March 27, 2012

Heritage Village - Abu Dhabi, UAE

Heritage Village is a  reconstruction of a traditional oasis village
 and gives visitors an interesting glimpse into the country’s past. 
The traditional desert way of life and workshops where craftsmen
demonstrate traditional skills, such as metal work and pottery. 

Entrance into Heritage Village.

Like the Grand Mosque - the goal is to invite all to share in the
countries rich history.



One of four fountains. This one is at the entrance.
On the other side of the fountain the ducks cool off in the water and shade. 

The Market

While this is a well, it's been made into a fountain.
This is a working well.  Glad we have plumbing!
Rayanne talks to the animals.

Camels!  They are everywhere. 

The donkey appears mad that I was talking to the camel.

A traditioanl bedouin hut. Interesting - in the background
you can see two skyscrapers.

A thatch hut with wood slat roof. 


A bed.  No....it's not a temperpedic.....maybe tolerated.







Fountain number three.  Different ducks.
First ducks I have seen in the UAE.

A directory...all hand carved.


Fountain number four - this shows the Egyptian influence with
the pattern of the stone and other hard materials to create the design.


 A poster on all the varieties of dates and
how they can benefit your health.

The restaurant on the property....FREE SMELLS!

A poster on local flora and healing properties.
Very Interesting!  Many reminders on how
the EAST like natural remedies, natures medicine.


A poster of the fish found in the waters
of the UAE.   The French have it right....
it is poisson!

The craftsman area.

A poster of the Royal Family and their
endowment to support and share the UAE history.

Very large artifacts.



A sail boat on display, a version of a Dhow.






Looms of the rug maker.....it is amazing the designs they create.

This is one of the rugs created on the loom.  It is made by local
women and costs $400 dirhams, or $120 USD. 


The tools of the trade....no machinery.




The outside is decorated with pottery.  Makes the shop easy to find.

The pottery wheel which you can't see well is powered
by pedaling, no electricity.






A carpenters shop back in the day. No Mikita here....just handmade tools.

Hand carved and painted end table.
Beautiful!


A front door - wish you could see the
incredible carving..

Many plaques around the property.

Authentic to the site, a fire pit for many purposes.
For example cooking or craftsman.


Part of a wall from Al Hilli settlement relocated to
Heritage Village.



A local man in traditional attire with his son on the beach.
Heritage Village runs along the Corniche (Arabic for beach).

As you leave Heritage Village you pass one of the Performing
Arts Theaters.  I visited this one during the Abu Dhabi Film Festival.
Just stunning at night time.



I wish I had flipped this before uploading....a cool picture
Duane took of the flag and the full moon.


Three Words:  Rich in HISTORY!















February 8, 2012

Happy Birthday Duane!

Whatever with the past has gone, the best is always yet to come!
Lucy Larcom  
The fire alarm just went off and instead of the normal warning
it said "Attention, Attention....party in 901".

Elmo - it's not a birthday without Elmo, right Adelyn?

The treats!  Strawberry Cheesecake, Peanut Brittle and
Lemon Meringue Pie.   All together .....YUMMMMMM!

Look closely.....all the candles are there!  

All of the strawberries are still here....but I'm guarding it!

A popular favorite....my peanut brittle!

Duane responding to his birthday messages!

The party is set....just waiting for the guests!

Duane and Nacho!

"This is the kitchen"  - it's the tour of the flat!

Laurie and I wearing wearing our Abu Dhabi "Zsa Zsa" wear!

Whoa!  Nacho surprised me jumping up!

Good Nacho....now say "Abu Dhabi"

Kelly and Michelle are here....now the party can start!

Dave and Laurie.....

The party is getting bigger!

Patrice is cracking us up!

Duane welcomes Trevor - Ambassador of France!

Patrice is still making everyone laugh!

Hiding out in the kitchen...also the bar!

I have no idea what happened....but this is a special look!

Hurry....we don't want to set off the fire alarm! 
One quick blow and they were all out!


Stacy....co-party organizer and bff!

                                        Three Words:  Happy Birthday Duane!