Dr Jane Goodall

(29/1/25)

For more than one reason, I opted to work from home today. Not only is it Arab Health (our flagship exhibition) week, but it is also month-end. I worked through lunch so that I could finish early, as we are going to EXPO City to see the conversation icon, Jane Goodall.

We got there in good time to have a cup of tea in the Al Wasl Dome and then a ride on the Garden in the Sky, which still had baubles on the trees and a wreath on the top of the glass. That was annoying as it obstructed the view. It was hard to get straight photos holding the camera high.

We made our way back to Terra only to find the venue for Jane's talk had to be moved as it was oversubscribed. They taxied us to it (in a buggy), and we waited to be let into the room. There were hundreds of people there, kids even.

The format of the talk was an informal interview about Jane's life and inspiration. She was charming and witty and gave us several laugh-out-loud moments. An hour after she began, she stayed on to sign books. The queue was so long, we didn't stay. G tried her best to get a decent shot (my main picture).

If Ecco Pizza was open, we would have eaten there, but we drove back to our patch instead, avoiding traffic jams, and went to Wokyo. They were so busy, people had to wait outside the restaurant for their turn. A falafel sandwich followed by kunafa did the trick. It's been a great evening with beautifully cooler weather.