Today started bright and early with breakfast at the hotel, which we needed desperately for all the walking we did today. According to my FitBit, 13,426 steps from start to end. No wonder my feet were screaming after dinner!! But, it was definitely worth it. We started the walk off with the Middle Eastern version of flood control......which seems to be similar to the West Fargo diversion, however, they have some of the most beautiful bridges going over what looks like an empty river bed.......it actually flows once a year for about a month. Hmmmmmm, Fargo should take note ;)

The rest of the morning was spent at the museum learning some of the history of the United Arab Emirates. We saw lots of beautiful pottery, jewels, and other artifacts of the area. The museum is housed in one of the forts so we were also able to see how the people defended themselves against enemies as late as the early 60's.  

We we also visited the oasis, which is the only one in Al Ain and the source of water. This place was beautiful and was a lot like a maze. For those of you that travel with me regularly, you know that it's just not a complete trip unless there is an adventure or two (otherwise known as getting lost!!). This time, I was not in charge and yet we still managed to take two wrong turns trying to find our way out of the oasis :p. 

The next stop, the Palace where the current president of the UAE grew up during his teen years. This is a beautiful palace, however, nothing compared the current palace he is building in Abu Dahbi. We'll be seeing that later in the week. We also saw the Jahili fort which was where the sheik spent his early childhood years.  

After lunch, it was off to the camel market. This is the Middle Eastern version of visiting the stockyards in the US. There were chickens, rabbits, sheep, goats, cattle and, of course, camels of every size. Including one 2 day old and one 3 day old camel......and these are NOT little babies in any sense of the word. On the other hand, the baby goats are tiny and soooo cute! The one I saw was all curled up like my fur kids do and it was so adorable! Before leaving the camel market, we did go to the slaughter house to see where these animals go after purchase. The area we saw was where the sheep and goats are butchered. Reminded me of going to visit my best friend at home when her folks owned the locker plant!!

our last event of the day was to go to the top of the mountain to watch the sunset. The problem? It's been so windy and there's so much sand blowing that you couldn't even see the mountain from town! Once we got to the top, there was no city to be seen at the bottom either!! The sun actually disappeared before the official sunset time, but I got some very nice pictures anyway. A note to anyone that may want to come visit......this road to the top is not for the faint of heart!! This is one of the steepest and windingest roads I've been on yet, but the view from the top is amazing, even on a sandy day!  

Tomorrow we head back to Dubai to see the Burj Al Arab.....the only 7 star hotel in the world. Check back tomorrow to see what I'm up to!