Back to School

We are back to school after a week off because of Eid. Sydney seemed to be ready to go to school today she didn't cry or anything when Paul took her this morning.

Sydney has been invited to her first birthday party here on October 2. It is for someone in her class. I got the invitation from school today it was in her lunch box. That gives me an idea on how to invite her class for her birthday party. They are having it at the mall in one of the game areas. I plan to see how it goes so I know what to do for her birthday party this year. The child is turning 3 years old so it should be a lot of fun. The game area is called Fun World.

Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking)

UAE celebrates Eid Al Fitr today September 20.

At the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world observe a joyous three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking).

Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month which follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. It is a time to give in charity to those in need, and celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy.

Before the day of Eid, during the last few days of Ramadan, each Muslim family gives a determined amount as a donation to the poor. This donation is of actual food -- rice, barley, dates, rice, etc. -- to ensure that the needy can have a holiday meal and participate in the celebration. This donation is known as sadaqah al-fitr (charity of fast-breaking).

On the day of Eid, Muslims gather early in the morning in outdoor locations or mosques to perform the Eid prayer. This consists of a sermon followed by a short congregational prayer.

After the Eid prayer, Muslims usually scatter to visit various family and friends, give gifts (especially to children), and make phone calls to distant relatives to give well-wishes for the holiday. These activities traditionally continue for three days. In most Muslim countries, the entire 3-day period is an official government/school holiday.

Dubai Mall-Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

We went to our first trip to Dubai and it was really cool. We went to the Dubai Mall and it has a Aquarium and Underwater Zoo inside the mall. The mall was really big and Sydney loved seeing the fish.

Aquarium

A key centerpiece inside the Dubai Mall is the Dubai Aquarium, one of the of the largest tanks in the world at 51m x 20m x 11m and featuring the world’s largest viewing panel at 32.8m wide and 8.3m high. Over time, Dubai Aquarium will have more than 33,000 living animals, representing more than 85 species including over 400 sharks and rays combined.

Dubai Aquarium's 270-degree glass walk through tunnel makes for an incredible close-encounter experiences with some of the most fascinating underwater animals on the planet. It was really cool being able to walk through and see up close and personal sharks and there teeth and stingrays mouth and eyes I had never seen anything like it before. It was really cool and Sydney just loved it.

Underwater Zoo

Walk along the Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean environments at the Underwater Zoo and you’ll find yourself face to face with dangerous Piranha, Giant Catfish, playful Otters, a Humbolt Penguin colony, Harbor Seals and more. Also a huge king crab half the size of Sydney.

Whether viewing the Rainforest from a suspension bridge high above the river and tree canopy, or reaching out and touching some of the more hardy rock pool inhabitants, this is an aquatic experience you will never forget.

First Week Of Pre-School

Sydney has started her first week of school this week. She seems to like it, but when I drop her off she gets upset, but I am sure it will stop soon. The teacher says she only cries for maybe 5 minutes and that is it. I think she wants Mommy to feel bad about me drooping her off. She is really growing up she is 2 1/2 already.