Reflections from home: The Sheikh Zayed Mosque

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” Hellen Keller

Travel. Do it. Find the exotic and the beautiful in the world. Meet it and behold it to your memory for safe keeping. You are a child of this world and thus deserve to partake in its bounty. If not, then perhaps you disown that inheritance for a short while.




Speaking of the exotic and beautiful, the Grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque was built in honor of the late Sheikh who helped build this country 40+ years ago. Hence, the mosque itself is relatively young, but has gained much attention world wide in a short amount of time. So enjoy the photos! They describe themselves much better than I could with words. Notice how strikingly beautiful it is with the graduating blue sky behind it and the cool blue ponds beside it. It certainly gives off a feeling of tranquility and regality.

I cannot get over the details throughout the mosque.
Emilee knows more about Arabic art than I,
but I remember her mentioning the importance of
geometric symmetry and balance, as shown here in the
intricate square design.

So beautiful.

Gold is laced throughout the mosque in an elegant manner
that honors the Sheikh, but is not overly excessive.

Area to wash feet before praying.

Some visitors still wearing their abayas which can be
rented from the mosque before entering the main section. 

The gang

Mosque Manners Dress code: what is okay and what is not.

Even the ceilings are frosted with beauty.

Great shot! Thanks Maureen!

Modeling the humble abayas which were available to us at the entrance of the mosque.

Just taking it all in how huge the mosque area is. Posters
around the city told us that it can hold up to
14,000 people! That's the population of my home town
plus a few thousand!

My friend filling me in on the functionality of the mosque
and the expectations of visitors. At this point in the day,
I am drenched in sweat (maybe I should have left that
blazer at the villa), but eagerly anticipating the inside of
 the actual mosque!

Reader, there is much more that I would love to show you, but in respect for the mosque, I withheld the photos of the inner mosque. Just imagine MORE gold, ornate designs, marble-like walls, chandeliers, and elaborate carpets.