The night flew by with a good group of musicians and several singers. As well, a number of special dances took place. First, came a Egyptian, Sufi tanoura dancer, similar to the Turkish whirling darawish. I noted the addition of LED lamps in the costumes nowadays! Also, later, a pair of stick fencing dancers performed. The male singers for the night appeared to be local guys and they obviously must have reserved last night for old favourites as most of the locals couldn't help but join along. The crowd was predominately local men but there were a number of hotel guests. Several groups of young tourists came by for drinks. We left after midnight and hiked back home saying, "Happy New Year" with everybody who came upon our path.
I'd sort of forgotten what it was like being involved in local Arab traditions. It's been many years since we worked in the Gulf during the 1980's and 90's.
Speaking of years, it's hard not to turn towards a bit of reminiscing about now. I generally avoid such things as I see the change of the year as just a calendar convention. Yet, I do have to look back on the last 365 days with a great deal of fondness.
2015 was the first complete year of early retirement. Things on that front are turning out wonderfully. One year ago today, we were on our very first winter away in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. That was followed by seven great months in one of the most beautiful places on earth, British Columbia, Canada. Lastly, we are happily exploring the present winter in Luxor, Egypt.
Hat's off to the former year! It has been one the very happiest of my life.
January - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
July - Vancouver, Canada
December - Luxor, Egypt