Halloween in Al Ain

Many of us in the states express annoyance with the early Halloween displays (often put up as soon as August now).  Since moving to the U.A.E., however, I've realized just how much I miss the prolonged holiday planning that so many have come to despise state-side.  Jeremy and I were so excited with even the tiniest Halloween display we managed to come across while out shopping.  One cute little bakery in a mall in Abu Dhabi had a Halloween cupcake feature and it's employees were actually dressed up!!! We were so excited that passers-by were probably concerned for our well-being....

As difficult as it was to find Halloween items for sale, locating Halloween celebrations to take part in was MUCH easier.  Our local rugby club, frequented most often by Western expats like ourselves along with people from Australia, Canada, Europe...etc., held a Halloween celebration aimed at making all of us feel at home.  There were the traditional Halloween activities like bobbing for apples, costume contests, and lots of candy.  Dalila dressed up in her kitty costume (consisting of an ADORABLE leopard print tutu that I bought on the 4th of July back in Idaho and HAD to squish into the luggage to bring along, kitty ears, and whiskers expertly applied by Daddy), and proceeded to sashay around the rugby field and stands swinging her hips to work her costume to its fullest.  She was absolutely darling and she knew it!  Later in the evening, she confidently strutted up to a group of teenage girls, plunked down on the grass next to them, and snagged a fry off of one of their plates like they were her old buddies. The girls loved her and assured me that my apologies for her food thievery were quite unnecessary.

She was SOO happy with that sucker that she didn't need any other candy all night!!!

A very common scene - walking away from the playground area that is just a little too big for her.  But at least she has her popcorn!!

What a good girl!!  Eating an apple when candy is everywhere!

Dalila's new pals - the group of teenage girls whose food she confiscated.

After the rugby club party, Mommy and Daddy got to have our first date with a baby sitter since arriving in our new overseas home.  We attended the Danat Hotel Halloween Pool Party and had an absolute blast.  The pools were beautiful, and I have no idea where they found all of the awesome Halloween decorations, but I was quite jealous.  I was a tiny bit nervous about my costume, a cute little leopard print dress and Lila's leopard kitty ears, paired with some killer black heels that were probably way too expensive.  Walking around here in clothing that exposes any skin garners a number of glances from the locals.  But upon arrival at the party, I knew that Western dress was certainly acceptable.  YEESH!!  There were some skimpy dresses on display.  I was downright modest in my costume choice!!  The party was a great way to feel at home and experience Halloween with other people who miss holidays at home as much as we do.

A football (soccer) player and a mama kitty

Amanda and best buddy Kari, enjoying the pool party.

Finally, the big night came and Lila was ready for some trick-or-treating.  We went to a local neighborhood here called The Village that is kind of like a compound of sorts.  This was the best example of a good, old-fashioned, Western Halloween that we saw.  Trick-or-treaters were EVERYWHERE!!  It was so much like my neighborhood growing up that I instantly felt a surge of nostalgia.  Remember when strolling through your neighborhood to trick-or-treat was totally safe?  Kids over the age of ten could go on their own and their parents wouldn't have to fear for their safety?  That's what Halloween in The Village was like.  And this is not just a neighborhood for Westerners.  There is a large number of Emirati people living there as well - many of whom actually came out to admire all the costumes, and some even gave out candy!  (This may not sound like much, but Halloween is non-existent in the Arabic world - so this is a pretty big deal!)  Dalila had a wonderful time and received so many compliments on her little tutu (combined with her hip-swiveling skills) that I'm sure confidence will not be a problem for her.

Posing for Daddy - pre-whiskers.

A shot of our friends' street before the real crowds came along.

The happy little trick-or-treater

This was at the fourth place we stopped for candy - Lila decided she needed a rest and the curb looked comfy.

......but this camp chair at the next stop was REALLY comfy!

Saying trick-or-treat ("Teets!!") with Daddy.

COOLEST costume of the night - a homemade camel, operated by three little girls and navigated by their Dad!

A good shot of the crowd on our friends' street.

Dalila sharing her candy with Mommy - what a sweetheart!

What a pleasant surprise to see so many fun, home-like things where they were not at all expected.  Thanksgiving will be a bit more difficult, being a purely American holiday, but Christmas is sure to be an even bigger experience for us.  In fact, we've already gotten our Christmas tree.....