The Quiet Before Everyone Arrives

It's not helping the construction efforts much though... Hundreds of people working in every corner. Paving roads, constructing petrol stations, painting, digging, building, tearing down. Dozers and trucks everywhere. They have spent the past several days constructing a huge stadium and platform for the opening ceremonies. Working 'round the clock. And since the stadium, platform, and everything else for the ceremony is situated between the in-gate and the crewing area... they will begin tearing it all back down as soon as the ceremony is over. Calculating 3 days to construct, 18 hours to remove. no problem.

We went to the celebration dinner the other night - invitations only - to every Federation - riders, grooms and Equipe staff - all formal guests of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his wife Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein - credentials checked, no photos allowed - a private celebration for the endurance family.

And an amazing affair. It was held at the outdoor restaurant and entertainment center behind the Bab al Shams. Firepits, built in adobe style seats, tables, lounging areas. Stage for entertainment, tents, carpets, camels... the works. It was quite an affair. Incredible food, drink, good company, a nice time to visit with everybody else.

Gifts were given to all who attended. Numbers drawn upon entering the party, and numbers called during the evening by the MC. Decorative boxes filled with gifts - perfume, watches, jewelry, cap and jackets. Everybody was thrilled at the extent of generosity of our hosts; and as always amazed at the whole scope of this event. The night was capped with a spectacular fireworks display. (and the horses slept in their barns...)

John arrived last night - I picked him up in Dubai around midnight. So we'll have more photos, better news feeds. Plus the media center is now open, plenty of computers and fast net connect. It's situated in one of the wings overlooking the entry gate and cooling area, so there will be plenty of action to view. I'll be driving for Mercedes during the race (this I love!!) and crewing too - but hope to snag a few photos while I'm out there. Meanwhile John will be feeding photos, news, etc through the Net. Lucie Hess will be here to help, though I just got email from here, stuck in St. Louis because of the snowstorm. Maybe a day late.

gotta go, headed to the barn,

Steph