The Local Mountain, Jebel Hafeet

After seeing the camel market, we bought some items to share a picnic lunch and drove up to the highest peak, Jebel Hafeet.  The view was incredible. (Don't forget to click on the pictures to make them larger).

Some of Carly's favorite desserts from childhood

The Sheikh's house. . .or one of them. . .just below the top of the mountain.

Lookin' a little sun-kissed by this time!

So, anyone want a beautiful place to stay for cheap?  Come to this hotel near the top of the mountain:  $150 including breakfast, with a pool, a mini-golf place, and a gorgeous view of the valley.

Well, that's it from me, because my camera battery was shot after all the pictures I took.  I flew back to the States that evening anyway, so not much else happened that was picture worthy.  My heart, however, left full, and I have a much better perspective of that part of the world and the dear people that live there. 

Care to Purchase a Camel??

Although this was taken in Oasis hospital, little did I realize what a foreshadowing it would be once we actually went out to the Camel Market.  Andrew bonded with them RIGHT away!

 

 This one tried to get a little fresh!

 

 

 So, this little camel was NOT happy to be held, and told us ALL about it.  Andrew did his best to soothe her, chatting all the while as she carried on.

 

For me, I would rather be on THIS side of the fence, thank you very much!

Breakfast of Champions

The next morning, we met and had a picnic breakfast by the Oasis Hospital, where Carly's family spent their time as she was growing up, and where she volunteered for the last 2 months. This is the Indian (??) version of a breakfast burrito.

The bread is a little thicker and sweeter than a tortilla, and flaky like a croissant.  Carly used to eat these a lot growing up, and it was so fun sharing this memory with her.

Since we were at the hospital, Carly gave us a tour of where she had worked and what she had done while there.  We also saw the history of the hospital in an exhibit near the front entrance.  It was fun to see Carly's "Aunts" and "Uncles" that she grew up with at the hospital.  What an incredible place. The history is fascinating and I encourage you to read about it further here.

http://www.oasishospital.org/home/about-us/oasis-history/

We met many people around the hospital that were near and dear to Carly, some whom she had grown up with.  It was clear that she important to all of them, as well. 

A Special Guest Arrives

So, that evening, Andrew, Carly's fiance', was due to arrive. We went back to the airport. . .and waited.

After close to an hour, he finally came out!

Nope, these two aren't thrilled AT ALL to see each other!  :)

The sun was just setting over the city as we made our way to the car to drive back to Al Ain.

We then had a first for Andrew and I. . .CAMEL burgers!

A Day in Dubai

On Sunday, Carly and I made our way to Dubai, eventually to pick up Andrew, but also to see a little more of the city. We road on an "Abra" across "Dubai Creek" to get to the "suk" (market). These little boats weren't much to look at, but they got the job done!

While on them, I didn't see many safety features, but after we got home, we noticed that there are life vests attached to the roof of the boat.  There might not have been enough, but they were there!

This is Dubai's version of a "semi-truck" carrying cargo.  Apparently this one was on it's way to India.

After the boat ride, we found a little hole in the wall. . .quite literally. . .to have some lunch.  The place was crowded with men, so the owner brought out 4 little plastic stools and set them in the alley way.  Two were for us to sit on, and two were for our tables.  The food was good and plenteous, and that made it all worth while!  Although, we kind of stuck out like sore thumbs around all the men!

We then took the "metro" into the city a little further to see some famous buildings.  This is as close as we got to the sail-shaped hotel that is on multiple postcards.

And here is a picture of the tallest building in the world. . .for now, at least.  It is truly ridiculous how tall this thing is!  It stands out, that's for sure.

Need a tire??  Come to the Bridgestone palace!!  ;)  Carly and I got a kick out of this!

As close as we got to the tallest building.

Dubai surprised me with how many N. American restaurants are there.  But THIS one takes the cake!!!  We didn't have time to get off and actually go there, but if I get a chance to in the future, I might just have to try it out!  I was dreaming of an iced cappuccino as we rode by. . . . .

Visiting the UAE

Today Carly and I went to a Palace Museum here in Al Ain. 

 We had fun pretending that we owned the place!

Carly is working at the UAE version of "Starbucks"

This is me slaving away in the palace kitchen.

The presidential meeting room.

A baby crib. . .I thought this was quite ingenious!
My lovely tour guide.

One of MANY outdoor spaces in the buildings.

Another country to add to my repertoire:  Oman!

Then we went to see the historical Oasis, which is now a garden of date palm trees.

 

Add to this a lovely visit with a friend of Carly's, and the day was FULL!