Sharjah

We took a taxi to Sharjah because we were short on time. Paula was singing in a concert with the American University of Sharjah women’s choir.

We stopped at Paula’s apartment first and then went on to the campus. Sharjah is so beautiful with very Arabian architecture which I really like.

Palm Jumeirah

Paula had an appointment on Palm Jumeriah - a series of gorgeous main-made islands, so I saw that I could take the tram there and then hop on the Palm monorail. It worked out great with various people helping me to find my way. We had lunch at Urban Seafood at the Nakheem Mall, halfway down the Palm. It was very similar to Legal Seafood, one of my favorite seafood restaurants.

Irrigation method seen everywhere

Paula and me!

Monorail in Palm Jumeirah

Dinner at the Dubai Marina

Today I explored the Dubai Marina ending with dinner at Pepper and Crab. It was a chilly day, so the restaurant provided a blanket. Later, I had to ask for another - that's how chilly it was. It was fun to be at the marina at dusk and nighttime. The lights were beautiful.

This selection of appetizers came before the bass entree I ordered. From left to right - hummus, cole slaw and eggplant with tomatoes. I liked the eggplant the best, but it was all great. 

The man in the foreground is smoking a Shisha, a water pipe. Some restaurants offer this opportunity. Several couples were indulging while I was there. I did not. 

Etihad Museum and Guest House

Down the road were the Etihad Museum and Guest House. The architecture of the museum was magnificent inside and out. The museum tells the inspiring story of the founding of the UAE. There were quite a few tributes to many of the Sheikhs. Two movies also helped to tell the story.

The Guest House is across the courtyard. It is used as a guest house for important visitors. I learned about the custom of majlis. It is a word meaning council and is used to describe various types of special gatherings, as well as a private place where guests, usually male, are received.  A guide explained that they have majlis at her house. It is often the front room or parlor where guests are received. The women decorate it and prepare coffee/food. Hospitality is taken very seriously, so it is very important to make guests feel comfortable. 

There are two dining rooms in the Guest House that can each seat 300. One of them - with tables and chairs - is more for Westerners. The other is a large open space for those who are more comfortable sitting on the floor.

(By the way, I’m sure you have noticed that the photos are often very much out of order. I appear to have no control over the order in which they appear on the blog. I could, I supposed, post them individually but that would take at least twice as much time. I am using an older iPad that is very s...l...o...w.)

The dining room with seats for 300.

Outside of Etihad Museum 

Dining room for those who prefer to sit.

Jumeirah Mosque

After the snacks, a guide explained about the mosque we were going to visit and a lot about Islam and prayer time.

Prior to praying, there are rituals that are performed which have to do with cleansing. We had the chance to cleanse our feet at the washing station.

There were also prayer mat/carpet storage rectangles in the courtyard which can be pulled out at prayer time.

Next we prepared to enter the mosque. First, everyone took off their shoes and placed them in a special cabinet. Socks were okay to wear. Those who wore shorts and less modest clothing were asked to don a long gown, but if we wanted, anyone could put on the garments. There were also head scarves available for the women.

Next, we entered the mosque and the excellent guide gave a detailed explanation of the prayer times and the meaning of praying as well as explaining the Five Pillars of Islam. She made it very easy to understand.

Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding

This morning, I finally mastered the tram and metro. It turns out that I had mistakenly tried to find the connection between the two at the wrong stop... Looking at the map again, I realized I could walk right to the tram stop and then connect to the metro. Yes!

On the way, I was able to get my first peek at Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world. Very impressive if only from the metro.

My first stop after about a 30 minute ride was the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding. I arrived 30 minutes early as was suggested, and was treated to a buffet of delicacies which constituted my lunch. The lugaimat was especially tasty as were the dates. I returned for more. (Full disclosure: not just seconds but thirds.) The chabab was interesting, a bit like crepes, with white cheese sauce to put on top, but it was the lugaimat which really appealed to me.

Soon, a man passed through holding a falcon. I quickly jumped up to have a turn with the bird. Very cool. Apparently, the Bedouins use them a lot for hunting prey. The sport of falconry is very much a part of the culture.

Burj Khalifa on the left

Bastakiya Scenes and a Camel

After lunch, I wandered around the historical neighborhood of Al Fahidi, also known as Bastakiya. There were some art galleries with interesting art and also some sort-of-souks with experienced hagglers manning their shops. All intriguing but this shopper did not spend any UAE diram.

The various historical buildings made for dramatic photos against the late afternoon sky. You can also spy the wind towers of the old buildings. I also walked over to the Dubai Creek to take a look at some of the buildings and ships/boats there.

Later I happened upon a very friendly camel who did not spit. 

A dhow outside the museum