Thanks for dropping in to share a cup of virtual coffee today with Coco and me. I am joining you today from the vibrant city of Dubai where it is quite hot for a coffee date. I am having mine anyway. Grab your mugs and let’s catch up.
Greetings from Dubai
If we were having coffee, I would tell you…
About that coffee…It took me a few days to figure out the coffee situation over here. I tried Arabic coffee first, because when in Rome. It has a spice I don’t particularly care for-maybe cardamon? Anyway, then there is espresso which is good but way too small for me. So, I am, like a true American drinking “American Coffee”. However, it does taste a whole lot better than plain old coffee (even in this heat).
If we were having coffee, I would tell you…
I shared how amazed I was in Petra, Jordan with the history and architecture. It was truly a magical place to visit right out of an Indiana Jones movie. We then headed to Abu Dhabi, UAE and I was amazed in a totally different way.
We visited the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque Tuesday and wow, what an experience. First, the sheer magnitude and ornate attention to detail in the construction are beyond anything I have ever seen. I have always believed that traveling is the only way to fully understand another culture and its people. Reading about a religion or a country does not truly teach you the same way.
Immersing yourself in the culture, the food, the people, and their customs is the only way to have a window into the similarities and differences to our own. I was so surprised by how welcoming and truly gracious the people of this country are. Many of my biases and preconceived notions have been changed.
That mosque is absolutely gorgeous! I care for a lot of Muslim families in my practice and you are right, you can’t understand a culture unless you experience it. I’ve learned a lot from them. Thank you for sharing your trip–truly amazing.
Agreed! It’s been a wonderful experience so far
Wow that mosque is stunning! What a wonderful opportunity to take it all in in person!
Y s it sure has been amazing so far
Isn’t it an amazing place? Quite a contrast to the USA! Your pics bring back great memories. Glad you’re enjoying it, although it’s COOLER there now than when we were there. Haha!
It is an amazing place so much to see and do. Yes it’s quite warm!
Your pictures are stunning! Such beauty and grandeur!
LOL on having to sort out the coffee situation. I feel the same way even in Europe — I need a pot of coffee to get me going, not one measley cup.
Where are you taking us next?
Not a fan of the small cups of coffee! We just got to Dubai next up Tel Aviv
I have been simply spellbound and mesmerized by all your beautiful pics! The art geek in me would be in total splendor if I was there with you 😉 Sounds like you are having a fabulous time!
It really has all been quite stunning!
That mosque is phenomenal! Do you know how long it took to build? I’m always curious about modern “marvels.” I’d love to experience the places you’re visiting – except I really don’t love the heat!
I agree about travel and experiencing culture. Travel should be mandatory!!
I think they said 7 years to build it. I also do not do well in heat but everything is very well air conditioned. Travel is mandatory!
What an experience! Your photos capture the beauty of the mosque so well.
I love your outfits. Did you get them at the entry or did the tour operator provide them?
A definite experience of a lifetime. The mosque provides the dresses to go on top of your clothes while you are touring
Wow, that looks INCREDIBLE. I can see how important it is to immerse yourself in that culture- it seems so foreign to me. And I can see how pictures wouldn’t do it justice.
THAT HEAT! (Please tell me it’s not humid as well.) I’ll be curious to hear if you managed a run on Global Running Day. It seems like it would be… challenging.
I did run on the treadmill on global running day and did a victory lap outside. I am going to try to run outside tomorrow in Dubai we will see how that goes! Update on Sunday.
Your photos have been amazing! Keep them coming!
Luckily for me I don’t drink coffee (and I happen to really love cardamom).
Thanks will do! The cardamon is in everything and it is quite strong!
Your pictures have been amazing and I’m enjoying living vicariously through you. I can’t wait to see where your adventures take you next!
thanks we are having a blast so far and have done a ton in just over a week! We are in Dubai for another few days
I 100% agree that traveling is the only way to truly understand a culture and its people! I definitely want to plan an out of the country trip coming up…possibly 2023. I think it would be amazing. And your photos are gorgeous! The architecture there is stunning.
The architecture is stunning! Hope you can get that adventure planned too
This trip is just amazing. i am so happy for you!
You can keep the 108 degrees, but all the rest is fabulous.
Sheeeeesh that is hot! I hope you’re staying cool! It looks so pristine and gorgeous — hoping I’ll get to go someday!!
I am trying to stay cool! It’s been a blast so far
I cannot get over the stark white
And yes, 100% on travel. You see the people for who they are by them — not stories written/told about them
exactly!! You would really enjoy traveling here
Everything looks so beautiful!! That heat though.
It is quite hot for sure!