an epic celebration

Next year I will be celebrating my 40th birthday. Inshallah of course as one must always add here, because you never know, do you, what will happen between now and then. But that is the plan at this stage. And it’s giving me grey hairs already – the planning of the celebration (celebrations?) that is, because as an expat my home is here (for now) but my family and oldest friends are not. So no doubt I will need to have at least 3 parties in 3 different countries, but that’s OK. As long as there are lots of gifts (hint hint). No but really that is not actually what I wanted to tell you about today. But you may start saving for the presents now – if you insist :-).

In a little over 3 weeks the United Arab Emirates will also be turning 40 years, ahem, young. I have no doubt that a very big deal is going to be made about this on National Day (2 December) this year. After living here for just over 3 years I have learnt that Emiratis, and Arabs in general, love nothing more than a reason to celebrate. And this is a very good reason indeed, in my humble opinion (and I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks so). I am pretty sure there are several pyrotechnic specialists feverishly planning a massive fireworks show – for starters. I can’t imagine what else is in store, but will let you know if I find out.

But not everyone is marking this occasion with pomp and gunpowder. A gent called Adrian Hayes is honouring this anniversary in rather a more energetic, and exhausting, way. He is undertaking an epic trek, over 1,500 kms, to follow in the footsteps of the British explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger. Hayes has already trekked to both poles, across Greenland and to the summit of Mount Everest. So I guess a few days in the sand aren’t going to be too big of a deal for someone like him. He set off on the 29th October, planning to be back mid December. Thesiger originally made this journey between 1945 and 1950 when he trekked across Oman and what is now the UAE. Of course travelling over sand dunes doesn’t happen in a straight line, there will be much zigging and zagging as it’s too difficult to go right over the top.

Hayes and his 2 companions expect to reach Liwa on National Day. They are being shadowed by a film crew from the UK, and if all goes according to plan the movie will air next year.

If you fancy keeping abreast of his progress you can follow it on the expedition’s blog. I feel tired just thinking about it. Going for a small lie down.

Eid Mubarak 🙂