What We Learned in the United Arab Emirates

- Everyone drives like they have a pregnant woman going into labor in their front seat. The speeding is terrifying.
- At first, we felt a great culture shock when we arrived at the airport. By the end though, we felt very comfortable.
- On each train, there is a "Women and Children Only" section, which women may choose to travel in. (There is not a car designated for "Only Men".)
- The Dubai Mall holds several Guinness World Records.
- All the astounding buildings and structures are adolescents! Most were built in the last ten years.
- Despite the conservative nature of the country, the beaches are far from conservative.
- Only the elite are allowed into the "world's only 7-star hotel." Tourists can't simply tour around.
- If you are out in public (mall, beach, anywhere), you will hear the Call to Prayer that is sung out to the country.
- Camels have their ankles lightly tied to prevent them from running (quickly!) away.
- Taxes are not pulled out of your paychecks.
- You can't wear shoes inside mosques.
- Ford Tahoes are converted to dune-bashers once the tires are deflated. By the way, dune-bashing is driving recklessly over sand dunes.
- The Islamic day of faith is Friday. Ergo, the work week over there is Sunday through Thursday.
- The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle.