Dubai update, Dec 7

["Steph Teeter" <step@fsr.com>]

Last night the standard was set for pre-ride parties - 
these guys really know how to treat their guests.
We gathered by the pool at the Jazirra hotel (where
the officials and VIP's are staying). The wine was
flowing - the barrels ran dry early in the evening so
they had to bring in bottles of vintage reinforcements.
And I don't think there was a drop left by the end
of the party. The pool was lit from below and cast an
eerie light, along with clusters of lit torches along the paths. 
There were little food 'stations' scattered about with
grilled shiskibobs and lamb, shrimp, spice sauces,
tables of finger-food such as deviled eggs, bite size
sandwiches, fruit tarts, eclairs... 

There was no live band, but a dj - who played quite
an assortment of music - starting with Arabian music
(and of course the belly dancer to perform to the music),
rounds of rock, country (all of it danceable) and ending in 
the wee hours with familiar oldy favorites by artists such
as James Taylor, Elton John - the kind of music that
makes everybody want to hug each other (and of course
the wine had it's effect). 

It was great to see everyone gathered together for the
first time - all the countries wore their colors, so one 
could pick out the different nationalities. National pins 
were traded - and a few shirts were traded too! I got to
meet more Ridecamp folks - Desire Haanen (Holland),
and of course Wolfgang from Germany, Nancy Spencer,
Monika Smith (Canada), and lots more.  Teddy Lancaster
(Runningbear) finally arrived, and Roger Rittenhouse is
also here, with his products set up at the US barn.
The US team is in great shape - I saw Darla, Wendy, 
Ona and Shirley, and they were shining with excitement. 
I caught a glimpse of Danielle, but never did get a chance 
to see Valerie  or Patti. All of the team horses are in terrific 
shape and spirits are high.

We're all paying the price today for having too much 
fun last night, but now as the race draws nearer, the 
focus will narrow, and all attention will be on getting 
ready. Now it's time to stay serious. 

The course 'drive-through' which was scheduled for 
yesterday was cancelled and re-scheduled for today - 
I'm headed over to the stable in about 15 minutes to
meet up with the rest. Each federation has access to
one 4wd vehicle, and only 4wd's are allowed. Even with
the 4wd's several of the vets and officials got stuck
yesterday when they went to survey the course. Deep
sand drifts to negotiate -  and apparently it's hard to judge
their depth from inside the vehicle. So everybody departs
today with ropes and chains and extra water. 

So ... I'm off to the desert,

Steph Teeter