Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Before Leaving Abu Dhabi

Before we left Abu Dhabi, our eldest child graduated high school.
"What hotel is your graduation in?" a friend asked on the phone a few days before the big event.

"We're at the Intercon, how about yours?" I said.

It's a funny thing here (in Abu Dhabi), but all the high school graduations I know of took place in a swanky hotel. At home in the US, they are almost always held on the school grounds, either in the gymnasium or under a large tent erected for the day. After the ceremony, families go either home or to a restaurant. They have a large, "open house" family party for the new graduate. Even posh boarding schools follow this practice.

Our son's graduation ceremony was followed by a dinner dance at the same hotel. This was lovely, too, but had the feel of a wedding (an American wedding). It was also quite expensive and our younger children were not allowed to attend. (There was an age cut-off.) It was a nice evening, but I still vote for the American-style graduation.

*Our children attended an international school in Abu Dhabi. This post does not reflect local graduation customs.Posted by Picasa

4 comments:

Raúl said...

me gusta mucho tu blog lo visito todos los dias visita tu el mio y si t gusta deja un comentario y nos linkeamos los blogs

Frances Gunnison said...

Thanks for writing, I just wish I knew Spanish!

baliku balimu said...

Every country and region has its own habits .. When in Bali, Indonesia school graduation will be celebrated by wearing a beautiful traditional Balinese .. Nice post ..

Anonymous said...

I went to A.I.S its awful ( Abu Dhabi internation school) i was always stressed and tired., i lived in Abu Dhabi for 14 years. I still consider Abu Dhabi my home now that i've moved it was nice to see pictures.