Sharjah Again

I met a friend and colleague today at the Qanat al Qasbah in Sharjah.  That in itself was only the second time I've had that happen in over 4 years living here.  Every other time I've had to go to Dubai.  People are just scared of it or bemused by it.  Many Euro-Expats have never even been there as tourists.  And it's only 20km centre to centre.
And ohhh it was nice to go back.  It feels like home.  And it's been a while since I felt that.  Staff in the cafe and in the ice cream shop came out and asked after us - asked after Yvonne really since they rarely ask after me ;-)
It's a bad rap really.  Sharjah is a civilised place.  Modern city, malls, beaches, motorways, traffic jams, tower blocks and all the rest.  But it's also got history.  More museums than Dubai for everything from Islamic Art to vintage cars. There's an aquarium every bit as good as the one in Dubai Mall but cheaper and quieter.
The corniche is broad and lets out onto the very white sands - coral I imagine - of a clean and large and uncrowded beach.  Tropical fish to nibble on your toes abound.
The  dhow wharf is very active with new and old boats.  Trade goods coming in and out all the time.  Not a pallet in sight though there are no donkeys or camels as there were when I first came here over 30 years ago.  And so different from the big modern port up the road with its gas and oil rigs under repair.
The mountains are dramatic, awe inspiring and peaceful and they drop you out over by the Indian Ocean.  Stunning coastline and a level of peace you don't get on the Gulf Coast. Only Sharjah hits both sides of the peninsula.
So back to the Qanat.  An artificial canal joining an artificial lagoon to the natural creek and the Buhairah Corniche.  Last year we spent a great day on that Corniche watching the Power Boat racing - for free.  The buildings along the canal include terrific restaurants including my favourite Lebanese in the whole of the UAE - Shababeek.  And cafes - where else would I work?  No need for an office.  The big wheel (smaller than London Eye but you get the principle) has a dancing fountain at its foot.  But unlike it's bigger brother in Dubai this fountain is full of kids playing among the jets and dancing to the music. And at night it's buzzing like the walk in JBR in Dubai but with NO TRAFFIC!

I live in Ajman now - for financial reasons.  I may have to consider a move to Ras al Khaimah for work reasons.  But if not I think a move back to the Qanat is in sight soon.  Home...you can't beat it.