Birthday Wishes - Ayn from United Arab Emirates

As part of my year long swap with Ayn we agreed to send a little birthday surprise to each other. This was the package that she sent me. It is filled with lots of fun goodies - some blank very cool graphic cards, puffy stickers, Hello Kitty "S" stickers, bookmarks and a "Zelf". I had never heard of them before, kind of remind me of troll dolls. Mine is pink and hard to keep track of as my daughter enjoys taking it off my desk! I simply love Ayn's handwriting and all the washi tape/stickers she uses. Thank you so much Ayn for your generosity.

November - Ayn from United Arab Emirates

This is a great 3D card that Ayn sent me. It shows the major landmarks and icons of the United Arab Emirates. The week it arrived my family and I had just watched the TV Show "Amazing Race" and that episode was filmed at Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the timing was perfect! A really great card - thanks Ayn!

September - Ayn from United Arab Emirates

Ayn sent this card showing silhouettes of camels caught in a stunning sunset in the deserts of Oman. She writes that she lives only 20 minutes from the border. I really do not know the geography of that area of the world as well as others and had no idea they were so close.

December - Ayn from United Arab Emirates

 A year ago if you had told me I would receive a card with a camel in a sleigh I wouldn't have believed you. Very funny and completely unexpected! This card brings to an end a wonderful year long swap I have had with Ayn from United Arab Emirates.I am sure our paths will cross again in the New Year. Thank you Ayn for showing me so much of your beautiful country.

August - Ayn from United Arab Emirates

Another card from Ayn sent to me on a crazy hot day. It was 44C when she sent this to me in August. As I write this it is a "warm" 2C, much better that it was earlier in the week!

The view shows the Burj Khalifa from a slightly different perspective. This view is stunning! I can't even imagine what it would be like to be surrounded by the clouds like that. She wrote to me about her plans to celebrate the end of Ramadan. She aslo mentioned the irony of how it is too hot to go to the beach in the summer and they wait until the winter to go when the temps reach 25C, very ironic!

Another great stamp too, UAE has some really great ones.

May - Ayn from United Arab Emirates

As mentioned in my previous post these two cards arrived as part of my monthly swap with Ayn at the same time. It was a staggering 38C when she sent me this ethereal view card of Maqta or Sheikh Zayed Bridge. Such a beautiful picture.

July - Ayn from United Arab Emirates

Funny how the mail works. I do a monthly swap with Ayn and received her June card in mid-July. Normal enough. The next day I received the card she sent me for May and July at the same time. April is still taking an extended adventure on it's way to me. This month Ayn chose for me a beautiful night view of the Maqta or Sheikh Zayed Bridge. The text on the back says prior to the bridge being constructed residents would cross the waters on camel during low tides. Ayn wrote telling me about the holy celebration of Ramadan which was occurring during this time.

June - Ayn from United Arab Emirates

I do not think any scan would do this card justice. It is simply amazing! For the month of June Ayn chose this 3D card for me showing the Burj Khalifa, the tallest man made structure in the world. She wrote telling me she has visited the viewing deck "At the Top" and it is amazing. I would believe that! The day she wrote this card it was a staggering 42C and she tells me it will get up to 50C at the peak of summer. Way too hot for me.

March - Ayn from United Arab Emirates

This month Ayn chose a fun multi-view of Abu Dhabi for me. They city she lives in is part of Abu Dhabi. She writes about her favourite beach are called Corniche. Sadly, I can't link it to anything, every site I try comes up with an error. Who knows....either way, another great card and stamps from Ayn.

February - Ayn from United Arab Emirates

You might recall that I am doing a monthly swap with Ayn. The card she sent me for February is absolutely stunning! This card was issued by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and is promoting the heritage and traditions of the country. This card shows the beautiful artwork of henna painting. I can remember having this done for my sisters wedding 15 years ago. While I thought it was nice, it really would not compare to this example. Some new lovely stamps too! In the ever growing pile of cards backlogged on my desk I also have my March to post, hopefully soon.

January - Ayn from United Arab Emirates

In December, Ayn posted in the forum that she was looking for swap buddies for the year. She was looking to learn a bit more about different countries and people over the course of 12 postcards as opposed to one. I have never had a pen-pal and thought this would be a fun and easy way to try it out. The fact she lives in a country - United Arab Emirates (UAE) that I know very little about is an added plus!

This is the first card Ayn sent me which I received last week. The card shows Burj Al Arab, a seven star (yes, seven!!) hotel in Dubai, one of the major cities in UAE. Ayn lives in a small city which is part of Abu Dhabi, the capital. The photo was taken from Madinat Jumeirah, a neighbouring shopping mall and resort. Ayn writes that she has not been in the hotel before, however hopes to one day - me too!!! She also told me a bit about the geography and make up of the Emirates, which means States.

Looking forward to see what February will bring.