At the Airport a driver by the name of Zuhib (we would spend quite some time with him in Dubai's traffic) picked me up ready to drive me to the Hotel. With him just as before at the Airport I noticed this gentle friendly kindness that I would experience throughout my stay. 

We drove through this pulsing and vibrating city with its remarkable buildings. 

The architecture caught me from the first moment and I was overwhelmed not knowing where to look first.. 

He drove me to the hotel and even asked me on the way if I wanted to stop somewhere. But after the long flight I wanted to go to the hotel. 

Arriving there I had to wait for my room, so breakfast on the terrace first and there it was again this kindness. I could ask for anything and it was done. It let myself fall into it with gratitude and just enjoyed.  

At the hotel I met Alfi, our Photographer and he even offered me his room to freshen up. I declined and decided to take it easy and wait.  

Elena and Santi, the ceo’s of SIIL OSTOMY even offered me that the driver could drive me to a beach club (so sweet since they knew how much I wanted to put my feet into the persian gulf) but I decided to stay where I was…  

Bit by bit the other Modells arrived and I got to meet these wonderful people I would spend the next few days with. 

Our agenda said that in the afternoon we would drive out to the desert to meet Elena and Santi. 

So we all left the City, drove past endless areas of sand and a racetrack, where I saw these beautiful horses

being trained to then arrive at this gorgeous desert resort that took my breath away. 

Elena told us the story of how SIIL OSTOMY was born and what the plans for the next days were. 

All of us, Colleen from Canada, Tara from the UK, Bruce from the US and I told our stories of how we became ostomates. 

The Story behind SIIL OSTOMY: 

SIIL OSTOMY was founded because of the story of an ostomate and her friend. 

Like many ostomates she was insecure and not living her live to the fullest anymore. 

Her friend saw how unhappy she was and in many talks and time together raised the idea and the wish, not only to support her, but all ostomates. 

To give them self confidence and security - some peace of mind with products that will support. 

So together they sat and talked about needs, designed and created products for ostomates. 

SIIL OSTOMY was born! 

Ostomates around the world order today bandages, underwear, bathing suits and lingerie. 

This fine and defined collection is being continuously further developed and new creations enrich their portfolio. 

And a worldwide community is growing more and more. 

The light slowly faded and the desert showed off with this gorgeous sunset.

As I was already wiggling with creative excitement, I excused myself to roam the premises to explore and take pictures. 

The next day… 

Breakfast on the terrace, what a treat! (Germany had minus degrees at that time)

This city is like a beehive, so I closed my  eyes to let all the sounds in and then there they were,

beautiful birds singing their songs and looking for breadcrumbs.  

I opened my eyes as it was time to meet Krypali, our hair and make-up stylist.

She prepared us for the city and beach shootings planned for this day.  

Honestly, I never had worn so much makeup, but she did a great job, it stayed flawless all day.

Day one of the shootings:

Bur Dubai… 

The moment I entered the old part of the city I fell in love. The small alleys, the old and beautiful designed doors

and the little shops. 

It's another world, tells another story. One before all the architectural wonders of Dubai today. 

There I met for the first time the Videographers Amad and Faisal with whom we would also work with the following days. 

The second location

The way to the beach...

We had a camper which was parked at a beach to change in and in it's shadow we all sat and had lunch …

Such luxury!  

We left this beach though to go to another one and there, right in front of me was the Persian gulf. 

Magically drawn to it I wanted to dip in, knowing that would get me into major trouble, I went in with my feet and

felt how everything, all the tension and excitement of the past weeks got released into the water. 

You guys won’t believe how much fun we had, well the pictures will definitely show it. We ran and posed on the beach with ease and childlike joy. Creating the most wonderful moments…

We call it the golden hour and all photographers, as do I love this time of the day. 

The light, the sea, the Kite surfers and Dubai’s Skyline in the background - it doesn’t get more perfect than this. 

Except for one thing, the beautiful beachwear that we got to wear. 

It was a perfect day and as the sun finally set we packed up and went back to the hotel. 

That evening the four of us went to the Dubai Mall and Busj Khalifa and the spectacle that awaited us was breathtaking and overwhelming. The light, the sounds, are absolutely incredible.

Wandering through the Dubai Mall was like entering a different world and a little too much for me. 

But we found a nice restaurant and spending time there, gave us the chance to get to know each other more. 

After this nice dinner we went up to the aquarium and for a moment I felt melancholic seeing the Manta Ray, but I know swimming with them is another story for another time to come true. 

The second day… 

Our trusted driver Zuhib drove us to the Studio where we spent the day. 

Alfi, Amad and Faisal were preparing the sets and we gave ourselves once again in Krypali’s trusted hands.

Elena went with us through the close we were going to where and she and Santi showed us the shooting cards and schedule. 

And then we started off into an extraordinary shooting day. 

We Ladies had to try on bras and other things and when the time came went in front of the cameras.  

At one point we sat together for lunch. Nino was the one ordering whatever we liked and wanted.

And not possible was not in his vocabulary. Bless him! 

What a day!

We were all happy, proud and full off joy as the last shooting card was taken off the board.

We did it!   

Close to ten thousand pictures were taken and now it was up to Elena and Santi to choose and pick the ones

for the new SIIL OSTOMY campagne. 

Our last evening...

We decided since Colleen, Tara and Bruce would fly home that night to visit the Emirates Mall. 

Bruce really wanted to see the ski resort within the Mall, so said and done. 

While we were at the mall, our driver waited for us to drive us all back to the hotel. 

With this deep feeling of connection that will carry us all we said our goodbyes until we meet again…

Maybe we even reunite in Dubai… 

My flight left the next morning and this time another driver picked me up.

Muhhamand told me on the way about his life in Dubai and how he came to stay here for over thirty years.

He knows this city from a time when there were no skyscrapers. 

The airport is as architecturally impressive as the city and although I felt it before, in this moment of leaving I knew I would come back.

There is so much to explore. 

Now I understand when people come back over and over again or even decide to stay and make this city their home. 

There are no words for the loving care and the generosity that SIIL OSTOMY has given me and the others. 

Thank you doesn't even come close to the gift you gave us… 

So from the bottom of my heart thank you all and heartfelt hugs.