New Year's Eve...Well...Kinda...???!!

You know you are living in a different country when the "Sheikh" orders Dubai will mark the New Year with a "sombre tone" as a token of solidarity with the Palestinian people in general and Gaza Strip in particular which is currently under the barrage of Israeli's military fire.

So, it was crazy...we waited for updates on who was canceling, what was being canceled and finally the word around 2:00 new year's eve afternoon. The cancellations were as follows...all outdoor events, including fireworks and live outdoor music, any outdoor bar or restaurant may not show any kind of partying, any hotel or event may not do a count down, no blowers or party hats, and the list goes on and on. So, anyone who put a deposit down on any sort of "NYE" party was to receive a full refund. Weird? Yes...that someone has that much power to cancel an event. I do however respect his way of thinking...it just would never happen in the USA.

Well, Jon and I were headed to the stunning Address Hotel to attend a "party" at NEO'S. It was on the 64th floor of the tallest hotel in Dubai with unbelievable views of the city. Not only were we super excited to have an evening out as adults...we were being treated to the over $500.00 event by a gentleman Jon works with on downtown Burj Dubai as a token of his appreciation for all the hard work and effort Jon demonstrates. So it turns out it was NOT cancelled just taken down a few notches. We had a wonderful time. We went to dinner at the near by Sports Bar and then headed to Neo's. The bar is so modern and sleek and it's a brand new hot spot in Dubai. The Address Hotel just got named the NUMBER ONE Hotel in Dubai beating out the "Burj Al Arab" (sailboat hotel). Our evening was relaxed...we sipped on champagne & wine and enjoyed our "foggy" view! We missed Dave and Robin dearly...our NYE buddies...but we chatted with them on NYE. It was nice to be out and (behind closed doors) celebrate the new year!