My Visit to an Emirate's Home

Last week in school the librarian, Miss Mouza, asked me about my family in casual conversation in the lunch room.  I told her I had a son, Jacob who was nine, almost 10.  She got quite excited and asked me if I could bring him to her house to play with her son, Mohammed on Friday.  So, on Friday, March 2nd at 3 pm Al Ain time we ventured to a new experience.  We drove up to the home and right away I realized how nice it was.   Upon arrival we were ushered into a parlor area where we were served tea, cakes and macaroni.  Then Jacob and Mohammed went out to play on the dirt bikes, which left me alone with Mouza, who at school does not seem to speak English too well.  We started chatting about things, drinking more tea, talking about school and home life, etc.  We communicated very well.   She asked me questions about America and I asked her questions about her life.  She has 8 sisters and 6 brothers.  She has only 4 children herself.  Soon she asked me if I wanted a tour of her home.  YES!  So, we went into one of the 4 parlor areas, all fully furnished.  Each room had it's own unique style, and she informed me that the furniture was bought in Saudi Arabia - it is less expensive there. I hear some homes border (or even push past) tacky, but this home was exquisite.  Every detail was in place and it was so clean you could eat off the floor.  We went upstairs and she showed me the bedrooms and the two additional sitting rooms.  BEAUTIFUL!  She had ordered a wonderful 12 foot chandelier from China and had a full stained glass window going up the stairs.  AMAZING!  Mouza was the most gracious host and we had a spectacular time.  As we left she packed up tea and macaroni for us to take home.  She gave us a huge bag of tomatoes and even had Jacob dressed in a Kandora and head scarf.  Then she gave us some beautiful Arabic perfumes and asked us to please come back "every day we wish" because her home is our home.  She told me next time to bring PJ to go driving with her oldest son in the desert.  She also told me I was welcome to bring my camera - so look forward to some pictures!