The Museum of Islamic Art

Last Saturday, Paul, Mia and I visited the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), which is a beautiful museum desgned by I.M. Pei, the famous Chinese-American architect. (He also designed the pyramid-shaped annex to the Louvre in Paris.) The building is very pristine, with straight geometric shapes that are very consistent with Arabic architecture. There is a long row of palm trees leading up to the building which is actually on an island in the Persian Gulf. The building consists of five floors and the atrium in the center is visible from each floor. The art work in the museum is all Islamic, which is more functional than deliberate. Many carpets, tapestries, writings from the Koran, and tiles from buildings, and vases and jewelry were on display.  There was also a science section with elaborate, beautiful maps and globes from the age of discovery. Mia was very interested in the art, especially the calligraphy.  She does very well in the adult world of me and Paul. Because she has taken several trips to the art institute in Chicago, she knows how to approach art and isn't bored looking at art work. I bought a small print of Arabian horses in the gift shop.  There is a children's section to the museum, but one needs an "appointment" to go inside! Maybe we will have the opportunity to go back once I am driving.

Speaking of art, Mia has become very creative now that she is free of the structure of school and can be completely self directed. (I say this with complete respect for school and teachers, by the way!) She has written several "books" which are essentially short stories with illustrations.  The story ideas are very clever: "steps for flying in an airplane," "doggie in a box," "you don't want to read this book!,"  "tropical vacation," kiki's photo album," "the aliens attack and the wild ghost chase," "best Christmas ever," "bad kid," etc...(there will be twelve in all). The stories involve the same characters with different episodes.  When we left the USA,  Mia was watching "ICarly" on cable. Although this show is not available here, I was able to find the episodes on DVD at Villagio Mall.  So, she is enjoying the show and very interested in the way the characters are evolving throughout the series.