For some, it is a cultural occasion to gather; for others, it is a quiet family day, a day of faith and church services. And all of this does not exclude each other - in fact, it coexists in a surprisignly harmonious way.

When you are surrounded by different cultures, climate, and rhythm of life, traditions become a choice rather than a default. They no longer live in the background of your surroundings but become a conscious act. In such an environment, you begin to feel more sharply: what in this holiday is mine, what can I bring from others, and what do I leave out. Especially now, when even within the same faith, church leaders are causing divisions and reshaping communities.

…this is one of our reactions to what we see in Abu Dhabi.

While the sense of novelty hasn’t worn off, the colors are still vivid and the local nuances catch the eye with their distinctive features, I’d like to share some surprising moments that caught me off guard: