Grand Mosque

A few times now, we have visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. I've been on my own, and we've taken some of our visitors there. This time, the kids came. They did surprisingly well, considering they had to be quiet, not run around, and listen :) It is a beautiful building, and they also have some very informative tours, which have all kinds of interesting tidbits about the history, construction, and purpose of the mosque.

Owen liked the freedom to crawl around. When you are cute, people let you get away with anything!

My other kids were much more interested in the water, and REALLY wanted to go swimming ... we convinced them it would get us kicked out.

Those brotherly hugs, that quite quickly turn into wrestling matches....

If you've ever wondered WHY places put up these elastic stanchions, I'll have you know it is for swinging on, hanging from, ducking under, snapping your sibling's fingers between, and just generally causing a ruckus with. NOT for indicating a "do not cross" area. At least that is what the Hamblin kids think. These outings sometimes lead to a giant spike in gray hairs for their parents.

These pictures are so old, Aunt Ashley was still visiting us :) But I don't bring my camera every time, so these are the ones I have. Women have to wear a head covering, as well as long sleeves and long pants. Otherwise you get to wear a black abaya they provide for you, which is much heavier and hotter. I know from experience:)

Lots and lots of marble and gold leafing outside. It is pretty impressive! One day I'm going to get some shots from a distance, and you can see how gigantic it really is, plus get the full effect of all the minarets.

Before entering the mosque, everyone is required to take off their shoes.

Ken was playing tour guide this round. Hailey thought the call to prayer was a little loud from the inside of the mosque. From the outside, she usually dances to it and says it sounds like they are singing the Care Bears song. 

Some stacks of Qurans. Every Friday the mosque is only open to Muslims for their religious observances.

All along the wall are written the 99 names of Allah in beautiful Arabic calligraphy. This is the mihrab, which points the direction to Mecca (the direction that Muslims pray in).

Finished up with some beautiful stained glass. Definitely a nice cultural experience!