Nope, it wasn’t my birthday, but it sure was a great party! Anyone who knows me well, knows that I have a soft spot in my heart for the U.S. Armed Forces. I wanted to be in the Navy for a long time, I even went as far as joining the U.S. Navy Sea Cadets when I was younger, but my life took me in a different direction. However, that didn’t get rid of my fascination with all things military.
I think my fascination is mostly fueled by my love of history and my interest in the ceremony and tradition which encompasses organizations like the military. So, last year, when I discovered (a month late) that the U.S. Marines celebrate their birthday here in the UAE I was ecstatic. I have always wanted to go to a military ball and when I saw that you could simply purchase tickets and go, I was hooked. Last month, I contacted the US Consulate in Dubai to enquire about the Marine Corps Birthday Ball and this past weekend I joined five other Al Ain teachers and attended the ball.
It was wonderful. Cocktail hour was followed by the traditional birthday ceremony, complete with a speech by the US Ambassador to the UAE (whom I stood next to in the buffet line!). The ceremonial cutting of the cake (with a sword) was a bit of a let down for me, because I couldn’t see anything! So sad! But I did get to see and eat the cake later and it was delicious! After the buffet dinner and cake, we danced the night away, took photos with the Marines and met some cool people who work at various U.S. Embassies and Consulates. It was a really wonderful night, and it was awesome to participate in something that helps support my country and the men and women defending it.
Party favors!
Happy Birthday Marines!
Some of the Marines from the US Consulate, Dubai.
The following day after a nice brunch at the hotel, the ladies joined me at the Dubai International Motor Show. It was an awesome event. Cars, cars, cars. I saw some amazing cars, most of which I see fairly regularly, here in the UAE, but still great to see them up close. And I definitely don’t get to sit in my dream car very often.
Maserati!!
The show mostly had new cars but there were some older cars there as well, which I really enjoy. I like the new fast, technology-laden cars, but I love the classic cars. It was fun to see the cars and the very diverse group of people at the event. I also enjoyed getting my new DSLR camera out and taking some photos.
Classic Aston Martin
From ojalá to insha'Allah 