One step at a time, wherever these adventures lead.: The Rest of 2011, December

This was probably the month which I had the least expectations, and it turned out to be one of my favorites thus far. Where to start…

National Day December 2^nd- UAE’s 40^th This day marks UAE’s independence from the United Kingdom as well as the formation of the seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ra’s al-Khaimah, Sharjah, Umm al-Qaiwain). Prior to the big day, lights began to shine all round Abu Dhabi.

Local businesses

Hotels were also included in the festivities

Street lights on every corner

Our building staff also added some balloons for the occasion

There were high levels of patriotism days before December 2^nd. In addition, throughout the day, you would often hear F16s flying around the city. If you were lucky or had a wonderful window view, you could see them; I was not in this category. I did get these though:

Helicopters flying over the Corniche with UAE flags

Our campus took time to also celebrate this moment by hosting an evening with traditional Emirati food, dance, and activities.

UAE flag draped over over campus building

View from campus, fireworks at Corniche

Falcon was in attendance

View of the campus on National Day

On the actual day, it was unlike anything I had ever seen. In my area, majority of the cars were completely decorated in UAE décor and streets were alive with people walking towards the Corniche, loud mufflers, adults and children with silly string, and bumper to bumper traffic in some areas.

These kids ambushed the taxi driver with silly string.

The driver unfortunately forgot to lock his windows and doors.

This view was taken from the 41^st floor of Sama looking below at the underpass.

It was entertaining to watch drivers navigate through ongoing traffic patterns

It was a remarkable experience to be in the midst of everything. While there are large crowds of people out on National Day and you are bound to be silly stringed, I would encourage each person to attend the festivities at least once. You may also do it on an annual basis, if you choose. It many ways it was also nostalgic to see red and green lights. Not only did they symbolic UAE national colors, but they also reminded me that Christmas was around the corner.

Seasons are changing
Post National Day, you began to notice the cooler temperatures. A cardigan or light coat are now extremely useful. You will often find heating lamps at outdoor restaurants.

They put a good effort at Madinat Zayed

At the Sheraton

Abu Dhabi Mall

Even Santa’s village was present

I found this one at the Fairmont Hotel

A Quick Weekend in Dubai
Before Christmas actually took place, I was invited to spend a few days with one of my Emarati coworker’s and her family. I felt extremely honored to spend a weekend with them.
It started with a large meal around 3pm which was continued till late evening. All family members were present- approximately 20 individuals which encompassed different generations. For most part, everyone spoke English. Other times, I just enjoyed watching and listening to the Arabic dialogues. They were extremely welcoming and generous. While I have taken an Arabic course this semester, I have not learned the specific dialect to understand everything thing they were saying. Most of it was easier to decipher based upon their actions and gestures amongst one another.

We then sat outside in the yard to enjoy some fruit and traditional Arabic tea and coffee. At one point in time, we almost ventured for a barbeque in the desert, but due to low temperatures, they decided to host it at home later that night. Before dinner the ladies (within my age group) decided to give me a tour around Jumeirah area. On the main road, I saw several luxury cars cruising around. It was also a way that young people could interact with one another. Next time I will take pictures of these lovely vehicles.

One of my favorite sights in Dubai was:

The Burj Al Arab during the daytime: a beautiful luxury hotel, one night will costs you a couple thousands.

RANDOM: At night time we happened to pass a school zone and I spotted these school buses. I could not resist since they did not look like buses I had in high school.

The Heritage

Majlis Al Areesh in Bastakiya

I also had a chance to visit the Bastakiya, a historic area in Dubai. I had been here before during Marhaba week (with our students) but I did not get a chance to go through the buildings and cultural centers. This time I was granted a personal tour at Majlis Al Areesh, which started with pure hospitality from the Emirati men who were enjoying their afternoon. My friend used to work in the center, so they were eager to welcome her and her guests. We were offered Arabic tea and muffins. Because I was a guest, one of the staff members presented me with gifts and invited me inside for a quick tour, and history lesson.

My surprise welcome package

My visit also included an impromptu fashion show - trying on traditional attire.

A bride wears this look on their wedding day

Veil up

Informal attire Jalabiya, similar to what women wear at home surrounded by family

With my tour guide and I am dressed in an Abaya and head cover (buga’a), which is a cultural element in certain countries. Usually signifies a woman is engaged or married.

Abaya and Shayla

Pictured 7 Sheikhs to represent the various Emirates

including Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of UAE.

Inscription states:

2^nd December 1971 raising the UAE flag, a symbol of Independence and a promise for the future.

This image was very popular during National Day.

As was seen on a hotel by the Corniche in Abu Dhabi

As well as clothing and car decals.

The rest of my evening was spent exploring Dubai.

At the Creek

In Dubai Mall

Winter Wonderland

Oasis Fountain Waterfall

Overall I had a wonderful time and was genuinely taken aback by all the hospitality, which I received in Dubai; it was very refreshing. I wish I had taken pictures with the family (on my camera), but most of the time we spent was in their household, and for some of the women, I did not feel it was appropriate to document or take pictures. Partially because on some occasions, they were dressed in informal traditional attire or had their hair down; this was a private family gathering after all and they have plenty of pictures on their cameras. I am satisfied with collection of wonderful memories from that weekend, and I plan to join them again in the upcoming months for a desert outing.

Lesson learned from my trip, the Emiratis are: