National Day

Nearing the end of 2013 with Christmas just around the corner. It doesn't feel like Christmas here (being in the 20's and all - sorry Saskatchewan folk!) When we go into the city some stores have decorations up and we even heard Christmas playing in one store! But without the cold and the snow it doesn't feel right. (Although Justin went snowboarding at the indoor ski hill in Dubai so he got a little taste of winter). We were shocked to find a Christmas tree up in the grocery store here! It is the first tree they have had up here. I think this really shows how the community is progressing in their views towards us from the Western world. They are becoming more tolerant of our views and even are kind enough to put up a tree! The nice man in the grocery store has been ordering imported foods from America with brands we recognize. It's such an exciting time when we discover new things in there (like whole wheat wraps and Prego pasta sauce!) All the little luxuries that were taken for granted back home! Makes us take delight in the small things.

National day has just passed. What an experience! I loved being part of such pride and love that they show for their country.  The UAE only became an independent country 42 years ago, 9 years after they first began to export oil. Looking at pictures of Dubai 20 years ago shows the incredible growth. They adore their president and cars get decorated with his face painted on them. They sell pins, stickers and balloons with his face. The cities light up with national colours - with lights, building sized flags and lazer beams. It is hard to describe the grandness of it all. A couple weeks ago at school I heard my students gasp as they looked out the door, saying "look look!" "miss come see!" They all ran to the door. I was intrigued wondering what incredibly exciting person was going to be in the hallway. I made my way to the door to look out and see a large heart shaped decoration hanging on the door of another class - with the Sheikh's faced right in the middle. I can only imagine the excitement if the real life Sheikh were to walk down that hallway!

National day celebrations at school were also a grand affair! Parents came in with mountains of food, cake and presents. The children wore traditional clothing. We had a whole day of special events - that included camel riding, henna painting, traditional foods and games and a lot of eating!

In other recent events, Justin and I were invited out to my student's camel farm by his father. Some of the local emirates really are thankful for us being here and want to teach us some of their local traditions and customs. He picked us up in the land rover, drove us past the streets right into the sand and kept going. It felt like a snow drift! We came up to the camel farm. It is basically a fenced in area with about 30 camels. There is also a small shack that a "camel-boy" lives in. He was an old man who stays and cares for the camels - with no electricity or modern-day luxuries - simply a wooden shack with a blanket/carpet on the floor. Aside from that sad sight, the visit was lovely. We were able to get up close to the camels, who were all very friendly, wanting to be pet. I do believe Justin even got his ear nibbled. The camel boy had just finished milking the camel and we were offered fresh camel milk (really not my thing but wanting to embrace the experience, gave it a shot). After meeting the camels, the father brought out a large carpet to lay out on the sand. He began bringing out trays of food and coffee. They served us some delicious food which was all shared and eaten with their hands. Again, wanting to embrace the experience I really wanted to join, but the thought of just finishing petting the camels deterred me... and I accepted the spoon from the bag. He served us coffee, serving Justin first and laughing that in this culture "men go first". (Another custom I am yet to embrace!) It was a strange sight for me to see a father serving the food and setting up the food - this is done by the nanny/maid or the mother. We stayed out until the sun set and had a lovely chat. I am grateful for the opportunity!