I want to ride, ride the tiger (Jefferson Airplane)

Jade's list of things to do while staying with us for two weeks in sand land included swimming with the sharks in the Dubai Mall (possible but in the end too expensive); riding a tiger (technically possible at the Al Ain zoo if you scale the wall and the tiger is in an obliging mood but in the end a tad too dangerous); riding a horse (check); riding a camel...



Giddy up!

This way, right?

Jacky brought up the rear.

Sand land.

Preparing for the dismount.

Jade bids farewell to her camel.



I'm seeing a new world of people and things, hear paupers and peasants and princes and kings (Bob Dylan).

Adam joined us on our Middle Eastern adventure for a couple of weeks of R and R. We made a few excursions: he joined me for a school staff BBQ, a visit to Abu Dhabi's Grand Mosque, a camel ride in the desert, a trip to the Al Ain zoo and a well preserved fortress were some of the highlights, as well as the various malls, Jabeel Hafeet and Dubai's aquarium.

A selection of snaps indicates what we've been up to.

The lengthy camel ride left me fairly sore. I'm not a rider that's for sure! I managed to end up on the lead camel which made taking photographs a death defying prospect while staying aboard. Comfort suffered along the way. I managed to walk around school the day after - only just mind.

We did this on a farm by the Hili oasis - on the outskirts of Al Ain - which is about 30 mins away from our home. Farm life is a tad different here as you can see!

Love and peace - Abu Keegan bin Graham (Wozza)