In February, 2o16 I traveled back to India, stopping over in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates first, to be part of the First Arts Conference at the University of Sharjah, which is outside Dubai. Organized by the Prasad Foundation of Oakton Virginia,(which sponsored my and others travel and participation), George Washington University, the University of Mississippi, and ATIC (Art Therapy International Centre) and the University of Sharjah. Presenters included art therapists from the UAE, USA, and music therapists from South Korea. I presented on the use of Playback Theatre and drama therapy to support communication in difficult times. In the next few blogs I will post some pictures to try to convey some of the experience of being in these interestingly cultural diverse countries. While Ive been back a month now, I find that the trip still rolls deeply in me and I continue to process. Below are a few pictures to describe my experience of being there.
Near the university there were many gardens- An oasis in the middle of the desert. The flowers were beautiful. The university itself is beautiful, and well kept.
Another view of gardens.
Over 200 people attended this first event. It was both wonderful and heartwarming as the need and desire is clear to have more of this kind of training made available. Fortunately the university appears to agree.
Dress varied from western style (long sleeve and skirt or pants) to Arabic and full Burqa for women.
Two men talking at the Medical School
I really love the architecture of the UAE. 
Not the most elegant picture, but I saw an awful lot of sand.
On our tour to the Humanitarian Centre, A playground using all recycled materials! Hyun Ju checked it out.
Evening time in Dubai. Sunrises and sunsets were clear, and pure, making great contrast between light and dark.
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