First of all... sorry I haven't posted
in a long time. Between moving hotels and into our flat and no
internet for awhile... I am behind. I am in the process of writing a
catch-up blog... but wanted to write this before I lost the memories!
Our principal's son had a wedding on
Monday (17-September) night, so of course we all had to make an
appearance. I had heard that the women go all out, so the first thing
I set out to do was borrow a dress. I still haven't been paid, and
there was no way I could afford to go buy a dress or wear my worn out
skirts. On a side note, this is another thing I love about where I
live. Our complex has a facebook page, and as soon as I asked if I
could borrow a dress, I had 5 to choose from. I love my neighbors. I
decided on a purple gown that was beautiful, and stretchy so it fit
over my growing belly. I picked up a headband and some earrings at
LuLu's, borrowed a hair straightener, and layered on the make-up. I
was ready to go:
Fixing my hair
Ready
Baby bump
Have to have emo shot!
The
wedding started at 8, but we were advised not to show up right at
8:00. Larisa and I got there about 8:15. We walked through the main
door to be greeted by many women in abayas and batoolas
(a traditional face covering), as well a shrill greeting called a
zhagaroot.
a batoola
We passed through the line and by ladies with glass
bottles of Arabic perfume and entered a huge hall. There were tables
throughout, as well as a huge stage, runway, and TV screen. Our
principal found us, and I almost didn't recognize her dressed in her
beautiful gown. We then made our way to a table. You are not allowed
to take pictures... but I snuck in a few!
At
the table was a ton of food. Hummus, tabouleh, fattoush, grape
leaves, cake, pita, cheese bread, pastries, meat wrapped in bread...
yummmm! We were brought fruit drinks, Arabic coffee and tea, and
water. The other EMTs arrived and soon the entertainment began.
Let
me first explain some rules about an Arabic wedding. The men and
women are kept separate. The men celebrate outside with food, music,
and dance. They preform traditional dances with a cane. We can watch
them on our huge screen as they are videoed outside, but they cannot
see us. The women stay inside, and so can wear anything they want....
and they do! I will get to that later.
traditional cane dancers
(Side
note: one little boy kept dancing in front of the camera... it was
very humorous)
The
women's entertainment was a singer, singing Arabic songs, with
dancers. The dancers were like belly dancers, but not showing their
belly. The shook their hips and whipped their hair, and even the
singer shook her stuff! As the night went on, many young women joined
them on stage to shake their stuff as well.
The
dresses are amazing! Rhinestones, and lace and everything else. Their
hair is curled and done and the makeup is piled on. They all could
have been brides! One of my favorite things I did was just watch the
women and their dresses. Even the little girls were all done up.
Examples of dresses at weddings
While we sat there and chatted, with
entertainment in the background, more food was brought out throughout
the night. This included some sort of chicken (oatmeal) dish, another
meat dish, kabobs, and a HUGE platter of lamb and rice. This platter
included the lambs whole head intact. There was so much food, I hope
it was brought to the poor afterward because I know there must have
been tons leftover.
Sneaky picture of rice and lamb platter
Now, during this whole time, the bride
is not at the party. She is sitting behind some panels/doors waiting
for her big reveal. So around 10:15... it was time!
The panels parted and out stepped the
bride. Her dress was beautiful... like thousands of dollars in New
York beautiful. She then proceeded to slowly, and I mean slowly, walk
across the stage and runway. This probably took 30 minutes. It was so
slow and she posed with every step... it reminded me of a show pony.
This wedding was a double wedding, so after she made it back to her
huge cushion/seating area... the next bride came out and did the same
thing. By this time we were exhausted and had to work the next day,
so we decided to leave.
Example of wedding dresses they would wear
Just to let you know, what would happen
after we left is the women would be told the men are entering. They
would all cover up and the groom would then come in to get his bride.
They would leave, the men would go back outside, and everyone would
continue to party.
All in all it was a very interesting
experience. Being a foreigner, it was a bit boring because you just
sit for hours. I am sure if I was a Emirati and could get on stage
and shake it, it would be more fun. I am glad I went... even if I am
super sleepy! Now to return all the borrowed dresses :)
Sneaky video I took:
Sneaky video I took:
