WS0/s1600/poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqCzUAz4StBW6OlWerZ8unVVEJxZXqgSgy3PDUuHOmTN5KwHnKr7a4VgNE7wsyBKihNwxqenwjSnIDHNb_8hCozqw1APKkBekh5CuYPUzF3vrBPofj4ZpK35zXcQx07uVGdrfz3z_WS0/s200/poster.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">On a lighter note, were you a fan of last year's <i>Best
Exotic Marigold Hotel</i>? Then you might be interested in
these </span><a href="http://sightingsat60.blogspot.com/2013/04/new-movies-for-grownups_26.html" target="_blank"><span style="background: color: #1155cc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">New Movies for Grownups</span></a><span style="background-color: background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> rounded up by <b>Tom Sightings.</b> They're all coming out this spring
and summer, starting right now with <i>The Big Wedding</i> starring
<b>Robert DeNiro, Diane Keaton</b> and
other luminaries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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On <a href="http://boomersurvive-thriveguide.typepad.com/">The
Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide</a>, <b>Rita
R. Robison</b>, consumer journalist, writes about the <a href="http://boomersurvive-thriveguide.typepad.com/the_survive_and_thrive_bo/2013/04/stay-away-from-payday-and-deposit-advance-loans-report-shows-they-trap-consumers-in-debt.html">dangers
of payday and deposit advance loans</a>. A new report shows they trap consumers in
debt.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMVWtUhIdpt17POj_x_sHZZuXXtSCA60h1cvHfkXLvxGIEFzN3suZZuqUKcmMg3rtJ8O78fR0ezKtEb5rNgLB5Cj0ttkxMIkamnHCIHMeaHybqBW_CHz67phSFRvUz8ho1hk8AddZ6Rk/s320/IMG_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMVWtUhIdpt17POj_x_sHZZuXXtSCA60h1cvHfkXLvxGIEFzN3suZZuqUKcmMg3rtJ8O78fR0ezKtEb5rNgLB5Cj0ttkxMIkamnHCIHMeaHybqBW_CHz67phSFRvUz8ho1hk8AddZ6Rk/s200/IMG_0291.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: color: mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Everyone knows that moving is one of the <u>most
</u>feared and stressful activities - even if the move is only an
hour down the road. </span><a href="http://www.arabiantalesandotheramazingadventures.blogspot.ae/"><b><span style="background: mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Arabian Tales’ Katie Foster</span></b></a><span style="background: color: mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> relates the adventures of surviving her move <a href="http://www.arabiantalesandotheramazingadventures.blogspot.ae/2013/04/abu-dhabi-first-impressions.html#more">from Dubai to Abu Dhabi</a></span> that brought stunning sunsets, an serendipitous
encounter with an Arab wedding and other adventures only to be topped off with a horrifying earthquake. Now that was <u>seriously terrifying</u>! </div>
</div>
Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-39787670252989733612013-03-13T21:08:00.002+04:002014-03-19T14:33:14.751+04:00What is one of the great losses of expat living in Dubai? American Football!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMafRtCOmTp3mpX66c7VzdBvSMQ4ToPzdQGP05LcPSt6gr0NOniF4-eM45mTp3YNuU6_SW7FVhjy_wZ_stFSyB6c3vYScekxA9wOg3S6PvnDb0NB-wOQZi4YhULSsZgPSrypTPe9Epsxw/s1600/IMG_5068++CROPPED+FIRST+TOUCHDOWN+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMafRtCOmTp3mpX66c7VzdBvSMQ4ToPzdQGP05LcPSt6gr0NOniF4-eM45mTp3YNuU6_SW7FVhjy_wZ_stFSyB6c3vYScekxA9wOg3S6PvnDb0NB-wOQZi4YhULSsZgPSrypTPe9Epsxw/s320/IMG_5068++CROPPED+FIRST+TOUCHDOWN+resized.jpg" height="168" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">First
touchdown of the inaugural Desert Bowl Game<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><b>is scored by the Abu Dhabi
Wildcats.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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“Who let the dogs out!” Or, should that be
camels?<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Guess what my lovely husband Roger finds in Dubai? American
football! What a great surprise for poor football-starved Roger. <o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the great
losses of expat life in Dubai is watching a good <b><u>American</u></b> football game. </div>
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This year we discovered the <a href="https://gamepass.nfl.com/nflgp/secure/packages?ttv=9&ttp=3"><b>NFL Game Day Pass</b></a> which allows
Roger to watch his favorite <a href="http://www.denverbroncos.com/"><b>Denver Broncos</b></a><b> </b>on the computer if he doesn't mind getting up at 2 AM to catch the
game. But nothing matches the excitement and adrenaline rush of actually watching
the gridiron get torn up by testosterone-charged boys running around after some
pig skin! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.eafl.ae/imagedata/Desert_Bowl_I.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.eafl.ae/imagedata/Desert_Bowl_I.png" height="119" width="320" /></a></div>
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So Roger is ecstatic to read about the <b>Desert Bowl</b> being played on Friday. </div>
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This is the inaugural
championship game of the <b>Emirates
American Football League</b>, a league of four teams formed just seven months
ago. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Emirates American Football League is made up of
players, coaches and volunteers representing 35 different countries. The
players, who are guys who just love to play the game, come with a wide range of
game experience and . . . inexperience. The
four teams in the league are the <b>Abu
Dhabi Wildcats, </b>the<b> Dubai Stallions,
</b>the<b> Dubai Barracudas </b>and the<b> Al Ain Desert Foxes<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WP_PLG9EJd7yPpYJqbqTbDsTMPMdkicrGUa3sU52uuXv122VbVzMop2RNmMMkCr-UAraqvvtK3_esGjN7VODSwss2AKTG2c4rnNL4q0BlXOMUKRQ1uNkemY6bBkuNxlkwEgOry_gnGE/s1600/IMG_5080+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WP_PLG9EJd7yPpYJqbqTbDsTMPMdkicrGUa3sU52uuXv122VbVzMop2RNmMMkCr-UAraqvvtK3_esGjN7VODSwss2AKTG2c4rnNL4q0BlXOMUKRQ1uNkemY6bBkuNxlkwEgOry_gnGE/s320/IMG_5080+resized.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: windowtext;"><b>Roger with Colt Fans Jani & John Diedam</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The Desert Bowl pits the undefeated <b>Abu Dhabi Wildcats</b> against the <b>Dubai
Stallions</b>. The game is held at <b>Jebel Ali Shooting Club</b> just south of
Dubai. </div>
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It is a seminal moment when we enter the “stadium” and hear the warm-up
grunts of the players, see children running pretend plays on the field and bump
into our good friends <b>John </b>and<b> Jani Diedam,</b> die hard <b>Indianapolis Colts</b> fans! <o:p></o:p></div>
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You can take the boys out of America but you can’t take the
football out of the boys! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQE1TYCKpbLtaSsUpcwlNh6GRiFQjgjec8-QcObsRyKKHYFcTex8JxawhR8R8Xk5Z6FbW39OChrMZgiHckfFtuB5zDfj3MEQ7TB60juoQJTXbbc5qPjBx8p5ewWOLCoVCMjfxxPCZvSU/s1600/IMG_5001+cropped+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQE1TYCKpbLtaSsUpcwlNh6GRiFQjgjec8-QcObsRyKKHYFcTex8JxawhR8R8Xk5Z6FbW39OChrMZgiHckfFtuB5zDfj3MEQ7TB60juoQJTXbbc5qPjBx8p5ewWOLCoVCMjfxxPCZvSU/s400/IMG_5001+cropped+resized.jpg" height="170" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: windowtext;"><b>Dubai Stallions (red & white) meet the Abu Dhabi
Wildcats (black & gold) <br />center field for the coin toss.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: windowtext;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<o:p></o:p>The Desert Bowl does not miss a beat. The Dubai weather is chilly
enough to pass for a brisk Fall football afternoon. The coin gets tossed in the middle
of the field with the hand-holding Abu Dhabi Wildcats coming en-mass to the ceremony.
The game ball is delivered to the field by a trio of leather-clad tattooed guys on revved-up Harley Davidson motorcycles. The fans in the grandstand are bundled up in
blankets and giddy with anticipation. On the sidelines the teams are warming up.
And, the concession stand is cooking up hot dogs and hamburgers, plus an extra surprise,
ice cold beer!!! </div>
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Long Live Americana!</div>
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Alas, the only thing missing are the marching band and the cute cheerleaders (would
they be in abayas?). But heck, there is a great DJ spinning tunes and the Abu Dhabi Wildcats on
the side lines do a remarkable job with cheers and it all works. </div>
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And the star of the game is an Abu Dhabi Wildcat named <b>Vivaldi Tulysse</b> who played at <b>North Miami High School</b> in <b>Miami, Florida.</b> Those Florida boys do
know how to play football. And on top of all this excitement, who so we spot on the field refereeing but <b>Ken Johnson</b>, one of Roger's colleague at Parsons! </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7DsoQErkEmpIFlrlkw3xI9fpXitCIj55XW2brM_guswWIMHIlEzTQyHJ9TBt6J-C8-E3fiR16dTkK3rlKCQNWPBpf0fl9qXZL8ZTwtutF0nlD7Cgzlj13kpTAVxFyVi5cj-r7gRHI9M/s1600/IMG_5120+cropped+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7DsoQErkEmpIFlrlkw3xI9fpXitCIj55XW2brM_guswWIMHIlEzTQyHJ9TBt6J-C8-E3fiR16dTkK3rlKCQNWPBpf0fl9qXZL8ZTwtutF0nlD7Cgzlj13kpTAVxFyVi5cj-r7gRHI9M/s200/IMG_5120+cropped+resized.jpg" height="200" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>UAE Falcon Khalid Al Qassimi</b></td></tr>
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And, as if wonders will never
cease, we learn there is a semi-pro team in Dubai, the <b>UAE Falcons</b><a href="file:///C:/Users/VAIO/AppData/Roaming/Microsoft/Word/teams.%20http:/www.thenational.ae/sport/north-american-sport/the-emirati-royal-who-loves-to-play-football-the-american-way"><b>. Khalid Al Qassimi</b></a>, a linebacker
for the Falcons and<b> </b>a member of the
royal family of Sharjah, was on the sidelines to cheer on the teams. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I am not even going to try and report on the game. You best
check out <a href="http://www.thenational.ae/sport/north-american-sport/emirates-american-football-league-vivaldi-directs-a-stirring-victory-in-desert-bowl"><b>The </b><b> </b><b>National’s</b></a> coverage. But I will say
that the best team won and it was a most enjoyable afternoon with great friends. Brings back such fond memories of my days with legendary American football coach <b>Howard Schenellnebger</b> (see postscript). <o:p></o:p></div>
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I am now officially an Abu Dhabi Wildcat fan, with the cap to
prove it! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Want to join the fun? There are still two games left. The
Emirates American Football League <b>All
Star Game </b>will be played on Friday March 22. And, the UAE Falcons will play
a team TBA on April 8/9. Check in with their web site for details. <a href="http://www.eafl.ae/">http://www.eafl.ae</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>Postscript . . . <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQGYLx0_xmq-Ak5vN0FJRQz8aUX2iAoAVfMW-8K1iIzUyGWbE3vug" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQGYLx0_xmq-Ak5vN0FJRQz8aUX2iAoAVfMW-8K1iIzUyGWbE3vug" /></a></div>
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A<b>
“Shout Out” to </b><a href="http://www.howardschnellenberger.com/"><b>Legendary Football Coach</b> <b>Howard Schnellenberger</b></a> . . . </div>
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In one
of my “past lives” I had the great privilege of working with an American
football icon - Coach Howard Schnellenberger - when he started the <a href="http://www.fausports.com/sports/m-footbl/fau-m-footbl-body.html"><b>Florida Atlantic University Fighting Owls</b></a><b> </b>football team. </div>
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To watch this inspirational coach rally his young team to their first Bowl game . . . <u>and win</u> . . . in just their
seventh season was an astonishing experience. But, nothing
quite matches the finesse of this larger-than-life personality cajoling philanthropists
to part with their money to fund a “dream” team. It is an experience I will never forget. Thanks Coach for the great ride. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And a note to the Abu Dhabi Wildcats players. . . Schnellenberger started his football career playing as a <i>Wildcat!</i> There is no telling how far you can go! </div>
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“To believe <u>is to be</u> Strong!”</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/D-fFHSPcWL4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<b><i>Photo Album . . .</i></b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAIaStfNnA6Q1Rz4Nqry4YC21cXzdMD8LAEwSd1D6m9RwE6S-TtFTSLXRfC1XqjXdRJGRuAo1SYaP8Il_gHO0i0cQJ6iXftmY3QP3mmbwmSgfhsKUdkbvUOU_pWul7Yt9e_CcLprhKSw/s1600/IMG_4986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAIaStfNnA6Q1Rz4Nqry4YC21cXzdMD8LAEwSd1D6m9RwE6S-TtFTSLXRfC1XqjXdRJGRuAo1SYaP8Il_gHO0i0cQJ6iXftmY3QP3mmbwmSgfhsKUdkbvUOU_pWul7Yt9e_CcLprhKSw/s320/IMG_4986.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>3rd from left . . . Referee Ken Johnson</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com6Mina Jebel Ali - United Arab Emirates25.009011 55.07396700000003924.7786905 54.751243500000037 25.239331500000002 55.396690500000041tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-61598079459510737462013-03-11T20:04:00.000+04:002013-03-13T15:59:11.257+04:00The Best of the Boomer Blogs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It must be getting close to the Ides of March, the day
Caesar was assassinated, because this time around the entries for<b> Best of
Boomer Blogs</b> seem to be slouching toward more serious subjects. Laura Lee, the
<i>Midlife Crisis Queen,</i> was pleased to see a difficult topic confronted on
"60 Minutes" Sunday: Suicide –
a topic that inspired her to write her new book <i>Find Your Reason to Be Here: The Search for Meaning in Midlife. </i></div>
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Our
consumer journalist<i> </i>Rita R. Robinson writes
about<i> Six ways to be a better shopper. </i>Katie Foster at <i>Arabian Tales</i> has a great book
for female boomers who have attained that "seasoned age." <i>Mental Pause</i> is a journey through a
truly treacherous menopausal experience, written by global nomad and freelance author Anne O'Connell, it is a "must
read" for every woman experiencing or about to experience this dreaded
rite of passage.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Meanwhile, Lisa Garon
Froman of Tao Flashes writes about <i>A Woman's Way to Navigating the Midlife
Journey with Integrity, Harmony and Grace.</i> Finally, Sara Cornell of <i>Life After Married</i> takes a look at what to do when you
know something you wish you didn't know . . . do you share it with someone or
just try to forget it?<o:p></o:p></div>
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And this week’s host, Tom at <i>Sightings Over Sixty</i>, says if
it's getting toward the Ides of March, then spring is around the corner. There
will be no more snow, I guarantee it! There you have it! <a href="http://sightingsat60.blogspot.ae/">READ ON</a>!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935092509136069243.post-4069070439545918042013-03-08T10:15:00.000+04:002013-06-03T11:27:40.131+04:00Mental Pause . . . . A Tempestuous Journey through Menopause<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://cache.nebula.phx3.secureserver.net/obj/RDU5NjY4N0NGRDBBMTFGQ0FBRjM6NTkyNWZkMzNlMWJjODdlZWZiMDI4OTU5ZTcwMTJjMjc6Ojo6" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cache.nebula.phx3.secureserver.net/obj/RDU5NjY4N0NGRDBBMTFGQ0FBRjM6NTkyNWZkMzNlMWJjODdlZWZiMDI4OTU5ZTcwMTJjMjc6Ojo6" width="199" /></a>Do you think your menopausal searing hot flashes, tumultuous
mood swings and nasty irritable behavior are bad? Nothing compares to the hell
that Abbie experiences as she wades through a truly treacherous menopausal journey.<br />
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Global nomad, expat and freelance writer <b>Anne O’ Connell</b> has written a “must
read” novel for every woman experiencing or about to experience this dreaded “rite
of passage.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>Mental Pause </i></b>launches today, March 8th, <b>International Women’s Day</b>. All proceeds from today’s sales will
benefit her favorite charity <b><a href="http://www.roomtoread.org/">Room to Read</a></b> that supports literacy programs in developing countries by building
libraries, publishing local language children’s books and providing
scholarships for girls.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You can <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mental-Pause-ebook/dp/B00BJDJUEO/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362544888&sr=1-4&keywords=mental%20pause">purchase your copy at Amazon</a> . . . or Anne is
offering a signed PDF copy on her <a href="http://www.shop.globalwritingsolutionsonline.com/">website</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“It was one very sweaty, steamy night that spurred me on to
write Mental Pause,” Anne relates. “Even
though the A/C was on, I was lying there in a disgusting pool of sweat and I
did what any writer would do I hit keyboard and poured out my mad ramblings.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then the idea hit Anne that it would be more fun if she
turned it into fiction. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“It was really cathartic to write it,” O’Connell claims. “No
matter how bad I was feeling, how crazy my mood swings or wild my thoughts
were, Abbie’s were always worse!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I highly recommend this really good read. Abbie’s twists and
turns through a truly catastrophic “change of life” keeps you guessing, “how
much worse can this get?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Astonishingly honest, this novel will take you on a wild
ride with its unforgettable protagonist, a woman who is on a journey of
shocking self-discovery,” said <b>Zvezdana
Rashkovich,</b> author, <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dubai-Wives-Novel-Zvezdana-Rashkovich/dp/1456772325">Dubai Wives</a></b>.
“A book like 'Mental Pause' is long overdue and I am sure it will speak to
millions of women who like me, identify with its message.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Buy your copy today . . . . it makes a great gift for your “sweltering,
ranting menopausal BFF! And don’t forget, all proceeds from today’s sales will
benefit <b>Room to Read</b>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If you really like it, give it a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. When you visit the Amazon page feel free to Tweet,
Share and Like from there!</div>
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Happy Reading!<o:p></o:p><br />
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PS . . .<br />
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<b>Mental Pause</b> has just received the 2013 Bronze Award in the Adult Fiction category from the 2013 Independent Publisher Book Award (IPBW). Congratulations Anne!!!<br />
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Katie Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02039206673460120251noreply@blogger.com3