We are currently enjoying a four day weekend of rest, relaxation, and much needed FUN! Eid Al-Adha, also called Feast of Sacrifice, is a celebration of the Islamic New Year, where Muslims honor Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. If you remember the story, God intervened and allowed him to sacrifice a ram instead. So, each family sacrifices an animal (goat, sheep, etc.) and eats one part themselves, gives another part to friends, and donates another part to charity. All week we've seen animals riding in the back of pick-up trucks on their way to be some family's feast.
I visited a good friend from home who is now teaching in Abu Dhabi and we had fun catching up and even had proper brunch at the Crown Plaza on Friday. It was delicious!
The rest of the break we have spent in Al Ain avoiding the crowds. The whole country is off work and out celebrating. I wish we could do this every weekend!
I'm very behind updating you with pictures. Here are some more from when Sarah Jen visited a few weeks ago.
We went with another family to the Al Ain Zoo (one of the biggest and most exotic in the Middle East.)
Flamingos!
The had many, many different species of lions.
And tigers
I've heard from what seems like hundreds of people on FB that there's a new baby giraffe at the Greenville Zoo. Here's a little one that we got to feed (Olivia was scared to feed it, lol.)
Giraffes really are tall!
And what zoo experience would be complete without offering camel rides?
(The kids were scared to ride too of course.)
We also took a drive up Jabel Hafeet, one of the largest mountains in the UAE, which is also here in Al Ain. There's a playground, restaurant, several houses, and hotel at the top.
The view from the top was very hazy because of the weather that day but it was still pretty amazing!
We had a great time and can't wait to go back! There's so much to see and do here!
Hope you are enjoying your weekend as much as we are!
