Sharjah: a modern and exotic destination

Sharjah city is known for its flashy building, wide roads, heritage museum and big malls while the East coast is famous for its craggy mountains, seaside towns, sandy bays and mangrove forests

"Let’s go to the rains now!" announced our guide, setting off quite a few grins. Rain in Sharjah? In the desert? Everyone in the group was bemused as our guide asked us to proceed towards the next destination ~ Rain Room. However, he didn’t utter a word more,  just smiled.
 After spending a good three days in Sharjah, the cultural Capital of the Arab world, exploring its nook and corner, we almost fell in love with the city. At the Al Noor Island that houses a butterfly garden, one was mesmerised by the number of butterfly species flying around.

One can also delve into history with the numerous heritage structures and museums mushrooming all over the city. For shoppers, Sharjah is a paradise! Go to the heart of Sharjah, which houses the oldest souk, and one can find many traditional and local artefacts. If inside the Souq don’t forget to taste its Omani Halwa, which is said to be a favourite dessert of the royals. If one is fond of window shopping, come to Blue Souq, a gold souk that displays some dazzling pieces of gold jewellery.
 For dining what could be a better option than dining at At Majaz Waterfront, overlooking birds playing in and around water. One can see fish auction at Al Jubail, or do some pocket-friendly shopping.

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Rainy day
When our bus stopped at the next destination, we just saw a beautiful structure, but no sign of rain at all. However, a big surprise was awaiting inside. It was really raining inside but, surprisingly, one can walk into it without getting wet. Yes, that's right! One can dance, play, pose for as many pictures as one wants, and one won't get wet at all. The Rain Room is a technology installation that has experiential shower with a sensor. When the sensors find a person, the area one is standing in is free of water but with rain all around. It was certainly a great experience but also meant a lot of work for the camera.

East Coast
After exploring Sharjah city, it was time to know a different part ~ East Coast. Sharjah city is known for flashy buildings and wide roads while East coast has craggy mountains, seaside towns, sandy bays and mangrove forests. Our next destination was 120 kms away, a two- hour drive from Sharjah city, towards the East coast. The two hours pass in a blink of the eyes as one passed sand dunes and roadside fruit vendors. Our first stop was Kalba Bird of Prey Centre, a bird sanctuary housing 84 precious raptors.

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The centre organises two shows daily, which inform visitors about the native raptor species, highlighting its importance to the population of both resident and migrating wild raptors, like the Barn Owl, Short Toad Snake Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, and Lappet Faced Vulture.
 Once inside, one came across many exotic birds on their perches, making different sounds. Their caretaker informed that they have forgotten how to fly. But during the show, some of these birds get a chance to fly. The trainer holds out food and these bird come flying to pick the food. At times, some of the birds came so close to us that we had to move aside to avoid them.

 Our stay in East Coast was in a beautiful island resort, Kingfisher Lodge. Housing only 20 tents, the resort is synonymous to luxury. On one side the resort was overlooking the sea while the other side was a mountain ~ like a picture postcard. The region borders Oman, just a few kilometers away. As the day passes one could clearly hear the sound of winds, and sea. It was like sharing time with nature. The lodge is named after the precious Arabian Collared Kingfisher. In fact, the region is known for the White Kingfisher. Another highlight of the area is that it houses the oldest mangroves in Arabia.

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