Over the Top

Hello!

I have one word to say about our experience in the UAE: WOW. We have all been commenting on how everything we see is super fancy and WAY over the top. Everything we saw in Sharjah and Dubai was beautiful and things here are in general very nice. They really go all out for the Women as Global Leaders conference- there is a ton of food, juice, chocolate, flower arrangements... We even found a room today at the conference full of pillows, rugs, and lamps for relaxing. Last night we went to a heritage evening for the conference where they set up couches and a stage outside in the courtyard on campus. They had camels to ride, women doing henna, and even ended it with a fireworks show! It seems like a bit much, but I have to admit, it is pretty awesome.

We have had a great time so far in the UAE with everything we have done, but tonight was probably the best. As part of the conference, we were invited to the palace to have dinner with Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif Al Nayahan. The palace was beautiful, we were all in awe when we first arrived. The event took place outside on the terrace which was decorated with amazing flower arrangements and lights. We were served chocolate first (which I loved!) then sat down for dinner. There was live traditional music as well as dancers. They were doing a traditional hair dance which is when they all toss their very long hair back and forth to the music (of course there was a "I whip my hair back and forth" comment made...). The whole experience was a bit overwhelming with the beautiful palace and decorations, traditional Arabian music, and the smell of incense (oud?) which was being spread all over and smelled amazing. We also got to watch all the women walk in with their fancy dresses and abayas, covered with jewels and pretty designs. There was SO much food- appetizers, dinner, and a huge dessert table. And of course, MANY more flower arrangements! The entire experience felt unreal- I couldn't believe how nice it was. After we finished our amazing dinner, we headed back through the palace to leave and were given a strand of flowers (like a lei), a book, and a handmade wallet on our way out.
What a great night. :)

Unfortunately, we have to leave tomorrow night to go home :( I sure will miss it here!

Chelsea