In Which We Visit Dubai, the Desert

Susan and I met up with Rachel in Dubai this weekend and much fun was had all around.

One of our Emirati Adventures was a desert safari, during which we went dune-bashing.  For those of you who are uninformed, this does not involve going out in dune-buggies, which is what I thought was happening.  Rather, it involves getting into a Land Cruiser, deflating the tires, and driving up and sliding down gigantic sand dunes, at the risk of life and limb.  It was terrifying and exhilarating and made me wish I was a stunt driver.

Afterwards, we went to a tourist trap, erm, Desert Safari Camp, where we got henna tattoos, rode camels, watched the sunset, and ate the bedouin equivalent of the Golden Corral, and watched some...interesting dance performances.

and...we're off, along with 200 of our closest friends

inadvertently catching Rachel in her carsickness

terrified eyes

Bugles, apparently an excellent remedy for carsickness

lest you be fooled, this camel is trying to bite, not kiss, Susan

henna - she sassed me about putting it on my finger

lite-brite dervish dancers

belly dancing

commentary following said belly dancing

Susan discovering her chicken thigh was missing

the culprit, escaping the scene of the crime...he stealthily reached up through the crack between the two tables

did you know it was my birthday? neither did I, but I thoroughly enjoyed my cake made of...hummus?  thanks Rachel for the surprise, 19 is going to be a great year!