Zaharah's Birthday Weekend

So it all started with a cake.. I baked this cake seen below. I was in a hurry and started icing it before it cooled so it melted a little.



So on Friday, Myself, along with the birthday girl, Zaharah, Amber and Damaris went to Dubai.


Here's the Burj Khalifa currently the world's tallest building.


We spent most of our time at the Dubai Mall. It's 440,000 sq. feet. And home to more than 1,200 stores. It's One of the largest malls in the world.


Zaharah got a facial at Sephora


This lady did my makeup (she's Egyptian) Now u can see why everyone here thinks I'm Egyptian until I open my mouth.


Me being cute!


A store with just CANDY!



The big, beautiful aquarium



Since my makeup was hot..it was time for a night on the town! We went to the club in the Crowne Plaza. After dancing with a couple wierdos..This guy, Tarik invited us over to his VIP table ;)



His friend, Abdul Rahman is a police officer in another Emirate, Sharjah. He pretended to arrest the birthday girl later.. LOL



They let u know when last call is!



The next day.. we went back to the mall. You know you can't possibly see it all in one day.. let alone even two!


OKAY NOW.. who DOESN'T want to come visit!!!

A Visit to the Vice Principal's House

Today the principal told us that the vice principal's aunt died and people will be coming over to her house after school. (that's her house seen above)

Even though it was a sad occasion, I have to admit I was excited to not only get the invitation, but to see the inside of a local's home. This is only the second time I've been to a local's home.

When we got there, we said hi to all the family that was there (Only females of course since men and women don't socialize together). The older ladies were wearing burqas like the one in this picture

Then we sat down and the housemaids brought us tea. Later, a family member came around with Bukhoor (a type of burning incense) and we allowed the smoke from it to scent our sheilas (the scarf you typically wear on the head).

Then a family member came who is studying English/Arabic translation and has lived in California came to talk to us. I'm sure she wanted to practice her excellent English and talk about America.

Enbasatna (we had a great time)

First Field Trip

What a day for my co-teacher, Fatima, to be absent! We took the class to a mall amusement park and they WORE ME OUT!




Little Mohammed wanted to sit next to me on the bus (He loves his American teacher!)

Merry Christmas from Nasser

When Nasser took me to the airport to go home for Christmas he delivered this video message to my parents. There are differing opinions on this..but Nasser says there's no reason why a Muslim can't celebrate Christmas.



Men Perform a Traditional Dance

I don't know about you, but I love watching the men do this dance. It's clear there are deep cultural roots being celebrated. See, my American friends..Kappas aren't the only ones good at twirling canes.