Fun Fun, had by all....

Values are defined differently by all, and in an ideal world, those differences would be accepted by all. Whether the values are personal or religious, they offer you rules to live by, things to stray away from, even a bit of a backbone. Values can define a person; values can make you just who you want to be.

One of the values that I have found totally remarkable here in Abu Dhabi, and in Middle Eastern countries overall, is the religious value of excluding alcohol from their lives; it is a religious sin to consume alcohol.

With that being said, I think that it is amazing, that a society, a group of people, an individual can have a great time, even with the absence of alcohol. The mere idea, which American's are fond of, that a good time can't be had without the magic potion, and yet, I am consumed by a group of people that prove that to be wrong.

As someone that doesn't drink alcohol, not very much/to very little/if at all, I have found a great appreciation in being able to hang out with people from this region, and have an absolute fabulous time, all based on the person/personality of an individual.


For example, my friend Mo. He and his roomie live four floors below us, in the same apartment complex. He is a local Emirati, practicing Muslim, and very abiding. He does the clubbing, going to bars, and partying...just like everyone else, but doesn't drink alcohol. He alone has a fascinating personality, but the fact that it continues to shine through in a bar/club atmosphere, he is comical at any given time, and he (we) has a great time WITHOUT a drop of alcohol, is all a relief.

A good time can be had, by all, without alcohol. You value a true personality, the time you spend with your friends, and the place you spend your time, instead of seeing everything in a fog. Likewise, less problems are bound to occur without the presence of alcohol...people aren't drinking and driving, fighting, causing trouble, etc.

It is all a fresh breath of air, being surround by people that can appreciate greater things in life, and have a great time doing it!