Al Ain is called the “garden” spot of the UAE due to the second largest oasis in Asia. Robyn and I had scheduled a private tour of the city about 1 1/2 hrs from Dubai. We stopped by the camel race track-camels were headed out for their morning warm-ups. Child jockeys were used for years until they were outlawed. Now robots ride the camels with whips controlled by owners racing around outside the track in SUVs! I may have already mentioned that camel racing is the national sport for the UAE.
We also visited a fort and museum with information about Lawrence of Arabia, walked through gardens of date palms, toured the home where Sheikh Zayed was born, traveled up a windy road to look down on the area, and visited a camel market. We had seen trucks loaded with camels along the highway - their heads poking above the enclosed sides as they were probably heading to the market. We saw 1 and 2 day old infants...huge!...as well as multiple pens holding adults for auction. Solid white or black camels are highly prized and more expensive since the majority of camels are tan. Buyers examine the camel’s teeth before purchasing it.
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On the return trip to Dubai, I asked our guide about politics and religion - two topics you are not suppose to discuss with strangers EVER! We had quite an animated discussion about the similarities and differences of Islam, Christianity, and the Jewish faith. We also discussed politics in the Arab region and USA along with our guide’s thoughts of extremists, jihadist, immigration, etc. When I told Michael later about this, he looked at me wide-eyed in horror! There were no accusations or trying to force a belief on another. Rather it was a lively exchange of ideas and cultural beliefs and very informative at least for me. I appreciate our guide’s candid answers, and I’m glad I was brave enough to ask questions.
In my travels, I have discovered I need a “down day” every 7-10 days to relax, recharge and do laundry. Robyn had a sunrise hot-air balloon ride scheduled, and since I had done one with the boys in Sedona, I declined to join her. I slept in instead of rushing out for another tour/activity and when Robyn returned to sleep, I headed to the pool. Either my body fat percentage has increased...a good possibility...or the water was more saline than in the US. I floated peacefully and read in a recliner before we headed out to meet Michael, Chip and Kathy at “Le Pearl” - a cirque du soleil type show.
The performers were amazing, and there was a story line in there somewhere. I just wasn’t astute enough to figure it out so I sat back and enjoyed feats I could only imagine accomplishing.
History- The UAE flag has 4 colors - red for power, green for prosperity, white for peace, and black for oil
During 2018, the UAE is celebrating the Year of Zayed. He was the Father of the UAE...the Sheikh of Abu Dhabi who lead the formation of the country and elected the 1st president...born in 1918 - 100 years ago.
Arabic is the native language. However, since the countries comprising the UAE were once a British protectorate , everything is written in Arabic and English and everyone speaks both languages. Our tour guides have all been from Indian or Pakistan reflecting the foreign majority here, and they have spoken multiple languages...their native dialect, plus Hindi (if Indian), Arabic, English, Farsi, and usually some German. It makes me feel language in-adequate as an American.
My final day was scheduled to be spent with Michael while Robyn visited Chip and Kathy in Sharjah. Although Michael had a work presentation at noon, we all met at a new tourist attraction in Dubai, The Frame, which opened in January 2018. It’s two columns of gold-colored metal with connecting top and bottom to form a picture frame. Elevators in the columns whisk visitors to the top cross piece where windows look out one side on “old” Dubai of souks and the creek and on the other side on the “new” Dubai of skyscrapers.
The center floor squares look white until you step on them and the opaqueness transforms into a clear vision of ....below! They are composed of “smart glass “ and pressure creates an electrical current which produces the transformation. I’m not scared of heights, but when you aren’t expecting this, it can wig you out. Multiple people stood around the edges attempting to step forward or holding hands with braver souls. The security guards must have a constant source of amusement each day.
Michael and I headed to the Mall of the Emirates...not the largest mall but it does have an indoor ski slope, chair lift, snow tubing track, and penguins. We wanted a chance to meet and play with penguins, but unfortunately it was sold out. Drats, but we had a great time eating dessert and cappuccinos before a long and delicious Taiwanese dinner.
We returned for Michael to help with my tech problems...cell phone, camera, and iPad. Every computer chip I had was gained up against me! I also had a surprise waiting for him. Since he wasn’t home or within easy mail service of the US, I flew halfway around the world to bring him an Easter basket! He said I was, “the sweetest” which, along with the big hug, made it all worthwhile.
After a final tearful good-bye with Michael....me not him, I returned to my hotel for preparations to leave the UAE after 10 days and head to Africa. Robyn and I have been chatty with our cab drivers...where are you from, how long have you been here, where is your family, do you like Dubai, etc. Many drivers keep up a running dialogue once you initiate the conversation. My driver tonight was not happy that I don’t live with my sons nor they with me. He was adamant that mothers are “most high” and should be revered and taken care of. I tried to explain I didn’t’ want to live with my children, and I raised them to be independent. “Not right”, he kept saying, and I would smile and think of our cultural differences. At the end of the ride he tried to return his tip and forcefully said, ” You are now my mother!” I think I’ve been adopted!
Observations:
*A guide told me Christians, both Protestant and Catholic, are allowed to worship in the UAE. The government provides land and/or buildings for worship and crosses are displayed. I never saw a church steeple among the mosque minarets but glad to know that religious tolerance seems to be practiced.
*Indoor malls are a dying breed in the USA. However, in the UAE, they are thriving! On a normal Friday evening, it looked like Black Friday! I know it’s due to the weather and extreme heat but interesting nonetheless.
*Room keys are inserted into slots when you enter your hotel room which turns on the electricity...lights, tv, ac, etc. When you leave the room, you are suppose to remove the key to turn everything off. This is an energy saver, and not unique to the UAE, but great idea.
*Muslims do not eat pork or products containing pork. Grocery stores either don’t carry these items or have a “Non-Muslim Only” section behind a curtain in the back of the store. Michael took me to a local grocery chain, and I felt I was during something wicked! Refrigerated cases hold bacon, ham, lunch meat and shelves were stocked with canned ham, fried pork rinds, Jiffy cornbread mix and ..... Pop-tarts! Yes, the breakfast staple of the 60’s contain a pork by-product.
*Ice cream may be made with camel’s milk. I meant to try it before leaving Dubai and looked for it in the grocery. Wonder if I can order on Amazon when I return home?
*Camel meat is also eaten but didn’t see it on any menu. A guide said at the end of a camel’s life, they are usually killed and eaten.
Robyn and I say “Goodbye” to the UAE in the morning and “Hello” to Africa after a 7 1/2 hr flight. More adventures to follow!
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