Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - Abu Dhabi (U.A.E)

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Hello everyone,

This past weekend some friends and I went to the only mosque that I know of that allows visitors. Our adventure began when the women of the group had to dress in the traditional muslin dress, basically covered from head to toe except our faces. Once suited up, we had to remove our shoes before entering. There were doors next to the visitors center that had a sign saying "Shoe Store". I guess shoes are often stolen ...not sure why it said that but again as I've noticed signs here are badly translated to english so it could actually mean "shoe shining station" for all I know! We were all struck by the beauty of the interior of the mosque. It has 80 domes, over 1,000 colums, 24 carat gold-plated chandeliers and the world's largest hand-woven persian carpet. It was AMAZING! I actually met a group of people that found each other in Dubai (I think), from different countries, who travel together. I thought that was really incredible. What is different here is that most people are displaced from other countries so you make all kind of friends in just about any place all the time.
There isn't much more I can say about the mosque that my pictures cannot describe. If there is a way to look at them blown up, do so because the beauty is in the details.

By the way, I am moving into my apartment tomorrow! I get an apartment on my own so I have a lot of room...it is a rather large apartment. I'm already gathering everything I need to survive, rice cooker and hopefully soon, an internet connection. For now, I will be checking it at school.

Bye for now,

Sherry

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Photos

5
These ornate columns hold light fixtures.

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They certainly have beautifully designed entryways.

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You get an idea of the majesty of the place.

Photo 15
clocks that tell you when to pray

Photo 16
Absolutely fantastic chandeliers.

Photo 18
A type of stained glass found on the floor between the columns.

Comments

[Sue Champagne]

Wow, What beautiful Shots
Hi Sherry, It sounds like you're doing well over there. Your pictures are amazing. I really enjoyed going through them. I hope you keep sending more. Have you started school yet? I'd love to hear about your days in the school. Talk soon, Sue

[Nathalie Beaudoin]

Quelle richesse!
Salut Sherry, Tes photos sont vraiment belles. On peut imaginer l'ambiance d'un tel endroit. Je suis toujours contente de te lire. À bientôt! Nathalie B.

[Jennifer]

Love the pictures!! I can not believe you forgot to mention how HOT we were dressed up in the habayas!!! We were roasting outside. And the wall of the 99 names of God, that was impressive and the clock counting the times for prayer. So glad we visited.

[Ali Akbar]

awesome