Posted by Kanga.
On the way to work Thursday morning I had to pull over and take a picture. Unfortunately, it does not do justice to the beauty of the site of the Moon just over the hills.
Archive for the ‘United Arab Emirates’ Category
Pearls Museum
January 27, 2012Posted by Kanga.
A new museum has opened in Ras Al Khaimah.
The main floor focuses on the history of pearling in the area, including a full sized 40 foot pearling boat. Information is very well presented.
The second floor is devoted to the cultured pearl industry. Not surprising, since the museum is owned by RAK Pearls Holding, LLC.
We wondered around a bit before finding the museum, so, if you are interested in checking it out for yourself, here is a map to help. The museum is open 10 am – 6 pm and costs 100 AED per person (which includes lunch/snack at the cafe).
Clouds + Sun = Beautiful
January 21, 2012Posted by Kanga.
The clouds and Sun cooperated to create some spectacular views yesterday on our drive into Dubai.
Today’s Surprise
January 19, 2012Posted by Kanga.
This impressive ram was an unexpected sight.
Maybe I should change this blog to “what I saw on the road today.”
Everywhere You Look
January 17, 2012Posted by Kanga.
You never know what you are going to see.
Proof that there are mosques everywhere.
“And to think that I saw it on Mulberry Street” – sometimes you don’t need to exaggerate, just keep your eyes peeled.
December Lights
December 16, 2011Posted by Kanga.
I have to admit that I do miss the cold weather of winter and the American holiday season from Thanksgiving through New Years Day. The weather here gets down into the 70’s (Fahrenheit) which is pleasant, but not very wintery. We aren’t bombarded with Christmas shopping commercials and ads. We don’t get to see “It’ a Wonderful Life” or “Frosty the Snowman” or “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” or “Miracle on 34th Street” on the TV. The last three years I haven’t had any time off for Christmas, even working the day when it fell on a weekday. So, it doesn’t seem much like Christmas.
Happily, one thing that hasn’t been missing is lights. The U.A.E.’s anniversary falls on December 2nd. This means lots of red, green and white lights. This year was a special anniversary – 40 years – so there was even more celebration.
There were concerts, dance performances, jet ski parades, air shows…
Fireworks on multiple occassions…
Decorating one’s vehicle with pictures of the leaders and colors of the flag is a widespread tradition.
And lights, everywhere.
This is the Fujairah central souk (market – meat, fruit, vegetables, clothes).
The number 40 is everywhere.
Lights are done in a big way.
I particularly like the lights shaped like boys carrying the flag.
My favorite building display is the Fujairah Municipality Building.
It has been a pleasant celebration season and a delight for the eyes. Happy 40th Anniversary to the United Arab Emirates.
Fujairah Celebrations Continue
December 12, 2011Posted by Kanga.
The Al Saif sword competition and accompanying celebrations continue through December 17th. So, last Friday we headed down to the Fort to see what was happening. We were too late to see the bull butting contest or the camel race, but some of the camels were still out basking in the attention of their admirers.
This little fellow was lucky enough to get a ride.
We had a tasty snack of lamb and chicken skewers.
A wide range of traditional items were on display – pottery, tools, platters, coffee pots, etc.
More camels – these are taking a rest. In the background, a horse and a miniature pony who have been giving rides to children.
Two majlis tents were available for those wishing to sit, rest and enjoy each other’s company. (Majlis has a variety of meanings, but generally refers to any area where people sit comfortably and discuss.)
The activities at the Fort have been very enjoyable, much like a county fair. These are genuine foods, activities, sports, and arts of the local area.
Curry House
December 11, 2011Posted by Kanga.
We recently had dinner at the Curry House (in Fujairah) an Indian, Arabian, Chinese restaurant. This combination is advantageous for us, because DaddyBird can have his food spicy and I can order non-spicy dishes.
1970’s decor is alive and well.
Condiments for the international menu include soy sauce, chili pepper sauce and ketchup. Ketchup (or catsup) seems to be the global condiment. We find it everywhere. I think sushi restaurants are the only places we haven’t been offered ketchup.
I had garlic chicken, chappati (flat bread) and salted lassi (yogurt drink) and DaddyBird had three spicy dishes with plain appam (pan bread) and tea. All this cost us 66 AED ($18.00 US)
When we ordered, the waiter asked about spiciness and we were able to explain that my dishes should not be spicy at all and DaddyBird’s should be very spicy. We will definitely be going back regularly.
Happy 40th U.A.E. National Day
December 4, 2011Posted by Kanga.
On December 2nd the United Arab Emirates turned 40.
We went to the Fujairah Fort to join in the celebrations. There was music, dancing, food, and fun.
The third week of the Al Saif sword throwing competition was held in this arena.
The swords used have thin flexible blades to reduce the chances of injury. Competitors balance the swords, feign mock fights, and toss the swords up into the air as high as possible.
The sword must be tossed from inside the circle on the arena floor and, hopefully, caught safely while remaining inside the circle.
I don’t know all the details of the scoring system, but points can be lost for loss of headwear, failure to catch the sword, or landing outside the circle. Two young men compete at a time and when done stand before the judges for evaluation.
After the competition finished, the little boys not, yet, old enough to compete took the opportunity to try their hands at it.
Amateur Tour Guides
November 25, 2011Posted by Kanga.
We served as amateur tour guides for Sharjah International Book Fair visiting authors (Mike, Terri, Sophie, Nicola, Stuart, and Yahia – I hope I got that all right.)
We started with lunch at a Yemeni restaurant.
We shared a large platter of mandi (lamb and rice).
Eating rice with their hands seemed to be a new experience for everyone. It was enjoyed by all and mastered by some.
Then we were off to Fujairah Fort which is open to the public due to the 40th National Day celebrations that started November 11th (with the beginning of the Al Saif sword competitions) and will continue through December 15th. The actual National Day is December 2nd and commemorates the joining of the 7 Emirates into a single country.
It was a real pleasure to get to see the inside of the fort.
Sophie found a place to rest with an inspiring view and took a moment for contemplation.
Below the Fort many traditional activities are on display. This man is making a fishing net by hand.
These men are tying palm leaves together to make a small boat.
Eventually, it will look like this.
Then, of course, we had to squeeze in a visit to the bull butting. This competition is held every Friday afternoon and dates back to the 1600’s.
The dark bull was something to see. He started by kneeling and rubbing his head on the ground and then was up in a flash, catching the other bull by surprise and gaining the advantage.
Unfortunately, time ran out and the authors had to return to Sharjah for the book fair activities. We enjoyed giving them a taste of Fujairah and Emirati culture.
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