Spring in the UAE and the Wheels of Justice

The weather here is sunny and warm with highs in the upper 80's to low 90's....Spring in the UAE.  Thursday is the official beginning of Spring here too.  This week has been very busy at school. We made a kite for the letter "K" and the beginning of Spring.  They didn't know about kites, so had to do some background building! Mother's day is always March 21st in the UAE. We made a card for the Mothers with hand prints The children are always so excited about painting! More about the celebration later in the blog. 

Wednesday was Hanaa's birthday.  She turned 21 again!  She didn't get my joke. (Lost in translation)  I didn't know it was her birthday until the day.  After school, I went to get her a gift at Al Ain Mall.  Our class mascot is a butterfly...We are growing and spreading our wings.  Bought a nice silver necklace with a butterfly.  Went outside to get in my car and noticed someone had cut short and scraped the back of my car on the driver's side.  Hit and Run!  This is a rental, so I knew needed to call rental company and 999 (our 911). 

After being transferred 3 times, finally spoke with someone who spoke English.  Told them what happened and he said an officer would be dispatched.  5 minutes later, he called back and said they were too busy and didn't have someone to send.  Asked if I could drive to the police station...I had no idea where the police station was located. Told him I had no idea where to go and burst into tears. He told me to put Al Ain Jail into the GPS.  For those of you who don't know, I am DD (Directionally Disordered).  Directions are not my thing....I'm very thankful that someone created the GPS for people like me!  There was no directions for Al Ain Jail....burst into tears again..

By dump luck, figured out where the closest station was located and parked the car.  Walked in and I was the only woman there.  20 Men and 3 men sitting at the front desk...no one spoke English and my didn't know the Arabic words for car accident.  I did my best pantomiming to no avail...burst into tears.  Obviously they don't like to see someone upset.  They gave me water, held my hand, and brought a woman up from the back to try and help. 

Finally, someone who speaks ENGLISH!  She was a sassy, older Arabic woman who tells you like it is.  Told me that they were just MEN and didn't understand how women feel :)  She took my statement and went and translated it for the 5 men in the next office.  One man came and asked me the same questions she had.  Answered and she translated.  Then another man came in and asked the same questions.  I looked at her like...really.  Man number three came in and asked the same questions.  No one asked to see the car....I was confused.

2 hours later, man number 4, who spoke English told me that I needed a letter from the rental company telling them that they needed a letter regarding the accident with two stamps.  I looked at him like....REALLY.  A letter that you need a letter....oh boy.  Everything here has to be stamped so it's official.  By stamps, I mean this

3 hours later, I leave the police station with no letter.  The rental company called me 5 times while at the police station.  Explained to them that it was only slight cosmetic damage and the car was totally drivable.  So, I sent them a picture...

Then, they relaxed.  Told me that they would repaint everything when they picked up the car for its oil change.  Let them know I needed a letter that they needed a letter about the car with two stamps.  They emailed it to me and had to go back to the police station on Thursday afternoon. 

Went by the florist and picked up the flowers for our Mother's Day celebration and collapsed on the couch!

For Mother's Day, Mothers were invited to have "breakfast" or snack with students @ 10:30.  Breakfast is different here....cheese sandwiches, fruit, water, chips (not allowed in my class), and chocolate (not allowed in my class).  There is no functioning kitchen at my school, so children bring a lunchbox filled with food from home. 

We had about 9 mothers come and a few brothers and sisters.  Two Mom's brought cupcakes and a large cake.  Cakes taste different here....not as buttery and the icing is airy like cool whip, but I like it.  Most of the time nannies bring the children to school, so this was the first time I'd met some of my parents.  Some speak very good English and others none.  They all wanted to talk about their children and the English and Arabic progression.  One parent asked if this was my first year teaching.  I explained here...yes.  In America, 23 years.  She didn't understand.  After she left, I talked with Hanaa and she said that Mom wanted to know if I was going to be here next year.  She was eyeing me for her other daughter...a compliment.  I had taken it the wrong way!  (Lost in translation). 

After the children left, I felt....exhausted. Went directly from school to the police station. Arrived at 2:50 and left at 5:15 with the letter from the rental company.  Had to tell the story 4 times again and 3 different people came out three different times to look at the car.  The wheels of justice turn so slowly here!  While at the police station, I became thirsty from telling my story so many times (sorry, ugly!) and saw a water in a vending machine.  Well, walked over to put my dirham in and there was no slot to put in the change....

So, I placed my dirham on top of the circle in picture and pushed the silver handle up....success.  I was so thirsty!!!!

WHAT A WEEK!!!!  READY FOR SPRING BREAK!!!!

Woke up early on my morning off and headed to the grocery store.  Friday mornings are usually the best time to do grocery shopping.  On Thursday night (like America's Friday night), everyone goes out to dinner, shops, and stays up late visiting with friends and family.  On Friday (like America's Sundays), Muslims go to mosque in large groups around the lunchtime call to prayer.  There are large loud speakers that play 5-6 times during the day that has a male voice singing a Muslim prayer of some sort.  The times of the call to prayers change depending upon sunrise and sunset.  The first can be as early as 4:30am.  The speaker is very close to my apartment, so hear it every morning!  After mosque at lunch, everyone takes a long nap and most businesses here don't open until 4 or 5pm.  This is the only day most workers get off...yes, a 6 day week.  All government and education employees still get our 2 days off...so glad.

The produce is always very fresh at Abela's, which is very close to my apartment.  They have good meat, fresh food, and there is a pork shop. There are no preservatives added to food, so everything has a very short life.  Needed milk, which only lasts 3 days tops.   Decided to walk to the store since only need a few things today.  Such a cloudy, humid morning (66 when woke up) and is feels like 86. I put on my jeans which can only wear on the weekend and a cute bohemian blouse and a very light sweater to cover my arms.  Always try to be respectful of the rules here even though sweating by the time arrived at store. Think it might rain again today....rain is good luck!  

When shopping, there are many brands which are European or local, but here are some American brands here.  Today bought Blueberry Mornings by Post and bought fresh blueberries for extra good cereal today.  Everything that comes from America has a sticker written in Arabic which tells locals that it may not meet all their Muslim dietary requirements.  There are very specific rules about what can and cannot be eaten.  Sometimes companies add or take away things to try and make it more appropriate for the locals. Sometimes they taste different, but I get excited when I see American brands and "know" what it tastes like.  All the fresh vegetables have a sign above the produce (Chile Blueberries) and clearly written on the package to tell where it was grown. 

Bought my few items, grabbed a water, and headed home for breakfast. Looking forward to a restful weekend and only 5 days to Spring Break.  No days off since January and everyone is exhausted mentally and physically.  Not sure what my plans are, but one thing for sure.  Will sleep in, go to the pool, and find something interesting to get into over the 2 week holiday.  Until we meet again! :)

Sausages on a Griddle and Things I've Learned

Spring has sprung in the UAE.  Temps are in the 90's by lunch and the sun is shining bright. Want to be outside instead of cooped up in school.  Dr. Tom J. Collins always said that children were like "sausages on a griddle" when it gets hot outside. They wiggle and squirm and just don't stay put. I must admit that I have a touch of "Spring Fever" just like all the children.   Two more weeks until Spring Break and then two weeks off to relax....can't wait!

The past two weeks have proven to be very productive at school.  My last formal observation occurred and passed with flying colors. The same day of observation, have a follow-up with administration to discuss what they saw.  Had 8 functioning centers and my children showed that they know directionality, 1:1, and can read patterned texts. (KG2 here is like Pre-K back home). Used cut apart sentences and they can put together and read.  Almost all my students can write entire name in English and Arabic. I was one proud Momma!

The end of our 2nd trimester is coming soon, so am assessing students on their growth.  I'm so PROUD of them and how much they've learned since the beginning of the year.  They understand me much better and are responsive when I ask them to do something.  Their English is improving and my Arabic is improving. The children like it when I know a word that begins with their Arabic letter.   I know lots of words, but don't know sentences yet.

We've been studying about animals, animals, animals.  Students are really improving at naming the animals. Took out the paint this week. The children LOVE to paint!  We made a mess at the art center, but had a BIG time!  I believe that sometimes you have to make a mess to learn.  We studied "W" and made a "watermelon"....thought of home :)  Watermelons here don't taste as sweet and they're smaller.  Let's see if you read the blog....Looking forward to coming HOME this summer for a visit to have some!

This week I've been reflecting on my time here. Landed in the UAE on August 8, 2012.  Remember how much of a culture shock it was!  Now, I'm just one of the locals and everything seems surprising "normal" now. There are still moments when things shock me or I learn new things about the culture. The locals honk their horns outside of dry cleaners and restaurants and workers run out to take their order or bring dry cleaning.  All gas is pumped for you and they wash your windows. Locals are very privileged and shopping is a sport here.  I have never considered myself much of a shopper, but when it's hot, there's nothing else to do.  Shoes, purses, watches, jewelry, and designer clothes are everywhere.  Lucky for me, I get paid a teacher's salary and don't have a credit card here!  

The driving is easier now, but there are still many drivers who don't follow the rules. I'm not sure they know the rules or even care that there are rules.  Drivers stop in the outside lane on the roundabouts to talk and park behind other cars in parking lots when they're full or if they feel like it.  Driving in one lane is just a suggestion and many drive in two lanes.  I honk my horn like a local now and use my hand to express myself when I'm upset.

As the end of the school year approaches, have to make the decision if I'm returning for next year.  Good news, I am.  Teaching here is unlike anything I've ever done.  It's been challenging and rewarding.  Having to make everything from scratch was trying and always paddling to keep my head above water.  Now I know what works and what doesn't and look forward to another year here.  Next year should be much easier.

I miss all my friends terribly!  So happy that Facebook and Skype exist.  Definitely couldn't have done this without being able to talk with family and friends.  This blog has been helpful to me in that I get to share my world with you and still feel "connected".  Happy St. Patrick's Day to all my friends and family.  Until we meet again! :)

100 Day Celebration and The Zoo

 100 Day Celebration

Nadar and Mohammad

Hanaa made this with the students.
One hundred Arabic letters are on the oranges

Maitha and Meera....One hundred days smarter!

Fieldtrip to the Zoo

Awad on the bus to the zoo.

Look how nicely they're sitting!

Jabel Hafeet....mountains that are on the edge of Al Ain.

Our host for the falcon show.

       

Peacock.  The children loved looking at her colorful feathers and
her nest is full of eggs.

Gazelles

Emu 

A mosque inside the zoo. 

There was a camel feeding and petting station.

Children LOVED it!

Lunch Time!

Play Time!

Fun!  Nice way to end the trip...


Until we meet again! :)

Pull up a Chair!

During my time in the UAE, there has been a lot of down time.  Long rides on the bus and lots of alone time in my apartment to think about my life have helped me examine my life and how I came to be here.  This has been a journey of self-discovery as well as an adventure to broaden my horizons.

It all began:

My parents were married at a young age and suffered through a miscarriage and losing a one-year old child to sudden crib death before my birth.  As you can imagine, they were overprotective of me because Mom wasn’t supposed to be able to have any children.  I was the miracle they’d wished for.  Neither of my parents graduated high school and had low level jobs in the community.  What they couldn’t give me in things, they made up for in love. 

Growing up in a small town can be a blessing or curse depending on the situation.   My Dad had a drinking problem and everyone in the community knew it.  I was never able to have friends over to spend the night because never knew if he would be drunk or not.  Most of my time was spent at home with my family and close neighbors.  My grandmother and I spent lots of time together because Momma was working.  She instilled my love for reading. 

When I went to school, there was no kindergarten so I began in 1^st grade.  On the first day, Mrs. Hester stood at the front of the room and called my name.  Others giggled and pointed at me.  I was dressed different than the other little girls.  My parents did the best they could, but didn’t have a lot of money.  Told my Mom and next day of school, I wore a dress just like the other little girls with patten leather shoes. 

I was very shy.  Momma told me not to speak unless spoken to.  When the teacher passed out the “Dick and Jane” readers, I was excited….books…..I loved books.  To her surprise, I could read the book very well.  There was a boy who sat behind me that couldn’t read.  Mrs. Hester asked me to help her “teach” him.  I loved helping him learn to read.  Decided then and there that I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up.

As time passed by, school proved to be very easy for me. Teachers liked me because I did my work and never was any trouble.  Socially, I was still having trouble connecting with others.  At recess, no one played with me and I felt very lonely. 

By Middle School, the popular, well-dressed kids began to bully me.  In Mrs. Edna Gay’s Math class I sat on the front row…yep, smarty up front J.  At the end of class, my long, beautiful hair was covered with spit balls.  The teacher was oblivious to what was going on and they took advantage of it. I dressed different and acted different, so I was the brunt of all jokes.  During these hard years, Jennifer Iddings and Terri Mayo were good friends to me. Without them, I wouldn’t have made it. 

One day I had had enough.  The popular kids were picking on me unmercifully.  I threw a dodge ball into the face of one the bullies and was sent to the office with the other kid.  Told the principal about how they’d been torturing me and he forgave my offense.  The first time I stood up for myself….the bullying slowed down immensely and some of the “popular” kids started talking to me.  Should’ve thrown a ball sooner! J

In 8^th grade, our high school was consolidated with Randolph County and started attending Randolph-Clay.  Best thing that could’ve ever happened.  The small town bullies were diluted into the general population and all the others from Randolph County did not know my family or about my father’s drinking problem.  I had a second chance to High school was much more enjoyable for me.  Let my brain, work ethic and good personality show to others.  Started to come out of my shell and become involved in school activities.  The Y-Club, a Christian organization for High schoolers, helped me spend time with other Christians and learn valuable social skills.  Mrs. Judy Walters and Joe Walters were two of my favorite people!  Mrs. Walters had big parties at her house…..loved those and had so much time fellowshipping with my friends. 

The biggest turning point in my life was meeting Mrs. Brenda Morrison. She taught English.  Our class would be performing the school play and going to regional competition.  Now, remember, I don’t like to talk in front of crowds…still very shy.  She chose me for the opening line of the play.  All eyes would be looking at me…burning a hole through me.  It was my worst nightmare.  I practiced and practiced in front of the mirror.  My Mom knew the lines because she heard them so much. 

On the first day of practice, I was very nervous.  There was a box on stage and I had to crawl out of the box and recite the opening lines.  I didn’t understand projection of voice at the time and she said, “Open your mouth and be proud of what you have to say.  Strong people have a strong voice.”  From that day forward, I took this to heart.  Became stronger in my performance on stage and off. 

Mrs. Judy Walters encouraged me to compete in a competition for Christian speakers at our Y-Club conference.  I worked for days on writing the speech and practiced for weeks.  When the time came, I made speech without any notes and brought the house down!  Won 1^st place in the competition!  Of all the accomplishments in my life, this is my most treasured.  I did it! Mrs. Walters saw the potential in me and I will always be thankful to her.  From a shy mouse to a confident person…quite a voyage. 

As High School ended, there was a new mountain to climb…college.  I was the first person in my family to graduate high school and now the first to go to college.  From the beginning, I knew that Early Childhood was my major.  All the teachers who helped me along the way made my choice easy.  I would be the caring teacher who loved my students and taught them as much as possible to help prepare them for the world.  Loved my classes and thrived there.

Socially, I was being successful.  Joined the Baptist Student Union and spent many, many days there.  Marshall Kerlin, our minister, was great.  He and his wife Becky made me part of their lives.  The BSU family became my “family”.  2^nd year of college, I became the Social/Intramural Director, my first leadership job.

  

College was great. It was here that I discovered “WHO” I was.  There were no limits on me.  No one knew about my family and I could become whomever I wished.  At college, I went from being called “Chris” to “Christine”….much more mature…right? 

One night on a visit home for the weekend, I went to a Valentine’s Day dance with a person from my hometown…big mistake.  Several weeks when I came home again, he invited me over for dinner with his family.  Never met them before, but knew who they were.  It’s a small town.  When his Mom and I were in the kitchen getting dinner ready, she said, “Our son doesn’t need to hang out with people like you…you’ll never do anything with your life!  We know who your parents are!!!” 

This hurt me to the core, but didn’t let her see that.  I dropped him like a hot potato and throughout the years I've sent his Mom a copy of each of my degrees….Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Specialist….Guess she was wrong!

As I began working as a teacher, the days were filled with trials, tribulations, and many joys.  All the hugs and smiles made up for all the tough days as a teacher.  I knew that teaching was my God given talent and was affirmed in my classroom.

After 2 years of teaching, I met the love of my life, Dan, and we were married.  Shortly thereafter, we had two children, Danielle and Shelby, my sunshine.  I went back to college to work on my Reading Specialist and increased my knowledge to help the students. 

Years have passed and I’ve taught everything from KG-2^nd grade, acted as a Reading Specialist, taught GTL (for at risk readers), and worked as a Reading Consultant for our local RESA.  I loved helping other teachers learn new strategies to help their students.  Kaye McClung was my mentor during this time and she taught me so much about being a good person, a good leader, and a lady.  I would not be who I am today without her!

When the grant money for my job ended, I worked in Dooly County for 1 year and obtained a job in Crisp County as a 1^st grade teacher.  Very quickly, administration saw that I was a good teacher.  At the beginning on my 2^nd year, a leadership position of Academic Coach became available and was asked to apply.  I would have to leave the classroom in November and work between two schools.  Prayed a lot about it and decided to make the move.

It was during this 10 year opportunity, that I saw some of the best teaching ever.  I was so fortunate to work with teachers from Blackshear Trail and J.S. Pate Elementary.  During this time, I learned so much about myself as a person and a leader.  Confidence in my knowledge of teaching and organizational skills increased.  Plan A, B, C, and D developed during this time. 

Everything was a well-oiled machine and clicking along.  One day a phone call came out of the blue and offered a job in the UAE.  Prayed a lot about what God wanted for me. Felt like God was leading me to take the position.  Things happened within the Crisp County School System that verified my decision was the right move.  Thank you to all the people in Crisp County that helped me grow as a person and a leader.

Now I’m 40 something years old and 7000 miles from home in a foreign country teaching.  Never would I have imagined this for my life. Without the support of my family and friends, I would never have been able to make it here.  God prepared me for this beginning all those years ago. God has a plan for my life and can’t wait to see where it leads. Until we meet again! :)

Bonus Blog: The Desert Safari

Around 2:00 today, I was picked up in a Land Cruiser and driven to a Desert Safari by Mr. Faisal.  In cabs in the UAE, women don't sit in the front seat.  As I opened the door, he seemed shocked that I sat in the back.  He spoke very broken English and I speak broken Arabic....what a pair.  Mr.Faisal was very curious about me.  He loves to hear English.  Asked me all about my job and how I like it here.  As we made it out of town on the way to the remote area between Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, I noticed a bumping in the tires. Mr. Faisal said his tires were set up for dune bashing, which means there is less air than normal.  Told me everything would be fine...Inshallah (If it be Allah's Will....Lord willing and the creek don't rise in Southern) :)

He drove rather slowly for locals :).  When we turned off the main road and turned onto a sandy road, he began to drive like a local....fast.  This used to be a road and there are pot holes everywhere.  He whizzed in and out like a master and arrived safely at the "camp"  Mr. Faisal was the owner of the camp, not just a driver.  I tipped him when arriving...he must have gotten a big smile out of that!

When pulling up, there are huge thatch fences. I was greeted by a man holding a falcon.  Then he let me hold him....

Holding a falcon...Asked if he spoke English....
Looks like he's saying.."Really?"

Falconary is very big here.  They are trained from babies and there are shows at all the zoos.  Many of my children at school have falcons at home. More about falcons later.

Next, I was offered dates and Arabic coffee or hot tea...a sign of hospitality here.  It would be rude to not take the tea, so I did. They asked where I was from...guess it must have been my Southern accent.  Asked if tea was the same in America.  They thought iced tea was funny.

Next, I was given a tour of the camp and a schedule of activities. There will be 100 of us today and I am the first to arrive.  So, I headed straight to the camels.  Really been wanting to ride one and no  waiting.  When I walked out of the back of the camp, heard groaning, growling, and generally unhappy sounds....camels.

Don't know if I could sit like that?

Camels tend to spit and bit, so for safety reason, mouths are covered with a netting.  There is a saddle with handles and a blanket to make the ride more comfortable.  The closer I came to the camel the more groaning happened....yikes.  Man said, "She just happy to see you!" I was thinking something different :)

The humps on the back are very big and the leg swing needed to get on was quite high...I have short legs.  They laughed and laughed at watching me try to get on.  Finally....success.  Camel has to get up from this stance to standing straight up with you on it....scary.

Scared me.  I let out a little girl scream.  They laughed.

And we're off!

I thanked her for the ride.  

Next, it was on to the horses.  Never really ridden a horse except at the fair when I was little and he nibbled on my pants while riding...not my favorite.  Open to trying again.  This horse was really tall and was thinking about how far it was go get up on the horse.  I asked the man for a ladder...he laughed.  So, I did it.  The mounting was not graceful, but success.

There are no reigns for me, so you have to put hands under the saddle and hold on.
Glad "Bessie" was in a good mood! :) 

Next, back inside to see the monkey.  My mother has always been fascinated with monkey and wanted one.  Always had an attachment to them because of her. This monkey has lived here since he was a baby. Very used to being around humans. Reaches out to hold your hand and smiles for the camera.

Then, went down to see the sheep, birds, and goats.  

Now, it's beginning to get warm.  Headed back up to camp to get a cool bottle of water.

There are nice shaded areas to sit and relax while cooling off.  

As I enjoyed my water, the buses arrived with the others.  The quiet vanished as everyone was marveling at the beauty of the camp and there were lots of families with young children.  As they settled in, I went down to be the first for dune bashing.  Dune bashing is riding in an SUV over and down sand dunes at a very high speed.  I think it's like riding a roller coaster in the sand.  Here is my ride:

Off we go.  I decided to sit in front with Mr. Faisal.
A French family is in the other seats.
What was I thinking?  

From the moment we left the camp to go dune bashing, Mr. Faisal had a HUGE smile on his face.  It was obvious that he loves to dune bash.  This normally quiet person turned into a cowboy....He would've said YEE HAW if he could.  He drove through the dune with ease and grace.  Then, we came to the top of a huge dune.  We were almost at the top and he pushed on his brakes.  Slid down the other side of the dune.  Have to admit I squealed like a little girl on the way down.  Then he went from one dune to the next up the side, down, around, and over the top.  He laughed every time someone in the car squealed.  Definitely want to go dune bashing again.  I LOVED IT!

While the others rode camels and Quad Bikes (4 Wheelers), I decided to check out the boudoin tent.  This is a traditional tent and has seating inside to get out of the heat.  It's really getting warm now.

The sun is beginning to set and almost time for the falcon show.  There is a male and female falcon at the camp.  The male is much larger than the female.  His eyes are covered because in real life he would not be out until dusk or after and they protect his eyes at all cost.  He was very sensitive to sounds, but was very good about letting people pet him.

During this show, the trainer took the falcon to the edge of the dunes near the camp in the 4 wheel drive golf cart and released her. ( For you Danielle and Shelby...remember the pink golf cart in PC)

The other trainer stood at the bottom of the dune twirling something on a string that looked like bird wings.  He called to her and kept twirling and twirling.  She dove and circled, dove and circled, and finally came in for the kill.  

Standing on top of the "wings"the bird trainer was twirling. 

Falcons are birds of prey and swoop down to catch the unsuspecting mouse, snake, or other bird.  Once the falcon catches her prey, she begins to peck it just like she would do if this were a real bird. Trainer gives her a nice treat of some sort of meat.  He picks her up and she doesn't even attempt to fly away.

Now the sun is setting and time for dinner.  Grilled chicken, lamb, fish, rice, bread, beans, and a salad are served with Arabic music in the background.  Palm trees are lit with colored lights.  Relaxing and beautiful. Arabic desserts were served along with a huge fruit basket.  I chose a banana and shared with the monkey.  He was most appreciative :)

After dinner, we were invited to have tea at the edge of camp by a roaring fire.

Kettles were placed directly onto the embers.
 Water boiled very fast.  

The wind really started to pick up once night came.  Went back to top of hill and found my tent.

Went inside put on sweater and hung out by the fire for a while.  @ 7:30, everyone who rode on the bus started packing up their things.  Tour guide told me that I was the only one staying for the night, but that the caretakers would be 3 tents down watching TV all night, so I would be safe....No worries.  First of all, I thought...cable way out here? and then tried to decide if I wanted to go home.  This would be a true camping trip...One woman in a tent alone in the middle of the desert.  There have been horror movies written about this.  Decided that I would put my big girl panties on and stay...It was an experience thing for me and I wasn't scared.  So, when everyone left, the staff began to clean up like a well oiled machine and in 20 minutes they were gone for the night.  Only Christine and the 3 caretakers watching TV. I walked by their tent to take one last look at the desert for the night and they asked if I wanted to watch the game on the 42 inch TV. I respectfully declined but noticed the small satellite behind the tent. The desert was so quiet and the sky was full of stars...so relaxing.  Sat until wind started blowing stronger and went back to tent for the night.

Comforters are hard to find here.
Duvets are very popular and was very warm.  

Wind was extra cool tonight, but was surprising warm inside the tent.  I put on my pjs, a hoodie, and socks and was completely comfortable.  By 9:00, I was fast asleep.  Woke up around 12:45 to go to restroom.  Had to go just next door to the facilities.  They left the light on for me.  I made a quick trip in and out.  It was getting cooler.  When coming back into the tent, had trouble getting the flap closed so no wind would come in.  Wind was blowing stronger now.  Finally settled back in and slept the rest of the night.  @7:00, I awoke to the sounds of birds chirping and caught the sunrise.

What a beautiful morning!  Three caretakers cooked a breakfast of toast, eggs, cereal, fruit, and juice for me.  Mr. Faisal ate breakfast with us and took me back to Al Ain.  This trip was lovely and enlightening.  Many new experiences and looking forward to many more.  Until we meet again!