after he went to work, julian and i headed over the RAK women's college of higher technology for the "expressions - a chorus of culture". it was basically an all-day presentation of films, poetry, art, fashion and cultural traditions from RAK and the UAE.
it was a bit odd at first, only because i didn't realize how it was set up. there were different themes, one for each tent that was set up. inside, there were women (by the way, all the women there, except for me and about a handful of others, were all decked out in abayas and sheylas - no men were allowed, although i did see about 3 of them, husbands of other western people or professors at the college) sitting around drinking coffee or tea and chatting. so i wasn't sure if i was supposed to bust on in or not. luckily, at one of the stands, a girl said, "would you like some coffee?" and then we were invited "in", although there didn't seem to be much to see in that particular one. julian did get his face painted, as well as a crowd of women around him to check him out, and a couple of chocolates.
from there, we saw some traditional crafts - women making woven bracelets and things. we were invited into another tent (life in RAK - past and present) where julian made himself at home. i was served tea and given 2 plates of desserts to take home, not to mention the 3 candy bars that julian got (plus some kind of date dessert). we were finally able to leave and check out the rest of the events.
we got a free tree from the "greening the UAE: sheik zayed's dream" tent, as well as a hefty plate full of dessert. while in that tent area, i met three women from south africa who were really nice and took my name and phone number (and left me theirs) so that i can join them when they get together for coffee on a bi-weekly basis. i just love the friendly people! new friends left and right!
while at the event, i also found a jewelry maker (only lost her contact info! must find!), glass maker and pottery painter who happens to work where i now take pilates. gotta support the people in RAK! and every time i turned my back to check out some stuff, julian got a new batch of candy thrown onto his stroller tray. the child was covered in face paint, chocolate and honey.
all in all, 'twas a lovely morning.
from there, we stopped home to recharge (and come down off the sugar high). in the p.m., we headed to manar mall where it was "smiles day" and crest/oral-b was giving free dental checkups to all kids (and adults if it wasn't busy). lovely, but rather hoodoo. you open your mouth, the dentist looked in, asked if you have problems and then said, "you're fine". you get what you pay for, i suppose. at least julian got a balloon animal out of it.
i am also scandalized to report that while shopping for a watch, i found one that i liked. when i got closer, i realized it was from the paris hilton collection and refrained from vomiting all over the store. i will not be purchasing that watch, no matter how much i actually liked the style. i just can't do it.
this evening, we went out to the new hilton beach hotel for dinner with lewellyn and neneth. it was quite delicious and julian was really good considering he was in the restaurant for almost 3 hours and it was way past his bedtime. i got a nice cake and we got treated like VIP's because the manager recognized serge. gotta love the star treatment! it was a great birthday!
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