The Delcambres in Abu Dhabi

Yesterday was a good day. We did some things around the house...cook, laundry, etc. and did a little shopping. Lance tried to get the lawn people to cut the grass (which is included in our rent) but they didn't show. They did however end up coming this morning.

After the guys cut the grass, we (Melinda, Dennis, Camille, and I) left for the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. It is a beautiful sight. Melinda and I had to wear a black robe over our clothes and wear a scarf over our head. We all including Camille had to take our shoes off before entering the mosque. Inside was unbelievable. It housed the world's largest persain rug, weighing 35 tons. We had a great guide who explained everything and educated us on the muslim customs and why they do the things they do. Melinda and Dennis really enjoyed it. I hope Lance can get the opportunity to see it one day, since we drive by it everyday into the city.

After the mosque we ate lunch, did a little shopping, and picked up Evelyn. We then went to another store and ordered some furniture for myself that I saw the day before. Melinda went to the gold souk (market) below the furniture store and bought herself a nice bracelet. We picked up Pizza Hut for dinner (yes we have that here) and headed home. It was a good day.

Tomorrow, I am going to bring Evelyn to school because Lance has meetings in Dubai. Melinda and Dennis are going to stay home and watch Camille because I am going to stay a couple of hours at Evelyn's school to observe. Tomorrow evening we are going to Emirates Palace, a self proclaimed 7 star hotel. I have made arrangements for Melinda, Dennis, and Lance to take a guided tour that will show them the suite and other things. They do not allow children on this tour so I will keep the girls. We are all looking forward for the weekend as well because we have reservations for an half day dessert safari. It is going to be great...camel ride, dune driving, belly dancing, etc.

WHAT IS DIFFERENT IN ABU DHABI: The men here wear a white dress like thing and they wear that color because it is the purest of colors. And they keep it very starched and bright white. Women wear black because you can not see through the fabric, so you would not be able to see what they are wearing beneath. Some women evne wear black veils over their face and you wonder how can they see. We learned today that they can see through the veils, you just can not see them.