Walking Across Sand Dunes to a Birthday Party in Abu Dhabi

Dears,

David’s friend Natalie is having a birthday party today. She lives just a few minutes and buildings away, so we walked over. On the way, I thought that which seems normal to us — crossing desert sand in the middle of the city — would make a very telling photo essay. So, here’s the trip to Natalie’s house, with pal Lachlan along for the journey. Ten minutes in ten frames:

We depart from the marble halls of Mangrove Place.

Presents being carried differently across the sand. — Presents present.

Construction zone juxtaposed with skyline.

More walking, and more talking. This time on tarmac.

Inside the birthday girl's apartment! — Inside the birthday girl’s apartment!

As I walk back home, I see a woman wearing a parka in the desert. Meanwhile I am drenched in sweat. (See earlier posts for that story.)

Back home, I’m enjoying the air-conditioning and some ice water and reading. Allan turned on the radio, and even though it’s a rock station, the following was the first thing that came out:

“Mr. Lawrence, why do you like the desert so much?”

The voice of Peter O’Toole answers, “Because it’s clean.”

The DJ then played the theme song from the film.

And that’s why I like the desert — the random is serendipitous. And the simplest things, like going to a birthday party, is an adventure.

Love,

Nancy