Posts Tagged ‘United Arab Emirates’

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Fujairah Celebrations Continue

December 12, 2011

Posted by Kanga.

three camels and people observing

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.

man and small boy riding a camel

This little fellow was lucky enough to get a ride.

meat on skewers

We had a tasty snack of lamb and chicken skewers.

pottery, platters, coffee pots and other traditional items

A wide range of traditional items were on display – pottery, tools, platters, coffee pots, etc.

two camels laying down

More camels – these are taking a rest. In the background, a horse and a miniature pony who have been giving rides to children.

men resting in a tent

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.

Posted in camels, celebration, culture, Fujairah, historical site, United Arab Emirates | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments »

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Curry House

December 11, 2011

Posted by Kanga.

storefront of the Curry House restaurant

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.

textile wall hanging

1970’s decor is alive and well.

two metal bowls and ketchup packets

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.

plates and dishes of food

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.

Posted in food, Fujairah, restaurant | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments »

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Happy 40th U.A.E. National Day

December 4, 2011

Posted by Kanga.

On December 2nd the United Arab Emirates turned 40.

drummers and a piper

We went to the Fujairah Fort to join in the celebrations. There was music, dancing, food, and fun.

Fujairah Fort and the competition arena

The third week of the Al Saif sword throwing competition was held in this arena.

young man balancing a sword on his palm

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.

two young men feigning a fight

The sword must be tossed from inside the circle on the arena floor and, hopefully, caught safely while remaining inside the circle.

two competitors before the panel of judges

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.

boys playing in the arena

After the competition finished, the little boys not, yet, old enough to compete took the opportunity to try their hands at it.

Posted in celebration, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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Kandora Chic

December 1, 2011

Posted by Kanga.

man in a black kandora

The kandoras we ordered on Saturday were ready for pick up today. So, nothing would do, but a quick trip to Dubai to pick them up.

man in a blue kandora

The white really shows off DaddyBird’s beard, don’t you think?

man in white kandora

Oliver got under the black kandora, playing hide and seek, but the white one freaked him out. Maybe he doesn’t like the competition.

Posted in clothing | Tagged , , | 4 Comments »

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Amateur Tour Guides

November 25, 2011

Posted 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.

people sitting on a carpeted eating area

We shared a large platter of mandi (lamb and rice).

large platter of 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.

fort

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.

inside of the fort

It was a real pleasure to get to see the inside of the fort.

woman sitting at the top of the stairs

Sophie found a place to rest with an inspiring view and took a moment for contemplation.

fishermen making nets by hand

Below the Fort many traditional activities are on display. This man is making a fishing net by hand.

men tying palm leaves together

These men are tying palm leaves together to make a small boat.

palm leaves tied together

boats made of palm leaves

Eventually, it will look like this.

large grey bull

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.

two bulls butting heads

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.

Posted in bull butting, food, Fujairah | Tagged , , | 1 Comment »

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Sharjah at Night

November 25, 2011

Posted by Kanga.

Snapped this shot when leaving the Sharjah International Book Fair. Beautiful night scene.

night time city scene

Posted in Sharjah | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment »

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How do you like your choco?

November 19, 2011

Posted by Kanga.

Another trip to the grocery store:

four boxes of breakfast cereal

How do you want your choco – bits, flakes, pops, or bumps?

cereal box with cartoon eyes on the fruit loops

Don’t these fellows look happy to be eaten? Umm, appetizing.

Posted in food | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment »

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Student Sculptures

November 13, 2011

Posted by Kanga.

Last week we were in Dubai doing some shopping and errands. We visited Mirdif City Center Mall for the second time, ever. We saw banners indicating that there was a display of student sculptures somewhere in the mall (which is massive). Luckily, we found the sculpture display around the central information desk. The theme includes recycling and UAE symbols.

sculpture of the Emirates Towers made of aluminum foil

The Emirates Towers

paper mache horse sculpture

Arabian Horse

falcon made of cut soda cans

We were particularly impressed with the falcon. The artist(s) even included the hood. Very creative.

If you are in the Mirdif City Centre Mall soon, look for the display. In order to vote, you must present mall store receipts for a minimum of 200 AED to the information desk.

Posted in Dubai, malls, Shopping | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments »

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At Your Inconvenience

October 22, 2011

Posted by Kanga.

I really miss American residential laws that require that a tenant be given 24 hour notice before the landlord or any repairmen can enter the apartment. We have been having a long string of disruptions as additional duct work, wiring, etc., related to the air conditioning is done. Apparently, it must all be done in separate phases. Add to this the fact that the workmen just show up at the door and expect to come in and make a mess and break your stuff.

salt and pepper shakers shaped like birds and a salt shaker shaped like a slice of bread

[White Love Bird salt shaker became collateral damage of the last repairmen visit. Now Pepper Bird has taken up with Toast salt shaker who was widowed in our emigration. Toaster didn’t make it onto the ark.]

Never mind that today we were planning on going into Dubai to visit friends and I had a long list of errands I wanted to do. We had no way of knowing how long the workers would be doing whatever it is they were doing today. They finally left at 7:30 pm. We should never have answered the door.

Posted in construction | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments »

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Navratan Korma

October 16, 2011

Posted by Kanga.

bowl of veggies in creamy sauce topped with fruit

In my search for dishes at Indian restaurants that I can eat (i.e. containing no chili pepper) I have discovered navratan korma. It is cooked vegetables in a creamy sauce with cold fruit (sometimes fresh, sometimes canned) on top. I like contrasts in my food, either temperature or texture. That’s one of the reasons I like tacos so much. I don’t usually like to mix my vegetables and fruit, but this is a concept that is growing on me. I can’t always count on being able to eat navratan korma because some restaurants can’t resist putting some chili pepper in, but my loving husband has learned to make it for me at home.

bowl of home made korma

Posted in food | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments »

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