Mia On Roller Blades

Mia on Roller Blades

On Friday, the Islamic Holy Day, Mia, Paul and I went to a large park, called Aspire Park, where Paul and I walked the “exercise path” and Mia roller bladed.  We were nearly the only non-Arabs there. Apparently, Mia’s roller blades were a real novelty because many people stared and pointed at her as she rode them.  A few children actually followed her and one man took his son over to her and attempted to communicate about them with her. Many families had blankets on the grass and sat in groups in their long gowns and veils.  The scene reminded me of the Seurat painting “Sunday in The Park”.  There was serenity to the park and reverence about the place. There were some Baobab trees in the park—this was the first time I had seen these trees and they are very unusual. (Le  Petit Prince makes reference to them.) They must have been imported since this was once all desert.  The grass in the park is irrigated, which is amazing considering the fact that the grassy area stretches for miles. Once again, the restroom had a toilet area and another adjoining entrance for a prayer room. The men and women pray in separate areas, just as the restrooms are in separate areas. Paul and I did see a couple praying together in the park, however, so it can be done.