Unjoannable's Blog

By Joanna Vidal A photo of me at the National Mall where the Festival was held. My Experience at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival: Representing UAE Heritage The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, established in 1967, is one of the largest cultural events in the world. It takes place annually on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and typically runs from June 22nd through the 4th of July, overlapping with U.S. Independence Day. After a two-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival returned in 2022 with renewed energy—and I was honored to be part of it. That year’s theme was “UAE: Living Landscape | Living Memory,” with the United Arab Emirates as the featured country. The event highlighted the UAE’s rich history, heritage, culture, and traditions. It was sponsored by several governmental organizations, most notably the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth, and supported by the UAE Embassy to the USA. As someone who has worked in the heritage field for nearly eight years at this...

Sharing My Experienced on  Emirati Arab Muslim Wedding By Joanna Vidal Hi, beautiful people! Welcome back to my blog — it’s me again, Joanna! In this post, I’m going to share my unforgettable experience attending an Arab Muslim wedding here in the UAE. I’ll also give you some helpful tips, especially if you’re ever invited to one. Curious about what it’s like? Keep reading! What to Expect at an Arab Muslim Wedding If you’ve been invited to an Arab Muslim wedding and you’re not sure what to expect, don’t worry — I’ve been there! This blog will give you a clear idea of what the experience is like, especially for non-Arab or non-Muslim guests. From what to wear to how to behave, a little knowledge goes a long way in helping you enjoy the moment and show proper respect. Although modern influences are present, many Arab weddings still carry strong traditional elements — and that’s what makes them so special. The Venue Experience (Ladies’ Side) In many Muslim weddings, especially in ...

My PCOS Journey – From Pain to Empowerment By Joanna Vidal Hello, dearest readers! It’s me again—Joanna. For those of you who are new here, welcome! I love sharing my experiences to inspire and motivate others, and today’s topic is something deeply personal: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also known as PCOS or Stein–Leventhal syndrome. This condition is a hormonal imbalance that affects millions of women around the world. While it’s not deadly, if left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications like diabetes, infertility, and even certain cancers. Sadly, many women go undiagnosed due to lack of awareness, misinformation, or misdiagnosis. That’s why I’m here—sharing my journey to help others recognize the signs, feel less alone, and take action. How It All Began: My Early Symptoms I started experiencing symptoms of PCOS when I was just 14 years old. My period became irregular and extremely painful. Each time it came, I felt dizzy, pale, and weak. There was even a day when ...