Independence Day

No, not the 4th of July, but UAE National Day, December 2, 1971 which according to the almighty Wikipedia is:

"National Day (Arabic: اليوم الوطني;Yawm al watani) is celebrated on December 2 each year in theUnited Arab Emirates. ^[1][2] [3] It marks the UAE's formal nationalisation from the British Protectorate Treaties which ended on December 1, 1971 and the eventual, federal unification of the seven emirates in 1971 which combined to form the modern-day country, headed by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the federation's first president. Grand celebrations are held across the country to mark the event."

In other words, their Independence Day. So how better to mark it than with parades, Guiness World Records, and racing down Jumeirah Brach Road. As an American, I know we love our 4th of July celebrations, but I have NEVER seen anything like this even after living in Washington, D.C.! The real day is tomorrow but the events leading up to it have been nothing short of spectacular. I guess that's what happens when you are "only" 43 years old! 

To make it to all of the events offered on behalf of this holiday would be a world record feat in and of itself! We, sadly, missed the Grand Parade, which showcased the city's greatest (and most famous) police super cars...the Astin Martin, Lamborghinis, etc, which are above and beyond the BMWs and LandCruisers that you see on a day to day basis.

Even the kids schools, which are British and American, celebrated in full fanfare. The elementary school with the traditional face painting, decor, dress code of all green, red, white and black and a full feast of traditional Emarati food. The nursery (pre-school) with the same dress, teachers all dressed in abayas at the main entrance to greet the students, and a gift bag that would rival any Beverly Hills birthday goody bag from a "local" student. 

This weekend, we went to the event that showcased the painting of the Guiness World Record of the longest graffiti scroll. While that may sound dumb, it was sponsored by the Crowne Prince, which we learned after, meant it would be a great event...and it was! The kids got to try their own hand at the art, drank fresh pressed juice from stemmed glasses, tasted local fried dough honey dipped delacies done on spot, and even got some henna. 

Due to an ongoing lack of messaging here, we missed the parade but fully took in the graffiti, lol. I think Patrick and I were the disappointed ones as Colin thinks it's cool just to see the Maseratis and Lamborghinis and didn't know what he was missing from the normal daily drive. Let's just say that I am happy they are so young and don't know that what we drive is crap, nor to complain about it! Colin thinks daddy's white car is just as cool...and it's a rental Yaris...hatchback! Thank goodness for little ones, they put what actually matters into perspective. The house has been a mess but I've been volunteering at Kate's school to help get ready for the Santa's workshop event, so she thinks I'm like an elf....goodness I love kids!!!

What is the funniest is the late night wild stuff we can hear late at night, being 2 blocks from the beach, but only if we are out or have windows open, but for a non-drinking Muslim community, they sound like they can party--and drive super fast! Lol.