I think I experienced some degree
of a culture shock when I walked out the airport and begun my journey to where
I would be staying. In Trinidad we
aspire to achieve “big houses”, it is one of the things by which success is
judged. By the time I got to where I was
staying I had seen so many majestic structures which they called homes I was in
awe…Trinidad most certainly did not have such big houses. They were mostly brown in colour from the
sand and not very shapely and seem to be owned by many! It made me question our measurement of
success.
The people were friendly…kept
most to what was familiar to them but engaged in conversation whenever Debra
was out and crossed paths with them. The
women are exceedingly beautiful and the application of their eye make-up were
spot on. I thought that I would have experienced
some level of discrimination or unwarranted negativity but my experience was
far from that. I have to mention that the men looked regal in their traditional wear and omg their hands and feet were well kept...and when I say well kept...I mean well kept!
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| My Camel and Me! |
I was told, no…actually I was
warned about my dress code…but what I came to realise and appreciate is that
while Abu Dhabi is Islamic they understood that for them to be one of the most
sought after Tourist destination they would have to make some adjustments and I
think they were successful in that they were able to find a balance which
allowed they to achieve their objective and maintain they deep seated
traditions. So as a tourist I was able
to wear my fitted jeans and tops which is what I packed!
I saw a bit of Dhabi in the movie
Fast Seven but it did not do justice to the magnificent architect that resides
in Abu Dhabi and Dubai! It was
fascinating to see some of the standing structures…there were a coin building
close to where I stayed which upon first sight was awesome…when the sunset
provided the backdrop for this building it was a sight to behold.
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| Debs and I on our Desert Safari |
There were so many sites to see
and things to do and as would be the expectation, tourist activities were expensive
but I was able to go on a Desert Safari which surprisingly enough I had to wear
a sweater to keep warm; petted and rode a camel which I found out is nothing
like riding a horse, did Dune Bashing which was scary and excited all at once;
visited the Great Mosque…omg this is a must visit location if ever you go…the experience
was breath-taking; and of course I explored the malls which included the Al
Raha, Yas and Dalma Mall…while at one of the malls, Dalma Mall I think, we were
in a party store (which is what party stores ought to look like) I hear a trini
soca playing on the radio…imagine all the way in Abu Dhabi I got a soca to wine
to…"Who let the dogs out" – was the song. I also did some of their popular
restaurants and ate some unusual stuff which I really can’t pronounce far less
to remember how it’s spelt. I saw ice
cream made in the most unique way with what sounded like a rhythm out of
Trinidad!
Did I mention I went to Ferrari World…one word…amazing!
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| In Full Abu Dhabi Wear |
I saw and experienced so many
things that has shaped my view and understanding of the Middle East, it was a
very worthwhile adventure!
