Dubai

Dubai was not a tourist trip...it was for R&R to get away for a few days.  It was located on Jumeirah Beach.  If any of you watched Rory McIlroy win the PGA tournament recently, his sponsor is one of th resorts on Jumeirah Beach (did you notice his hat and shirt?).  I barely left the hotel.  In fact, I only left the hotel once, to do a little shopping...but everything was closed.  It was a nice time, the weather was hot and humid, just like any beach.  I sat in the shade of a palm tree mostly, but still got burned.  Someone commented that Dubai is like Vegas on steroids...not really.  Yes the buildings are over the top, but there is only one Vegas.  I even had a 90 minute massage while I was there...the real treat... 

The view from my room.  It was club level, having spent so many days in hotels this year, the upgrades that come with reaching 'gold' status are pretty awesome.

More resorts along the beach.

Since it was Ramadan, the hotel had camels for people looking for rides after Iftar.  The hotel had a Ramadan tent with sheesha...of course.

One of my high school classmates works in the travel industry.  She has lots of photos of beaches with her feet up.  It tells the tale of the trip...pure ecstasy...thanks Mary Beth, it is a cool idea and sorry if I am copying it!  But imitation IS the highest form of flattery!

Book Release



The mall was the center of Bahrain news recently when a book related to the history of Bahraini press was released.  It was attended by the Minister of Information.  It was a true honor to have been selected as the site for this event.  A lot of the Bahraini elite showed up, it was a spectacular affair.  The book is entirely in Arabic, I was offered a copy...but declined...I can't read Arabic, we did accept a copy on behalf of the owner.

The Minister of information.

Traditional garb, very festive!

Eid Mubarak

Eid Mubarak...tonight is the last night of Ramadan, tomorrow is the beginning of Eid al-fitr...literally, the breaking of the fast.  Eid is the celebratory days follwing Ramadan.  It is a time for rejoicing and fellowship. Eid lasts for three days..and businesses are closed for the period as well...yes, I don't have to work until Wednesday!  Is that a holiday or what!

Ghabga

Ghabga is a nightly tradition during Ramadan where friends, family and colleagues gather to eat and smoke sheesha and to just enjoy fellowship. Though not observed by everyone each night, it is a gathering which is highly festive. Ghabga is typically held in massive tents. Beverages include juices, coffess, teas, etc. while the food is generally authentic cuisine. Hummus, falafel, dates etc are spread out in a wonderful buffet arrangement. The food is exceptionally tasty. Sheesha, also known as 'hubbly bubbly' is a water pipe used for flavored tobacco coals. These are apple, mint, strawberry, and grape flavors. It is a mild smoke and everyone gets into the habit. Just like holidays in the US, these Ghabgas are held as work gatherings. However, because Muslims have fasted all day and break their fast at Iftar, when the sun goes down, these events are late in the evening. Ours started at 9:30 and lasted well past midnight. Staff will undoubtedly be late in the office. Throughout the evening, we were serenaded by a traditional arabic singer. The beat and sound were very festive.

Early in the evening.

Ramla showing us the proper technique for using a sheesha.

Enjoying sheesha...don't worry, it is only tobacco.  Karan doesn't always look that sleepy.  And it IS REALLY just tobacco.

Do you see a common theme?  Sheesha...

Firas enjoying sheesha.

Staff enjoying the evening.

Bushra improving the qaulity of this photo exponentially.

Some of the females on the team, ready for sheesha!

Vikas can be counted on for colorful shirts.

Ordering sheesha.

Getting ready for the fun.

The cloud just gets bigger and bigger.  Almost everyone had a sheesha going.

Girgoaun - Gulf Region mid-Ramadan celebration for kids

Girgoaun is a mid-Ramadan celebration for kids.  It is held on the 14th night and is intended to reward the children with a special day for their patience during the fasting.  While kids under 12 are not expected to fast, the adults in their family are and the energy for daily activities is lessened.  Therefore, to allow the children a night of fun, Girgaoun was created.  It is similar to Halloween where the children dress in traditional costumes and visit their neighbors for treats.  This is not a world-wide Muslim event, but rather in the gulf region specifically.  Please note that comparisons to US holidays are only for similarities, they are not in any way related.

We held an event at the mall with traditional music, arabic coffee, and dates.  The kids also got their treats of sweets and nuts.

Here are some of the kids in their traditional garb along with a horse...similar to Santa, it represents the delivery of the treats.

These two girls had the best outfits, very tradional.

Celine and her daughter in garb along with Hamad.

Colleagues Ramla, in blue print, and Dana.  Dana is holding Ramla's son.

Another colleague, Zainab, with her son.

Ramla and her sister along with Hamad and his brother and three sisters.

A representation of our 'Ramadan tent' in the mall.  Traditional Arabic coffee and date treats are served here for all shoppers.  The dates are very tasty, but the coffee is an acquired taste.  I prefer other options for beverages, but am getting used to its flavor.  It is more like a very strong tea than coffee.