Interesting Culture

I found out yesterday we will be here during Ramadan, beginning at sundown on Saturday, June 28.  That should be interesting.  I am sure we will learn a lot during that time.  Will be interesting to experience this important time of the year for so many around the world.

I did quite a bit of reading before we came about local customs and expectations.  I'm dressing as expected in this part of the world - covered from the neck to below the knee.  For me that means capris or mid length dresses, 3/4 length sleeves and sometimes a long lightweight jacket to cover the fanny in public when wearing pants.  Fortunately it is cool inside anywhere you go, even on the trains.  You never go out with wet hair and never show the bottom of your foot.  I may have offended some of the train the other day when I crossed my legs trying to take pictures out the window.  

Our friends told me it's okay to eat with the left hand in public, but if I went to a Muslim home I must eat with my right hand.  You eat with your right hand and use your left hand in the rest room...

Many of the women we see are in beautiful black abaya, an outer garment to cover their bodies in public. They have beaded and sequened ones in lovely lightweight fabrics.  Some wear the face-veiling portion but many do not.  I do wonder how they feel about the expectation that they wear them in public.  We saw many enjoying their time at the mall with friends and young children.  It is just about impossible to see the expressions of those with veils.  They are very often with husbands when wearing those.  Many of the men wear the crisp long white shaleia, usually with long sleeves.  It's actually quite striking.  

Last night we joined thousands of people at the Dubai Mall for the wonderful fountain show in the man made lake/pond.  From about 6 to 11 most nights they have a marvelous lighted (mostly white lights) dancing water show to one popular piece of music on the hour and half hour...all different styles from opera to popular tunes.  It was wonderful.  We moved from place to place among the crowds for each production...on the wall, on the bridge, on the third floor balcony at Friday's....all at the feet of the famous Burj Khalifa.  It...was....magical....

Mike was able to get us a table on the balcony of Fridays overlooking the lake, the skyline, the Burj.  We ate appetizers and then yummy desserts and watched 3 different shows.  Did I say?  it...was...magical....

Later we went thru the very high end mall too see the aquarium and to buy camel milk chocolate bars at the largest candy store in the world.  Unreal.  Got home about 12:30 and slept really well.

Which reminds me, I need to get to bed.  

Approaching the Dubai Mall where we appreciated Valet Parking

Inside one of the shopping areas around the lake...

All you Chicago folks....they even have Garrett Popcorn  in the Dubai Mall!  What a surprise!