Fabulous Dubai!

I got home late Sunday night from my teaching engagement in Dubai.  Although I have had long flights to Australia and New Zealand in the past two years this one topped the bill at 20 hours flight time plus layovers. Oie.  It was well worth it though!

I was teaching for the International Quilt Show sponsored by Classic Quilts.  I had two workshops plus one speaking engagement.  Each class was filled with students from all over the world and they were all so eager to learn.  Everyone was SO appreciative I was there and I was equally thrilled to BE there!

I stayed at the Grand Excelsior Hotel and this is where the workshops took place too.  Talk about lots of ideas for quilting inspirations!  The above photos are of the reception area as well as the elevator...can't you just see some fabulous backgrounds here or center medallion designs?

Ricky Tims was there as well and I was fortunate enough to have a "down day" on the same day he presented his all-day lecture so I chose to spend the day in class with him.  I'll never have a chance like that again...time very well spent!

One of the most fascinating things for me were the buildings.  They just don't seem real.  I took countless pictures of everything and narrowed it down to just a few to share with you...incredible.

The quilt show itself was not held at the hotel but at the Ikea building in Dubai which is a public shopping mall.  At first I thought it was odd but once I was there I completely understood.  Quilting is being "born" in this area...it is very new to a lot of people and having it in a public place like this introduced these beautiful works of art to many people who would have otherwise never had a chance to see them.

Just as amazing as the trip was and the beauty and jaw dropping architecture of the city, the part that will be unforgettable was the hospitality and generosity of my "care people" and my students.  I want to personally thank Joan for taking such amazing care of me...for inviting me into her home, hauling me around everywhere and for her fabulous Scottish sense of humor!  Thank you to my unforgettable students who were so appreciative of me being there

...and lastly to Shanker and his beautiful wife, Mala, for bringing me to Dubai for one of the most unforgettable trips I will ever have.

Big Hugs, Cindy :)