Mall Visits on Thanksgiving

Today is a down day - we have been on the move for several days and need a slower pace.  In the morning Aimee, Faith and I drove down to Mall of the Emirates so they could see the famous Ski Dubai complex.  There were dozens of people getting their gear to ski, sled, go down the luge run....lots of activity!

I didn't even take any pictures as I already had so many but it is an amazing operation.

November 3rd the UAE celebrated Flag Day and on December 2nd they will celebrate National Day so they leave the decorations up for the month.  It's their 45th anniversary this year.  The British turned the country over in 1971 after being a protectorate since 1894.

 

 

We also stopped by the Apple Store which opened last year when we were here.  There is no advertising on the front of the store.  Inside it is simple and has straight lines and no real decorations - just Apple products on the tables.  The store is at least 4 times the size of our store in Milwaukee - which is always jammed, noisy and crowded.

 

 

When we got back to the house we all went to the Mirdif  City Center.  We had lunch in the food court.  Each one got what they wanted....

 

We checked out the Magic Planet...a play center in the mall with rides, games, fun things for kids....for a price.

 

We found the Lego store, a fun store for young teens, and ended up in the grocery store - just checking stuff out and buying a few things to take home.

Not a typical Thanksgiving Day...no football, or church service, but there was a wonderful meal in the making at the house.

At 6:00 about 30 people from 9 different countries came together for an American meal.  Turkey. Mashed potatoes.  Roasted potatoes.  Sweet Potatoes. Green beans. Carrots.  Salad. Pecan pie. Pumpkin pie.  Ice cream.  The whole enchilada!  It was great!

Gary shared a bit about how the tradition started,  Avery read a paper she had written about Thanksgiving, each person had an opportunity to share what they were thankful for...everyone was included and involved.  Very nice. Thanks much to Julie, Thelma, and Andree.

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Andy and I so enjoyed eating with a young couple and their 2 children we had met last year.  Really fun to hear about their year and how they are adjusting to life in Dubai.

I also got to see several women I walked with on Monday nights last year.  Really nice to catch up!  And I hope to walk with them again this year.  They are a fun group and truly care about one another.

All in all a different but meaningful Thanksgiving!

        Very grateful!