Dubai

I have been really busy the last few days so I have a lot to write about today! 

Two days ago we went into Dubai for the first time. Starting off our time at the Sheikh Mohammad Center for Cultural Understanding where we were taken to a Mosque and our guide explained Islamic prayer as well as other traditions. Then we walked through a recreation of old traditional housing. We finished off with Arabic Coffee and dates while having a Q+A about other cultural questions. This is where I helped in a demonstration of traditional Arabic clothing!

After we saw some flamingos on our way to the Dubai Mall. The first thing we saw was the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world!

It's hard to explain how cool the mall was, there is an aquarium, an ice skating rink, a waterfall feature, I giant fountain out front (will show you video later), and there was even a fashion show going on. Check my facebook for all pictures, cause it would take to long to upload them all here! Just walking through and looking at all the stores was amazing as well.

Walking through the Mall (check out all the different outfits people wear!)

The entrance to the Aquarium in the Dubai Mall!

Right before we left we went up to TGI Fridays, authentic I know, but if you just sit dow and order an appetizer on the balcony, you get a great view of the water show! The fountain water show is every 15 minutes after 6:00pm and they have different choreography to each song!

THE NEXT DAY:

Yesterday we went into Dubai again, but this was a little more subdued. We took Abras across the creek to the old Souq, which I plan on going back for some shopping soon! It's hard getting over the fact that the shop owners in these souqs will ALWAYS be in your face about a sale. I am just learning to ignore it, but it's such a turn off from my shopping mood when people shove scarves and shirts in my face trying to get me to buy them!!!

Abras on the Creek

Me at the Old Souq in my Emirati Attire! :)

The rest of our walking around Dubai was all about views. We went to the Marina area and got some great photos and then after dark snuck up to the top of the Sheraton Hotel for the free view!

Near the Dubai Marina

Dubai by night!

Some other pictures:

Serving Arabic Coffee and the Center for Cultural Understanding

Restaurant at the Old Souq

Our message to the help that cleans up the trays in the cafeteria.
We feel awkward just leaving them on the table :P