We had a cultural outing with the homeschool group. We met at the Bastikiya (bah-sti-KI-yuh: the name of a preserved old neighborhood that is now a center for culture and arts by the Dubai Creek) for a traditional lunch accompanied by a presentation about food, customs of serving, and clothing. One thing we learned was the history of the incense we often smell at stands or wafting out of doors in some shops in the mall. It can be quite overpowering at times. Well, it was devised as a way of improving the smell of clothes in a region where water was/is a rare commodity. People would (still do) open up their closets/chests and put a pot of burning incense in with the clothes and smoke them to improve the smell. That method of perfume seems to last longer. They will also burn certain flavors to welcome guests and another to send them off with a blessing.
We were told about the traditional offering of coffee (different than the South American variety) or tea. We were told about some traditional foods. We learned that most of us had come in and sat down incorrectly. We had come and sat on the cushions, rather than on the floor and leaned against them. That way you can use them as a table to eat on.
There were some dummies set up in a neighboring room with different outfits and labels explaining them. I'm including a couple for future reference.
After lunch, we were told about the traditional dress of men and women. How the wrapping of the head scarves for men evolved from cooling (for temperature) to cool (for style). The only style names we remember right now are "cobra" and "falcon". Isaac was called up to model one example. There are lots of little variations with their own names for wrapping and folding head scarves. All the variations in colors and extremes for both men and women have more to do with family tradition than religion. I currently know Muslim women who dress like me, others who are completely covered except for their eyes, and lots of variations in between.
Here is Isaac being dressed and modeling.
After the lunch and talks were over, we spent a little more time wandering around the Bastikiya. I couldn't resist taking a few architecture shots, but had the kids step in to better justify them. In this one, Jess is trying to catch up to the two who have left her vertically behind.
We were told about the traditional offering of coffee (different than the South American variety) or tea. We were told about some traditional foods. We learned that most of us had come in and sat down incorrectly. We had come and sat on the cushions, rather than on the floor and leaned against them. That way you can use them as a table to eat on.
It's nice that most of our homeschool field trips are on Thursdays so Matt often comes with us.
Can you spot our 3 kids?
There were some dummies set up in a neighboring room with different outfits and labels explaining them. I'm including a couple for future reference.
In the coin museum.
Building materials for the houses.
Behind Matt and Makenna is the small section of remaining original wall. Matt was making all kinds of jokes about it not being so very old. Having spent years in Europe, not to mention the time in Sicily visiting Greek ruins, we have a different idea of "old".
From here, we headed over to an exotic car show....
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