A Desert Safari

Wow!  This weekend was by far the best I have had since I’ve arrived in the UAE. 

On Friday, I went on a desert safari with several other teacher friends.  We were picked up in Al Ain and driven to the desert outside of Dubai.  The highlight of the entire trip was the fantastic dune bashing.  Driving up, down and sliding around on the dunes in the Pathfinder was like being on a rollercoaster ride!  It was so exciting to fly up one side and crash down the other side of the sand dunes.  At one point we took a break and stopped at a camel farm and were welcomed by the several camels who wanted to get to know us better.  They came right up to us to get their picture taken and to get rubbed on their noses and necks.  They were such curious and calm creatures.  We then continued with more careening through the desert until we came to a coral bed in the middle of nowhere to see the sunset.  When that was done, we headed to an Arabic camp for dinner, henna painting, and belly dancing to end the evening.  It was a great way to spend my birthday!

On Saturday, I spent much of the day at my new apartment getting things ready so that I can move in this week.  I have to say that after more than 7 weeks in a hotel, I am ready to clean, do laundry, cook, and live normal routine again in my own space.  I especially can’t wait to have a meal that I have prepared myself-perhaps Spaghetti, Black Bean Soup, Chicken Tarragon, or even real bacon and eggs for breakfast.

Anyway-here are some pictures of the safari. Enjoy and stay tuned...