A National Day to Remember part 2

So, in continuation of my 'immerse yourself in local culture' efforts, I went to see some camel races and to the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival today. Just a few months ago I would have never imagined myself going to a camel race (who knew camels raced?) but I've come to the conclusion here that you regret more the things you didn't try than the ones that you did.

The day turned out to be quite nice actually! I went with a group of new and old friends and even got to make some new acquaintances along the way. The camel race itself was such an adrenaline rush. The camels race on the right side of the track and cars are able to drive on the road beside them around the whole track. Most of the cars that drive on the track are those of the camel owners. They ride beside the camels and have walkie talkies to communicate with them since there are no jockeys. I got to ride in a car and see all of this up close and personal!

While we were watching the races we met this guy who is the accountant for the track, and one of the veterinarians that work there. They were both really nice about answering the millions of questions we had about the races and camels in general. The accountant even sent one of his workers to get us each a book that explains the history of the races and how they care for the camels. I have to say, every local that I've met here so far has been really nice and friendly and completely welcoming.

After the races we went over to the heritage festival where they had food, vendors, and other demonstrations. I got henna done on my hands

I held a falcon

I rode a camel

(and then shortly thereafter I ate some camel for the first time. it was good but I had just ridden his cousin so it felt wrong)

I saw these guys. I was hoping they were going to do a sword dance but they were very happy and excited to pose for pictures instead.

And that was my day. I couldn't have planned it but I'm so glad I experienced it :)

A National Day to Remember part 1

Gosh, how do I begin this post?

Over the past few weeks the UAE has been readying itself for the big National Day celebration. People have decorated their homes, cars, and businesses in the colors of the flag, red, white, green, and black. You can't really go anywhere without seeing a car or building covered in a flag or pictures of one or all of the sheikhs. The locals really take pride in these displays, and everything culminates into one big event to celebrate the country's independence on December 2.

Although I had no idea what to expect, and really nothing could have prepared me, I had to experience the National Day celebration at least once, just to see what it was all about. The streets were packed with people as cars drove along to show off how well they were decorated. As they drove by people from the crowd and inside the cars would spray each other with silly string and water guns, which I tried to avoid. When we finally made our way to the first attraction, we learned it was a display of military vehicles (helicopters, tanks, etc.) and a set up for an airshow. 


I had never been to an airshow before and this one was definitely amazing. Six planes did loops and stunts while we watched in awe.

After that amazing show, there was a fireworks show on the beach. I must be getting used to the warm weather here because it felt really cold out there but it couldn't have been any cooler than mid 60's. What am I gonna do when I get back to the states?! Anyway, the fireworks show seemed kind of anti-climactic after all of the time that we waited, but it was an experience all the same.

Finally, we ended the evening with a trip to Shake Shack, which I didn't get a picture of because I was too busy eating. If Chick Fil-a is a party in your mouth then Shake Shack has to be equivalent to some sort of rave. I'm doing the Homer Simpson drool right now just thinking about it...I might have to go back tonight.
The mall where the Shake Shack is also has a staircase that is a keyboard, each step you step on makes a sound. I may or may not have made a fool of myself trying to play Chopsticks on it haha! I'm glad there's no photographic evidence of that.

Oh yeah, one more pic for the road. I found this picture to be so funny because I had no idea I was getting this guy in it but clearly he did because he smiled :)