Stuck In The Sharjah Sandbox: An Exhilarating Middle Eastern Adventure

The magnificent city of Sharjah, with its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning architecture, attracts countless globetrotters year after year. But what happens when you find yourself stuck in this mesmerizing sandbox of Arabian delights? Well, hold on tight because we are about to take you on an exhilarating Middle Eastern adventure like no other!

The Unexpected Beginnings

It all began with a missed flight connection in Dubai, which led to an unexpected detour in Sharjah. While some might consider this a travel nightmare, let us assure you that being stuck in the Sharjah sandbox is far from a catastrophe - it's an opportunity to explore a city that is often overshadowed by its glitzy neighboring emirates.

Stuck in the Sharjah Sandbox: A Year In Sharjah, UAE

by Michael O'Neal (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1555 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	633 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

After settling into our hotel, we decided to embark on a journey of discovery. Our first stop was the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. This architectural gem houses a vast collection of Islamic artifacts, making it a true treasure trove for history enthusiasts.

As we delved deeper into the cultural tapestry of Sharjah, we ventured into the narrow lanes of the Heritage Area. The intricate architecture and vibrant souks left us mesmerized. The aroma of Arabic spices, the sound of traditional music, and the colorful textiles all combined to transport us back in time.

A Glimpse into the Past

Sharjah has a fascinating history that spans over centuries. To truly appreciate its rich heritage, we decided to visit the Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn). This imposing fortress served as the residence of the ruling family and now houses the Sharjah Heritage Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the emirate's past.

Continuing our historical journey, we headed to the Sharjah Archaeology Museum. This remarkable institution features artifacts discovered during excavations across the emirate, including ancient pottery, jewelry, and tools. Walking through the museum's halls felt like stepping into a time capsule.

A Feast for the Senses

No adventure in the desert is complete without indulging in its culinary delights. We decided to satiate our appetites at Al Bait Sharjah, a luxurious heritage resort that offers a taste of traditional Emirati cuisine. From succulent grilled meats to aromatic biryanis and decadent sweets, the flavors of Sharjah left us craving for more.

With our taste buds still tingling, we couldn't resist exploring the vibrant Al Arsa Souk. This bustling marketplace is a sensory overload, with perfumes, spices, and traditional Arabic sweets tempting you at every turn. We couldn't resist purchasing some exotic spices to bring back home as treasured mementos of our journey through the Sharjah sandbox.

Natural Wonders and Thrilling Adventures

A desert adventure wouldn't be complete without exploring the natural wonders that surround Sharjah. We embarked on a thrilling dune bashing expedition, where skilled drivers navigated the sandy terrain with adrenaline-pumping precision. The exhilaration of sliding down steep dunes left our hearts racing and our spirits soaring.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to the tranquil Mleiha Archaeological Center. This hidden gem reveals the secrets of Sharjah's prehistoric civilizations through fascinating exhibits and archaeological sites. The stunning views of a sunset over the desert made this experience truly magical.

A Journey Never Forgotten

While being stuck in the Sharjah sandbox initially seemed like a travel hiccup, it unraveled into an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime. Exploring the rich history, vibrant souks, and indulging in the flavors of Sharjah rejuvenated our spirits and broadened our horizons.

So, if you ever find yourself in this mesmerizing corner of the world, consider it a blessing in disguise and embark on your own adventure through the captivating Sharjah sandbox. You won't be disappointed!

Stuck in the Sharjah Sandbox: A Year In Sharjah, UAE

by Michael O'Neal (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1555 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	633 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Upon returning home from Beijing--"Being in Beijing: Buses, Bikes, and Beer"--Mike O'Neal accepts a teaching position in Sharjah, the most culturally traditional and conservative of the seven United Arab Emirates. He'd never heard of the place. And from that early-morning mumbled phone interview that landed him the job, to his last day of teaching and living in the gulag housing, Mike faced the adversities of abject racism, witnessed ethnic abuse, blatant sexist attitudes, and dealt with students who possessed not only elitist mentalities, but were classic examples of extreme ADD and ADHD behaviors! As if these challenges weren't enough, Sharjah was is a 'dry' Emirate! How would Mike survive the year without beer?
But his perpetual sense of humor is ever evident, even when facing his Lebanese gangster bosses, getting stuck up to his knees in sand while wadi bashing, deflecting the sexual innuendos of some of his more provocative female students and staff, and almost keeping his anger in check with anti-American Rudolph Mohammed and the ultimately aggravating Itchy Ismael.
A break comes when he opts to visit Jordan during the winter break, a safer country than most in the Mideast during the onset of the Arab Spring. But he was no Indiana Jones while stumbling through Petra.
Walk the school hallways with Mike and witness, through his eyes, the treatment of students that would have teachers fired, even arrested, in the US, but as well cheer on those abuses because so many of the male students acted like zoo monkeys!
Dine with Mike on foods unpronounceable, but ultimately pleasurable to the pallet, or scorching to the tongue!
Engage the locals and expats alike with Mike, and learn their stories of prejudice, war, sex, family, and how they see the world from their Arab and oil-soaked-sand-dune point of view.
And laugh with Mike as he faces the frustrations of teaching an overloaded class schedule, makes illegal beer runs, commits social faux pas almost daily, sips Jameson Whiskey with his made-to-order South African friend, Des, and succumbs to the wiles of Ezili, the little African-American hottie from Atlanta!
This is O'Neal's second book. His writing has matured, even if he hasn't.
Now please, join Mike (again) and his days spent in 115 degree heat viewing roadside camels, green desert parrots and veiled beauties, while stuck living in the Sharjah Sandbox.