What Represents American Culture?

Last weekend, we spent a night in Dubai so that we could go to the Global Village and the malls.  Global Village is like a big flea market with areas representing various countries.  I have to say that America's section was the most disappointing, which made me really think, "What is exclusive to America?  What defines our culture?"  America is such a melting pot, I really don't think we have very much culture of our own.  But anyway, the American section was full of random items like t-shirts and hair steamers.  We had no special food, no traditional outfits, nothing.  One part of the American section sold t-shirts and souvenirs from London.  Now, I have been away for about 7 months. Is there something I missed while being over here?  Has London moved to America? SMH.

Africa was my favorite section of the entire Global Village.  I love the  rich culture and traditions that were represented.

Of course I went to heritage corner to learn about the UAE heritage.  While there, I met this guy.  This selfie almost went wrong because he got a little too close to my head when he moved.  Yikes!

Took this strictly for Samedy, my Asian brother.  He wants the world to know that not all Asians are Chinese.

This week has been the slowest week ever.  In teacher world it gets like this when a break is approaching.  Tomorrow is the last day with the students.  Sunday-Thursday we will have professional development, and then spring break begins.  I am traveling to Zanzibar.  I can't wait!

I have to say that favor isn't fair and these folks in the UAE are not playing with this oil money.  This is what I see on just a regular day in the cities (Abu Dhabia and Dubai):

I cannot leave a post without an update about my kids.  Someone taught them (probably me) to ask "What this in English?" and they are out of control with it.  They walk around all day asking me what things are in English and then repeat the word.  And they act so much like me that it gets annoying.  It is hard being around little versions of you.  I am going to be in trouble when I have kids of my own.  My students don't allow me to say anything in Arabic anymore (not that I know too many words anyway).  But, if I say an Arabic word, they correct me in English and tell me "Habla Neshwa (my coteacher) Arabic, Ms. LaTwya English."  Hahahahaha.  


Note to my friends and family.......I DO NOT LIVE IN DUBAI.  People keep trying to visit me in Dubai.  I live in Abu Dhabi.  More specifically, I live in the western region of Abu Dhabi in Beda Zayed.  I am almost three hours from Dubai.  So, when you visit me in Dubai, please keep in mind that I actually live quite a ways from there and will have to actually make plans to spend time with you.  Not that anyone has actually visited me, but a lot of people say they want to come to Dubai.  SMH.  Just like people swear Atlanta is all of Georgia, they swear Dubai is the entire UAE.  It is only one Emirate out of seven....and it happens to be one in which I do not live.  Love y'all.  You better get on these cheap flights that keep coming up if you plan on coming for real.