Come along on our desert safari!

It is difficult to come to the UAE and not visit the desert.  On Saturday, we went dune bashing (SUVs driving quickly up, around, and down the dunes) in the Dubai desert.  I made the mistake of looking out the side window as we were dashing through those dunes.  As we tilted significantly toward my side of the SUV, I realized the importance of speed from keeping us from toppling over those dunes!  (I wished I had not paid attention in Physics.)

This is steeper than it appears!

Click here to see a video of dune bashing.  The difference is that during our trip there were five 4x4s following each other.  

The camp where we stopped was designed for the masses.  Each tour group offered different services to their clients – ranging from holding falcons to driving 4-wheelers.  Here are photos of us riding camels and modeling henna designs.

Yes, that is me and my host I called "Tiny."

Our artist gave us each unique designs.

The day ended with an Arabic feast and dancers for entertainment.  (I was asked to join the belly dancer and shared my moves with 500 of my closest friends!  Luckily, no photos have surfaced to show my performance quality.)  

Salads, flat breads, and grilled meats/fish

Angela shimmied, used wings, and canes to entertain us.

The show ended with a tanoura dance.  This is much like the dervish style of dancing where the male dancer whirls throughout the entire performance.  The tanoura also incorporates the use of brightly colored skirts.

These many layers of skirts also became props.

 

Click here to watch the same tanoura dance we saw.  I recommend you watch the video until the end.  Our dancer included props and electricity!

So how did I adapt to the way of the desert?  You decide.

#ibmcsc  #uae