Desert Safari - My 60th Birthday

 

Desert Safari - Dubai

 

     Happy 60^th Birthday to me!  I went on a Desert Safari about an hour outside of Dubai for my birthday and it was brilliant! 

 

     Dune Bashing, Camel Riding, Belly Dancing, Dinner, Shisha Smoking, Full Moon, Birthday Cake, good friends and of course, my wonderful husband, Bill, who planned it all!  

Barbara with Students and Teachers - Dubai

Barbara, Marina, Seham and Noura

    I also had a great day at the language school in Dubai where I worked.  Big birthday party, cake, candles and so many PRESENTS!  You can't imagine...  

     I received no less than three dozen red roses from students, boxes of chocolates, books, jewelry, clothing, tops and a silk scarf. 

Maggie, Claire and Rebecca - Dubai

 

     Bill had arranged for a Desert Safari for me and two of my girlfriends who were also teachers at my school, Claire (age 23) from the United Kingdom and Rebecca (age 27) from Australia.  

  

      Their friends asked them why they wanted to hang out with an 'old lady' and they laughed.  They said, "You just don't get it".  

     

     She's not old, not at all.  She's just great and tons of fun!   Such a nice compliment to receive no matter how old you are. 

      

     Our driver, Ahmed, picked Bill and me up at our flat first in a huge, white Range Rover.  Then we picked the girls up from work and drove out of the city into the desert!  

     But before we could drive on the dunes, Ahmed stopped at a petrol station to let air OUT of the TIRES so we wouldn’t get stuck in the deep sand.  At the end of the evening, he reversed the operation at another gas station.  

Barb and Bill

      DUNE BASHING!!!!   No kidding, so cool.  Up and down the dunes, sliding sideways, up, up, up, down, down, down, sand flying along side of the car and so much laughing, screaming, ooohhhhh, aaahhhh, wheeeeeee, going on inside the car  - it was hysterical!  

     Bill was holding on for dear life in the front seat next to Ahmed and the three ladies were in the back seat belted in and holding on to ceiling handles and each other!  But, Ahmed drove like an Indy driver and he was having as much fun as we were.  The sun was shining and the reddish sand glistened.  

 

Desert Safari Range Rovers

Bill in Front Seat of Range Rover

       There were lots of other Range Rovers and Land Cruisers in the desert, but they looked like little Match Box cars on the ridges of the dunes.  

     We would ride up to the ridges and straddle them for a while, then go down, down, down...  

     Then, we drove go straight up, crested the top, then go STRAIGHT DOWN.  Talk about losing your lunch!  You are advised not to eat anything for about 2-3 hours before the dune excursion and I can understand that advice.  

 

Rebecca, Barb, Claire and Bill

Arabian Desert outside of Dubai

Barb and Rebecca

      After about an hour of roller coaster dune bashing, we stopped on top of one of the dunes to get out and take in the view.  

     Oh my goodness, the view!  We could see for miles and miles, just rolling, beautiful red sand mountains.  

     We played in the warm, silky soft sand, which does NOT STICK to your skin or the tires of the car.  We took photos of each other, the dunes and the sunset.  

Barb Jumping for Joy!

  

     Camel Farm – After our dune bashing, we drove to a camel farm where a baby camel had just been born five minutes before we arrived.  So, the camel and I now have the same birthday - April 9.  

     He was so little and cute, looking like a wet noodle lying on the ground flopping his big head around. 

 

     He would raise his head and then it would fall back down onto the sand because he just didn’t have enough strength to hold it up.  The mama camel licked him and knelt down beside him to trying to help him get up and stand.  This went on for some time.  

Ali at the Camel Farm

    

  Then the camel farm worker lifted the baby camel up, but he couldn't quite stand on his skinny, wobbly legs, so he went back down into the sand.  

    

 

     Finally, the newborn camel got up on his knees and remained steady.  At last, he stood up!  All of this took place in about 45 minutes.

   

     Birth and life!  A new beginning in the desert.  He was just adorable.  So we asked them to name the camel after me.  I now have a camel named after me! 

  

     Desert Camp – We headed to the Desert Camp for our evening of entertainment and dinner.  Again, brilliant!  There was the most beautiful full moon - just for my birthday!  Rebecca and I went on a camel ride together.  

     It was amazing because as we were riding our camel and just walking along the desert with the full moon above our heads.  We looked to our left and saw our shadow on the dune next to us.  

 

Barbara and Rebecca riding the Camel

     The silhouette of the camel with us riding it looked as though it came straight out of the Arabian Nights.  We were just overcome by the moment - riding a camel in the desert as people have done for centuries and looking at that silhouette was so memorable.

Barbara and Rebecca on Camel under the Full Moon

      Henna - Next, we had our hands painted with 'Henna'.  The woman who painted everyone's hands, arms and legs was an amazing artist.  She quickly drew the intricate designs with the henna, filling it in and was so happy to do so.  Several people had beautiful artwork done, even some men.  

     The henna dye lasted about two weeks.  What a beautiful design I had on my right hand.  Guess this is as close as I'll ever come to having a Tattoo!!!

     My beautiful Henna design slowly faded…  But, the memories of the evening remain with me forever. 

 

Henna Artist

Barb Having Henna Drawn on Hand

Beautiful Henna Designs

Rebecca and Barbara

       Barbecue Dinner - Now it's time for the scrumptious dinner!  Big barbecue with kebabs of all different types of meat - chicken, lamb, beef.  Too many side dishes to count, bread, hummus, taboule and desserts. 

     Mmmmmmm good...  All of the food was cooked at the desert camp, so the aromas just made your mouth water.

Bill, Barb, Claire and Rebecca

    

     Belly Dancing - Time for entertainment!  A curvy, exotic long haired Russian (yes, not Middle Eastern) danced on the center stage.  She was an incredible, sexy belly dancer.  

     Of course, she invited me and another girl up on stage to dance with her because we both had birthdays to celebrate.  She taught us how to move our torso isolating the three different sections.  

     I didn't know I had three different sections to work with, but apparently I do.  So, I had a great time wearing a beautiful scarf tied around my hips and tried to move like the professional belly dancer.  

     I gave it my best try and had a blast doing so!!!  Well, when in Rome, or when in the Middle East...

Rebecca and Claire

 

     Middle Eastern Clothes - Rebecca, Claire and I went to a special tent where we put on the national garments of the United Arab Emirates - the black abaya and the sheyla to cover our hair.   We took pictures and decided that Westerners don't look particularly good in these garments.  

     All that black against our pale face and skin, not a good look.  You have to have the right complexion to make a 'Fashion Statement'.  Only Rebecca looked nice because she is of Arabian descent.

Rebecca, Barb and Claire

 

Barbara

  

     Shisha Pipe Smoking - Yes, I did that too.  Again, it's the closest I'll ever come to smoking anything.  I didn’t inhale (I don't know how)!!  But, I did enjoy the flavor of apples, strawberries and other fruit.  It wasn’t harsh because it is the 'Hubbly Bubbly'.  It's mixed with water, so it's just smooth and aromatic.  

     We all smoked the Shisha Pipes, even Bill.  Actually, it was quite lovely.  Everyone else had departed the campsite except our driver and my birthday group.  We were the only ones left to enjoy the full moon.  He was smoking with us and we were all chatting about the beautiful night.

 

Ahmed, our Driver, Smoking Shisha

Bill Smoking Shisha

 

     It was the most memorable birthday celebration I’ve ever had and I would go back to do it all over again! 

Abbeys, Cathedrals and Minsters of England

 

 

York Minster, 1220 - 1472

'The Minster is a symphony in stone.'

York Minster - In the center of town

Two Bell Towers - West Entrance

     York, a 700-year-old medieval walled city founded by the ancient Romans, was only a two-hour train ride from Liverpool where I stayed during my first week in England.

I was so excited to visit York for three days and enjoy its narrow cobblestone streets, the Shambles, Georgian townhouses and York Minster.

The Shambles is a narrow, historic street there featuring preserved timber-framed medieval buildings with jettied floors that overhang the street, some dating back to the 14th century.

While in York, I attended an unforgettable Evensong Service at the York Minster (1220-1472), a 13th-century Anglican Gothic cathedral, on a Monday evening in the South Transept.

South Transept with Rose Window

The Rose Window - 1240

     The South Transept door is the main entrance with the famous Rose Window above.

Truly spectacular describes the large circular stained glass Rose Window.

Rose Window - 1515

The window depicts a sunflower in the center surrounded by 24 panels of alternating red and white Tudor roses. 

This famous stained glass window commemorates the end of the Wars of the Roses and the union of the royal houses of York and Lancaster.

The Wars of the Roses was a series of civil wars fought over the English Throne from 1455-1487.

The red rose represents the House of Lancaster. The white rose represents the House of York.  

     Tourists, local parishioners and I waited outside the magnificent doors for the Evensong Service.  We looked up at the stained glass Rose Window which was lit by the brilliant setting sun.  What a special time for reflection and quiet. 

     Finally, the Minster doors opened and we all filed in.  I was rather surprised that we were personally greeted by a female clergy member in her black robe.

She spoke to most of us individually as we stood in line waiting to enter the South Transept chapel where the service would be held. 

The Great Organ

This traditional service, using words from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, holds great appeal for those who attend both in terms of the intimate and meditative atmosphere and the central role of the music sung by the choir.

    Soon, we were quietly ushered into a very large chapel and sat in hand-carved individual seats which were connected to one another.     

 

The Quire and Great Organ

The Quire or Choir of York Minster is a raised space in the center of the building. The Quire Screen is one of the most intricately carved in the UK with niches that feature depictions of famous churchmen.

High Altar in the Quire

The Quire

I stood and watched as the male and female choir members silently walked in wearing floor-length black robes.

They took their seats in the 'Quire' in exquisitely hand carved decorated wooden seats known as choir stalls.

The Quire

Four clergy, two women and two men, ceremoniously entered and sat in their designated chairs which were equally ornate with red velvet cushions. 

The clergy are referred to as "Canons" within the "Chapter of York". 

   

     The clergy read verses aloud.  Next, the choir sang responses, canticles and psalms allowing us to experience the beauty of the music and the York Minster in this iconic setting with responsive readings.  

Intricate Carvings in The Quire

   

Attending a service is a very personal way to experience a church or cathedral with locals, as well as with visitors. 

I often attend services while traveling abroad.

15th Century Pulpitum
(The Kings' Screen)

     Also, I never forget what that particular church interior looks like because the service is so immersive and profound. 

North Transept
Five Sisters - Oldest Window
Dedicated to women who lost their lives in WW1 

Astronomical Clock
Memorial to Yorkshire Airmen Killed in WWII

I clearly remember the stained glass windows, intricately painted ceilings and domes, the color of the clergy robes, their voices as they read the scriptures, organ music, the choir singing, responsive readings, candles burning brightly and church bells tolling before and after the service. 

 

Largest Gothic Cathedral and Nave in Central Europe

The Great West Door is the ceremonial entrance. The beautiful stained glass window below was commissioned in 1339.

Great West Window
'The Heart of Yorkshire'

It is called the 'Heart of Yorkshire because of the shape outlined in its upper stonework.

Can you see the Heart? 

     A guided tour of a cathedral or church is always on my agenda.  But, I must admit that I cannot remember everything the tour guide says because it is simply too much information.

     However, the 'church service' experience is a special way for me to have a powerful memory of an exquisite time and place.

London - Westminster Cathedral, 1895 - 1903

     This Vespers Evening Service at 5:30 pm was quiet and serene as it was primarily silent prayers guided by clergy.

  There were a few readings, but mainly soft music.

     Those of us in attendance had simply gathered to pray and reflect on the day as dusk began to fall.  I enjoyed the calmness and focused on giving thanks for the day that had passed. 

     Westminster Cathedral is the largest Roman Catholic church in England and Wales built 1895-1903. 

It's the seat of the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster and is at the heart of Catholic faith in London.

     Built in a style heavily influenced by 9th century Neo-Byzantine architecture and made of red and white bricks without steel reinforcements. 

It is called "a masterpiece in striped brick and stone”.  

Westminster Cathedral

     The exterior brickwork is dazzling and unexpected.  I was struck by the intricate brickwork, as well as the enormity of the cathedral. 

The interior is filled with rich marble decorations and beautiful, but still incomplete, mosaics. 

What a memorable service in an iconic cathedral.

     I was so happy that I took the time to find the cathedral even though I had to take two buses to get there. Definitely worth my time and effort.     

London - St. Paul's Cathedral, 1675 -1710

St. Paul's Cathedral

     St. Paul's Cathedral (Anglican 1675-1710) is another renowned structure in the central City of London sitting atop Ludgate Hill with the 2nd largest dome in Europe at 366 feet high. 

St. Peter's Basilica in Rome has the largest dome at 448 feet.   

St. Paul's Cathedral Dome

     I sat in total reverence under this incredibly stunning dome as I participated in the spoken service led by two young clergymen in long black robes. 

No music, no choir at this short 5 pm Evening Prayer service.

    The two clergy said prayers for the church, for the world, and read from the Bible. 

We followed the order of service in The Book of Common Prayer.    

     The dome is an enormous space over 6,000 square feet of intricate towering paintings that depict scenes from the life of St. Paul. 

Sir James Thornhill was commissioned to paint the monochrome works between 1715 and 1717. 

     This incredible dome also features a circular oculus that allows natural light to illuminate the paintings and the space.

It is supported by eight arches. 

 

The Dome Oculus

   Last, there are iron staircases that spiral around a central brick cone where visitors can climb into the dome’s interior. 

The central brick cone is invisible from below, but it supports the 850 ton lantern at the top.

Visitors Attending the Service

Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and Lady Diana Spencer were married here on July 29, 1981.

They chose St. Paul's over Westminster Abbey because it offered more seating.  

St. Paul's Vintage Photo

   

     St. Paul's Cathedral was built by the architect, Christopher Wren, after the devastating fire of 1666.  It survived World War II bombings and symbolizes London's resilience.

London - Westminster Abbey

Two Towers of Westminster Abbey

     Early on a chilly Sunday morning, I stood at the front of the line with an elegant lady as we waited to attend the Prayer Service at Westminster Abbey. Her name was Mary.

She invited me to sit with her for the 10 am Prayer Service.  It was my pleasure to do so.  

Rose Window

     

Mary told me that Westminster Abbey is her 'home church' and has been since she was a child.

She is now in her 80s and continues to take the bus from her flat to the Abbey every Sunday.

Interior Courtyard

Houses of Parliament

     

Can you imagine growing up in this illustrious, distinguished church across the road from the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben?

     Since 1066, this has been the location of the coronations of 40 English and British monarchs. 

The coronation ceremony has kept a similar form for the last 1,000 years.  

     It is also a burial site for 18 English, Scottish, and British monarchs.

Interior Courtyard of the Abbey

    

Westminster Abbey is the religious 'Heart of England'.  

     It was formally titled the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster.  An architectural masterpiece of the 13th to 16th centuries and it has become a treasure house of artifacts. 

     There are over 3,300 people buried at Westminster Abbey, including 30 kings and queens of England and hundreds of influential figures from various disciplines. 

    It is certain that around 785, there was a small community of monks here and that the monastery was enlarged and remodeled by St. Dunstan of Canterbury about 960. 

St. Edwards the Confessor built a new church on the site, which was consecrated on December 28, 1065.

 

Gates at West Entrance

     

We entered the Abbey through the Great West Door in the Sanctuary which is where Kings and Queens enter for their coronation ceremony. 

     The Coronation Theatre is THE room where coronations are held in Westminster Abbey. It is the space between the High Altar and the quire stalls. 

The High Altar in the Coronation Theatre

King Charles III was crowned in May 2023 in this very room!  

  

   

Imagine my surprise when we were ushered into the Coronation Theatre.

We were directed to sit in the individual hand carved wooden quire stalls which had deep red velvet cushions. 

The Coronation Theatre is where the Sunday Morning Service is held.

     There were two quire sections across from one another, so we sat facing each other.  It was difficult to take it all in and process from where I was sitting.

     We were sitting in the very same room as every King and Queen who had ever been crowned.  I was mesmerized.

The beauty of it was breathtaking, truly magnificent. 

Eastern facing stained glass windows showered morning sunlight into the Abbey.      

     Everyone was instructed to download the Sunday Prayer Service onto their iPhone so we could follow along with the service and make the proper responses. 

Mary, my new friend, quickly had the app open.  This wasn't her 'First Rodeo' at the Abbey. 

     The lengthy service was inspirational with the two clergy officiating.  But, it was hard to focus on my iPhone and the words because I just wanted to take everything in.

  

When the service was over, we were allowed time to take more photos. 

Then, we left the Abbey through a different route from where we entered.  So, we were able to see other areas of this majestic Abbey.  

     What a profound experience I had attending the early morning Sunday Prayer Service.  I will never forget this momentous occasion.  I felt so privileged and fortunate. 

Bath Abbey, Bath, England 1499 - 1616

The Abbey Church of St. Peter and St. Paul is a parish church of the Church of England and former Benedictine monastery.

The present Abbey was built from around 1499-1616. The monasteries were dissolved in 1539 delaying the completion of the abbey. When completed, it became a parish church.

Bath Abbey

My dear friend, Megan, is fortunate to live in Bath very near the Abbey. I stayed with her for four days and we passed this elegant Abbey every day.

We also visited the Abbey during a short noon service.

Full Moon in Bath

My favorite memory is of the majestic Abbey against the dark night sky with the moon in the background.

Bath Abbey - At Night

Bath Abbey is one of the largest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture style in the West Country which was used in the 14th and 15th century England.

It was characterized by vertical lines and a four-centered (Tudor) arch and fan vaulting.

The church interior is cruciform in plan and can seat up to 1,200 parishioners.

Cruciform refers to a design or architectural layout shaped like a cross.

The Abbey continues to be an active place of worship and also hosts civic ceremonies, concerts and lectures.

It is a Grade 1 listed building and particularly noted for its fan vaulting.

A Grade 1 listed building in England is considered to be of exceptional interest and national importance.

It is the highest grade in the listed buildings scheme, which categorizes buildings based on their architectural merit and historic significance.

Buckingham Palace and The Houses of Parliament are also Grade 1 listed buildings.

Stained glass, two organs and a peal of ten bells make the Abbey special.

The west front includes sculptures of angels climbing to heaven on two stone ladders representing Jacob's Ladder.

Bath Abbey Organ

The Abbey has been rebuilt and reorganized several times since its founding in the 7th century.

Bombed Out Church, Liverpool 1811 - 1832

St. Luke's Church (built between 1811 and 1832) or the 'Bombed Out Church', as the locals call it, is a famous Liverpool landmark that looks over Bold Street.

The nickname is because this neighborhood church no longer has a roof or windows due to the events of World War II.

It has been kept like that ever since - for 84 years.

On May 6, 1941, during Liverpool's "May Blitz", the church was hit by an incendiary device that caused a large fire, leaving only the remains of the empty, burnt-out shell of the former church.

It was preserved as a war memorial to those who died in the war. But, it is currently used as a multidisciplinary arts venue and community hub hosting events and exhibitions.

Hence the name - The Bombed Out Church.

Even without stained glass windows, marble or gold, this church felt like a sacred place deserving of great reverence.

"All Together Now"

This statue was designed by artist Andy Edwards as a way to pay respect to the soldiers of World War 1 (1914 - 1918), honoring the famous 'Christmas Truce'.