Team Canada's Continuing Adventures in Dubai

Gail arrived this morning; Jamie is now taking her through the 'temporary' accreditation process (unfortunately, she will only have access to the barn until our Team Vet. Dr. James arrives on the 24th). The OC is being very strict with the accreditation; we have been allotted 17: 5 riders, with 2 grooms each, and our Chef and Veterinarian - NO ONE else can access the quarantine areas or facilities - makes it a little difficult, and means that our few (VERY few!) 'extra' people cannot participate in any activities or eat in the Endurance City area. We do understand their concern with numbers (with 41 countries taking part you can imagine!) and are VERY appreciate of Sheikh Mohammed' phenomenal generosity - just wish we could somehow get these people in occasionally, at our expense - we are hopeful that we can somehow work it out.

Glad to learn that the Air Canada labor dispute has ended - most of our remaining crew members are flying from Toronto to London via AC on the 23rd. Karen's luggage was lost for 5 days WITHOUT any strike happening! We REALLY are looking forward to seeing the rest of our Team. Pat Robertson is flying in from Mexico City (she and her husband are spending the winter near Puerto Vallarta), in the next day or two - we think!

Lana, Jamie and I had dinner the other night with one of the Japanese riders, his wife and employee/crew (who lives in Seattle), with whom we share the barn - one of our most special evenings to date. Dinner was at Hasumi's invitation and we were indulged with fine wine and 'grappa' (might become an institution - we all slept very well!). Hasumi is an amazing story; took up riding in 2002 - did his first endurance ride in 2003 - the TEVIS! He completed the course in 19 hours! He agreed that there were lots of scary parts - especially the 'black hole of Calcutta'. Many of you will remember hearing about another Japanese rider's leased horse who fell over the edge and the rider saved herself by hanging on to a tree! Hasumi keeps his horse, Cameo, who he purchased from Potato Richardson a few years ago, in California but does have 6 Arabians in Japan and plans to do some breeding - isn't easy because there are not many Arabian stallions in Japan!

Hal Hall, his mentor and coach, has prepared a 'program' for him here, which he has followed to the letter, and Hal and Anne will be coming over to help just before the race. Wonderful, nice, generous people, which has been my experience with the Japanese. One of the other Japanese riders just arrived, a professor at Texas A & M apparently, who is leasing a horse from Darolyn - she is SO tiny I'm SURE she has to add MUCH more lead to her saddle that I do! One of the other Japanese riders is staying in the European barn as she keeps her horse in France, and, guess what, she is even older that I am! And one of the American riders has a horse even older than Teddy! So things are looking up!

Last night was quite amazing; by special invitation, all those accredited individuals were invited to a open-air party, hosted by Sheikh Mohammed and his beautiful Jordanian wife. Food was unbelievable; ie, you chose your litte lobster tail or quail (had to think about that!) and they cooked it right there for you. The champagne was fabulous and to top it all off EACH PERSON got a box (literally!) of gifts. Jamie, for example, received a phone/computer/camera, beautiful silk scarf with the original theme, a jacket, a hat, cologne, jewelry. Karen got an incredible Omega watch (etc), Yvette got a camcorder, Lana got a digital camera which she traded for a watch for Terry. YOU CANNOT IMAGINE!

The evening had a rather abrupt ending, however - with fireworks! Unfortunately, they were set to go off RIGHT beside our barn. Jamie and I arrived at the stable just as they began, but Teddy and Dream Catcher were already beyond frantic. We were unable to get into their stalls until the fireworks stopped. They had rearranged all the shavings in their stalls and had there not been a top gate to the door they would have been gone, who knows where! We managed to get a halter on them and get them calmed down but it really was a scary thing. We rode today and, while a little on edge, they do seem to have survived it all. I figure by the time they leave here they will have seen and done it all!

Going on a longer ride tomorrow - will be our last one, other than little walks here and there, before the big day. THE DAY is getting bigger and is getting closer! The preparations around here are staggering! We found our way into Dubai today to pick up some things we needed from the camel souks and hardware stores. Jamie and I, Karen, Myna and Yvette will all be moving into the city on Monday - will make going to the barn a much bigger deal - at least an hour's drive each way. We've quite enjoyed being isolated in the desert! SO glad to have Gail with us now (she's staying in Dubai as well); she's been 'working on' a few of our horses, and we've done a trot out etc. for her. We're most appreciative of her caring and support.

Jamie will try to send some photos along tomorrow - I need to go to bed - my turn to do the morning feed.

Best to everyone!

Daph