In addition to the facades of pavilions, people watching, and entertainment, I enjoyed the sights of different displays of merchandise. The colors and textures were varied and interesting.
In the India pavilion, elaborate slipper-type shoes ...
Ceramics (Turkey or Morocco) ...
"Bling" is HUGE here. Jewelry stores -- I swear I've never seen more shiny and sparkley diamond jewelry than here in the UAE. And it's easy to find shoes and handbags and costume jewelry bedecked with crystals. (The one box standing upright with a slot in it is for kleenex. You can find all types of boxes to cover up tissue boxes, including this blinged-out one.)
In Spain's pavilion, fruit juice. (Fruit juices here are another common item on restaurant menus, and they are usually delicious. Juices, and smoothies.)
Blankets, rugs and shawls (Turkey) ...
A clever invention, privacy box for ATMs ...
Every pavilion (every one), including Austria, had at least one stand with abayas for sale. Most abayas you see on women and in stores are all black, or black with some trim or pattern on cuffs and edges. Some of have intricate cut outs or piping. These abayas were particularly colorful ... abayas with this much other fabric on them are not common on UAE nationals, and are more common to some other Gulf region countries.
Being passionate about their country and their leaders, popular items for sale in the UAE are UAE flags, and items with previous and current rulers' images on them. What's also common are images in offices and on buildings of Shaikh Zayed (founding father / first president of UAE), Shaikh Khalifa (current ruler), and Crown Prince Mohammed.
Hope you have enjoyed this little global tour :-)
In answer to your question, Yes, I did enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteThe ATM privacy box reminded me of Argentina, where they had some like this.
It was good to get caught up on all of your reports. You are doing a good job at experiencing the area, I'm sure you do not want to experience a Earthquake again. The lighting and rain show must have been something.
Looking forward to your next report.