When In Rome...

*Click Photos to Enlarge

...Do as the Romans Do. When in Ghayathi, do as the Ghayathis do.

This weekend I had the privilege of going home with a Bedouin friend I've met here at university. For those of you that don't know, Bedouins are Arabia's traditional nomad families living. On our way down, my friend Ali, informed me that I was probably the first westerner to visit his village in three or four years and that he was probably the only person in the village that spoke English.

The moment we arrived at his house I was thrust into the deep traditions of Bedouin life. The dos and don'ts are infinite though I did my best to learn. Today, most families live in small town and keep what are called Izbahs, a swath of land in the desert on which they raise camels, horses, sheep, goats, and falcons. Oil money by way of government subsidies has made it possible for most every citizen to build a house and afford a luxury automobile. It is important to remember though, that the vast majority of the people within this country's borders are not Emirati citizens and naturalization is next to impossible. The first night brought drifting (dune buggying with luxury suv's) and traditional music in the middle of the desert with Ali's friends.

The next day, I awoke to several children, who soon became my fanclub, peering through the broken window to catch a glimpse of the "Ameriqi." who had come into town. After breakfast we made a tour of the village and met Ali's friends. The day also brought my first case of TD. Most likely brought upon by the endless tea I was obligated to drink as a guest in everyone's house. However delicious, I will be mindful to bring toilet paper next time...

We headed for the desert that evening to an Izbah for food and company of maybe a few dozen of Ali's relatives. The night was filled with horseback riding, drifting, football, milking camels , and food. We ate in the open air of the desert, still warm long after sunset. Dinner was followed by Tradition bedouin song and dance all produced by the people I had joined. It was close to dawn before we made our way back to town for rest.

The weekend was a cultural experience no vacation, university, or museum could reproduce and I am grateful Ali gave me the opportunity.

You know your Dad's an engineer when you think to take pictures of transmission lines for him...

Emirati Desert

First night in the Desert. Ali and I at center. They were eager to let me play the drum, but only for a few seconds each time before they remembered how much I sucked at it.

Trying my best to fit in. I was informed I'd be wearing fully traditional dress next time.

Road to the Izbah

At the Izbah:

Football at Izbah

Ali and some of his family


Horses at the Izbah. Not quite as tame as those in Hills...

Drifting int the desert. When you get stuck, the only thing you can do is let the air out of your tires to gain traction and hope it works.

Ahmed and Kalifa. Ali's Nephew and little brother who insisted on shadowing me everywhere I went.