Trip to Sharjah, UAE

Our trip to Sharjah, one of the seven Emirates of the UAE.

  The emirate of Sharjah comprises the city of Sharjah

and other towns called Kalba, Dibba Al, Hisn and Khor Fakkan. 

Sharjah is the third largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates,

and is the only one to have land on both the Persian Gulf  and  the Gulf of Oman.

Sharjah is ruled by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi.  

The Sharjah Palace Hotel - a jewel of the city. Just outside the
City Centre....was a incredible place to stay.  The hotel is
 conveniently located on Al Taawun Street. The hotel boasts deluxe
rooms and suites only.  Our room was great!  On the roof is a pool and
hot tub and an activity room with billiards tables.  Turn the corner and
you're at the spa.  Bonus....with our room was complimentary buffet breakfast.

The lobby....stunning area!

The marble medallion in the lobby. This picture does not do
justice to the colors and intricate design. 

We knew of the monument and found it on our way to Dhaid and
had lunch here.  The monument was constructed when Sharjah was elected
to join the Arab capital in 1998.  The monument is an image of a huge arrow
pointing to the sky .  We were there during the day, but we were told that at night it
is quite impressive.   The view is amazing - its like when you're in Iowa and
you look out on the horizon and see corn on one side and corn on the other.
Here its SAND....dune, after dune, after dune.  LOTS of SAND! 

The Cityscape of Sharjah.

Another angle....you notice the contemporary buildings.  It is difficult to see the historic traditional
buildings of Arabian Architecture.

The Cultural Palace of Sharjah is located in the Al Falaj area of
Sharjah, built in 1986...now 35 years old....it looks brand new.

 Arabia's Wildlife Center. Not only does the Wildlife Centre house the world's largest collection of Arabian wildlife but it is also the only zoological park in the Middle East to be completely indoors. Making it perfect for a day out, regardless of the weather.

 Awesome exhibits including this mechanical camel. Interactive and just when you think it's over....there was more. Next to it is a water jug display...8 jugs - this is how much water a camel can hold and go without a drink for many days. 

 

Arabia's Wildlife Center.
Not only does the Wildlife Centre house the world's largest collection of Arabian wildlife but it is also the only zoological park in the Middle East to be completely indoors. Making it perfect for a day out, regardless of the weather.

 

Awesome exhibits including this mechanical camel. Interactive
and just when you think it's over....there was more. Next to it
is a water jug display...8 jugs - this is how much water a camel
can hold and go without a drink for many days.



 

Arabia's Wildlife Center.
Not only does the Wildlife Centre house the world's largest collection of Arabian wildlife but it is also the only zoological park in the Middle East to be completely indoors. Making it perfect for a day out, regardless of the weather.

 

Awesome exhibits including this mechanical camel. Interactive
and just when you think it's over....there was more. Next to it
is a water jug display...8 jugs - this is how much water a camel
can hold and go without a drink for many days.



The Heritage Cultural Area was preparing for their Sharjah's Heritage Days.  The area was
being set up for opening ceremonies that night. This is a view of  the Souk (market).  Like most markets, they are closed between 1pm & 3pm only to reopenfor business and stay open to as late as 11 pm.

The mission of Sharjah Hisn is to use the historic fort to explain
to residents and visitors the history of the Emirate of Sharjah,
 the Al Qasimi ruling family and Sharjah society and governance.
When we arrived it was closed for renovation.

The fort on the rim of the City Center is the former residence of the Al Qasimi
Ruling family and appreciate traditional architecture and artifacts. Built in 1820,
 we are told this large, majestic, double story fort houses priceless objects,
 fascinating old photographs, classic weapons and trading tools tracing 200 years
 of Sharjah history.

Located close to Khaled Lagoon is  the Central Market (also known as the Blue Souk).  It is
a phenomenal example of Islamic design.  The Central Market is the main shopping
 hub in Sharjah.  The yellow lighting does not show the blue roofs of the building.  The market has more than
  600  shops from where one can buy anything from gold jewelry to woven carpets and prepared foods.

With blue tile on the outside walls, the design is unique and beautiful.
Traditional handcrafts and GOLD, GOLD and more GOLD!   So much is
here including diamonds, persian rugs, silver, antiques and clothes.

This is for my friend Deb Barbier.....lots of GOLD!

It's like Midas came in and touched EVERYTHING!

Docked on the Sharjah Corniche....it is an authentic dhow where
you can dine inside.  Great views!

We stopped for lunch. 

A great day....just taking in all the sights. 

Three Words:  Arab's Cultural Capital

Elton John Concert - Yas Arena, Abu Dhabi

A night of rock and roll and honkey-tonk soul

music to dance the night away.  A great

evening with Sir Elton John, his current

tour These Songs are Still Hits!

Hakuna Matata....no worries here!

Had the traditional warm-up - a performer named Charlita....she
sang two original tunes and covers to Adele. We used that time to
work our way up to the front.



The original Piano Man.

The concert was an uninterrupted 2.5 hour show....just incredible!

Played all our favorites....Benny and the Jets, Daniel,
Candle in the Wind....you name it  he sang it.

Here you can see the detailed design on EJ's - matched with
funky red glasses was the only outfit of the evening. 
This surprised us.....was looking forward to more outfits.

Wonderful stage....acoustics great....hard to believe that
he is turning 65 years young this year....his voice
is still such a joy to listen to.....so good we kept
forgetting to take pictures.

Me and Michelle - we all rocked the night away!

Three Words: A Stellar NIGHT!

Global Village - Dubai, UAE

Global Village, located in Dubai for the past 15 years is a shopping

extravaganza with 28 pavillions and over 4.5 MILLION visitors!

We went to go check it out and like everyone else who visits

you find you have your favorite countries!

So, this is the map. It feels that you would need days to see
each pavillion, but you can do it in a LONG day.

Africa....love the vibe here. Great music, friendly people and
many authentic wares.  The wooden bowls are incredible.

Turkey....lots of incense!  But when you move past that
the clothing and jewelry.....you could be in Turkey all day!

The village has a river where you can go for a ride and tour the
entire grounds and see most of the pavillions.  The price to ride
is Dh 140 or $40, to fill the boat. If you're two or three people,
same price.  Next year we will do this as it is bumpy if the
boat is not filled....goes at a good clip.  Yep, next year.

It was crowded...pavillions to the right and then in the
distance is the amusement park....highlighting the Ferris Wheel.

Outside Morocco - we pose for a picture.

Now look closely at this ride....it is a bit make-shift...it is a
motored carousel that has regular chairs affixed in a confusing
fashion. I would NOT put a child on this ride.  CRAZY!
At least there are seat belts.....but why would you use them?

India was my favorite - clothes, bags, furniture, rugs....so MUCH!

Another river view.

Shopping in INDIA!

Many nationals at the village...often you will see women in
their abaya (dress) and the sheyla (scarf) covering their faces.

A local favorite snack... a potato stack. The potato
is peeled like an apple skin and then deep fried on
a stick to your desired firmness.                            .
Quite tasty andvery convenient.  

Egypt...best stoneware....coolest chess set - all marble....
for only Dh120 or $35.  I just don't think I know any real chess players?

We shopped all day and into the night!

Duane reading the area map....it's in hieroglyphics!
I think we are LOST!......Just JOKING!

This just makes me want to go to Thailand.

Our friend Michelle came with us and we rush to
SPAIN to see our friend Stacy who was vacationing
in Barcelona.  We never did find Stacy...she was
hiding.  Luckily our Spain had no riots.

Three Words:  Feel, Felt....BOUGHT!