It has been a happening 2 months since November. Weddings and events here and there and whenever I see a gap in timings, I made sure it was well spent with the kids and family. There are so many things we are thankful for but an experience made me realize that there are some things we take for granted. There are intangible blessings in life that we do not notice we are blessed with.

Last month, I was invited to participate in a dining in the dark experience sponsored by Colours of Arabia sponsored by Berger Paints. Being a photographer, I am a visual person and I am very dependent on (my camera) my eyesight. The invitation was to dine in this unique restaurant called Noire. Of course, when it comes to food, I couldn’t turn down the offer.

So me and Koreen went curious about the experience. There was a briefing first to let us know what this experience is all about. When we watched the short video, we suddenly thought that this “dining in the dark” really meant pitch black. I was under the impression that it would just be darker than the usual candlelight dinner with dim lights.

Watch this video so you will have an idea of what I will be writing about.

After the briefing, they let us to Noire for another briefing. Our assumptions were right. It will be a completely dark experience. We will be eating like blind people. How dark you may ask? Close your eyes and eat…that’s how dark it is. Waiters had to wear night vision goggles to serve our food. The exciting thing also is that you do not know what food you are going to get. When you book with Noire, you will have to indicate your preference and if you are allergic to some types of food upon booking. It was first time in my life that I somewhat felt helpless. Without my eyesight, it was so difficult to walk (you will be guided to walk inside Noire), eat and drink. I wasn’t even sure if I had finished my food. After 1 and a half hour, after a delicious 3 course meal, we were free! After the experience, they will let you know and show you what you ate. Taa daa!

Don’t look at it to closely as they serve different dishes everyday. It will be a surprise.

When I went home, not only was I full but I also realized how blessed I am to have the gift of sight. It is a GIFT! Whenever I take photos, I am blessed because I see these beautiful things around that some people don’t. I am thankful that I get to share it to people too.

Thank you Berger Paints for inviting me to this unique experience and “opening” my eyes to what we really should be thankful for.