Archives for July 2010

Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque

The mosque of all mosques.

Probably my very favorite feature of Abu Dhabi is the Grand Mosque. I consider myself lucky to pass this beautiful building on my way to work each morning.

The mosque is open to visitors and offers a guided tour each morning, except for Fridays. It’s probably the only must-see in Abu Dhabi, in my opinion. In fact, I’ve gone and seen it twice!

Ladies, if you’ve ever wanted to experiment with wearing an abaya and shaila, this is the place. Female visitors must be completely covered. Abayas and shailas are dispensed near the entrance for your convenience. Dudes can wear what they like, but must remove their shoes (as do the women).



(That’s me!)

The people of Abu Dhabi are very proud of their mosque, and with good reason. It is the 8th largest mosque in the world (accommodating 40,00 worshipers) and holds at least two world records. The first being the largest single piece of carpet! The other being the largest chandelier! What feats!

(That’s not a seam in the carpet, it’s part of a prayer grid so they know where to line up)

The mosque is decorated with materials from all over the world. The intricate detailing makes it easy for people of all faiths to appreciate and admire.

I expect to make at least one more visit to the mosque before my time in Abu Dhabi expires.

xo, jill

P.S. Did you find all of my India posts? Scroll down or click the “India” link in the left sidebar.

Home.

Sweet. Home.

I arrived last night to a very warm welcome at the airport that included hugs, balloons, fresh blueberries and cherries, and more hugs!

The fun didn’t stop there. When I walked into my room (since converted to studio space), my bed was covered in gifts from my sister, including this bouquet on my nightstand.

Despite my excitement over being home, I was feeling anxious due to the fact that one piece of my luggage was lost on the first leg of my journey. Luckily, I was informed tonight that it has been located and is on its way here. Thank goodness.

My goal is to spend the next few days catching up on the blogging so be sure to check back. Some of the posts will likely be post dated, so scroll all the way down before you click out.

xo, jill

Posting from…

Abu Dhabi International Airport.

You know what that means.

See you soon!

xo, jill

Novely Snacks of India

“Not spicy for you? Or not spicy for me?”

With our time in country so short, the novelty snacks were scrounged up weren’t the most exciting. We’ll do better next time.

Novelty Snack:Kurkure Funjabi
Description: Tweedy breadsticks “kadhai masala” flavor [I know you probably can’t use “tweedy” like that… but that’s what I want to say
Tastes Like: A not so good spicy breadstick
Verdict: Thumbs down

Novelty Snack:Potato Chips
Description: “Lime and Masala Masti” potato chips
Tastes Like: Kind of limey, kind of spicy
Verdict: Thumbs neutral

Novelty Snack:Bourbon chocolate biscuits
Description: Chocolate cookies with a creamy chocolate filling
Tastes Like: Not super fantastic chocolate cookies with not super fantastic chocolate cream in the middle
Verdict: Thumbs up!

Novelty Snack: Krack Jack
Description: Crackers that are “lighter, crispier, tastier!”
Tastes Like: Crackers of the Ritz variety
Verdict: Thumbs neutral

Novelty Snack: Nimbooz by 7Up
Description: A lemon flavored drink
Tastes Like: Minute Maid lemonade
Verdict: Thumbs up!

Novelty Snack: Horlick’s Bisquits
Description: A mild flavored cookie
Tastes Like: Graham crackers
Verdict: Thumbs up!

Novelty Snack: Moong Dal
Description: Lightly salted yellow lentils
Tastes Like: A light and nutty snack… a pretty neutral flavor, but delicous
Verdict: Thumbs up!

xo, jill

 

Almost famous.

I’ve had this happen before, but never like this.

Apparently, the tourists touring India in June are predominately Indian. We were definitely in the minority at all of the tourist spots as light skinned Westerners… and in high demand. Nearly every time we paused during our trip, there was someone there with a special request, “Can I take a photo of you?”

I didn’t mind too much, but it certainly makes you feel silly.

The young men I understand. But the families… too funny. Parents were eager to have their children snuggle up next to me… or even asked me to pose with the entire family. I can’t begin to imagine how they will explain my presence in their family albums.

I wish I had a photo for every time it happened, but I think you get the idea.

xo, jill

Holy Cow!

Literally.

These are Molly’s attempts at capturing me and a sacred bull… on the street… in the dark.

xo, jill

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