Musings on the Middle East: Part 2
The Meet and Greets:
While this trip to the Middle east, was a great getaway of sorts, between the work and pleasure, it undoubtedly became a fodder for thought and much reflections in those moments of chanced and planned connects with some amazing people living there. And some of them I met for the first time and bonded so instantly as if I knew them forever and a few who I knew for decades but didnt get to meet and connect earlier.
There were many more on my list of people who I wanted to meet but have left that for my next trip sooner than later.
Connects of empathy:
Meeting another human being for the first time is an enigmatic phenomenon. In todays age of technology although you may try to connect in so many ways online. Real time meet and greets hold their own a bag of surprises and treats in tow.
One such meet was planned … by me and my dear warm hearted friend from online. Fatima.An eloquent writer with a heart of gold and a keenly developed insight of people and their resources who draws much strength in positive reflections and most importantly a kind and brave heart following her dreams.
The heartfelt connects established in moments of our first meeting was clearly visible. She treated me to an amazing authentic Arabic dinner that evening and while catching up on our lives, in between us was a complete ease of being which we both mutually sensed in the lovely ease of conversation and strength of connection in the little time we had that day. Her warm hospitality and generosity touched me and I truly look forward to meeting her again sooner than later and wish her the best always from my heart.
Then there was this local Arab woman dressed in the traditional Abhaya worn with the hijab and those alluring kohl rimmed eyes with whom I shared a lengthy conversation of their culture and learned much but who moved me in the simplicity of her words and in sharing her heart’s deepest desires for freedom of movement and her eagerness in learning to dance…
Another wonderful woman with whom my daughter and I shared a great rapport albeit in just a few minutes of conversation was a travel guide who invited us to her home in Abu Dhabi. We got talking about so many things in such a short span of time. We bonded without reservations.
There are many more truly endearing people I met and connected some who I managed to catch up with on phone …but simply put perhaps it is just my way of seeing but I found many friendly people from across the world living there making a living thriving in the tolerance and interconnects that makes up much of Dubai’s culture in recent times.
And yes of course my visit to the traditional city of Sharjah had its own share of charm . As the people I met there were my very dear friends connecting after so long … yet the heartconnects were entrenched so deep that it felt home to me .
A short driving across the city will lead you through the Corniche where you can stay on to watch the beautiful Arabian Sunset and may be drive further on to Al Ain as well.
Will not forget the trips to the Gold and Spice Souks and most of all the Creek and the dhow cruise on the creek one pleasant evening….
Foodwise :
Being a vegetarian I thought my choices would be limited to pizzas and pastas and of course my saviour’ Subway’ besides the Indian food . But I was pleasantly surprised to find my flavour in Arabic food. Suffice to say the sumptous starters of the Arab cusine and their spiced tea was perfectly suited to my vegetarian and satvic senibilities. And I must thank my dear friends, relatives and hosts who took so much care and put so much consideration while ordering that I will hold very fond memories of dining out in this delightful trip.
Thanks to my amazing hosts I tried many dishes some which were known like the falafel and some new to me…tabbouleh and the zatar and lentil soup
were just divine. Midly aromatic and
full of flavour and bursting with greens
and a dash of lime . Awesome indeed!.
A city may be made of concrete
But homes are built with hearts
And life thrives in these homes.
Savvy
Precious time spent there…
About me:
Wellness Mentor, Dance Educator & Writer, Motivational Speaker, Freelance Designer
‘Creativity stems from the acceptance of your authentic self. It is a never-ending journey of endless possibilities that is much beyond the pursuit of a hobby or craft and can be a habit of a lifetime. So besides being a Dance educator being a writer and a designer, creating art and writing poetry gives me immense satisfaction with the infinite ways of expressing myself as I believe in enjoying the journey as much as the destination.’
Travel Trails : From At the Top
November 15, 2017 at 4:28 am
I love the photos- it looks awesome!
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November 15, 2017 at 4:32 am
Thanks dear Courtney … it certainly is! 😊
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November 15, 2017 at 5:23 am
Fantastic post, Savvy and thanks for the awesome share. Lovely to see such a delightful place and your wonderful pictures with friends. It was a pleasure to learn that you have so many beautiful qualities in you and what a profession you have. Great and keep it going friend.
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November 15, 2017 at 8:06 am
Thank you dear Kamal for reading right through and for your kind mention .Great friendships are a gift and sustained ones a boundless blessing . Thank you my friend 😊
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November 15, 2017 at 8:12 am
Welcome Savvy and yes friendships are just like boundlessly boundless. Have a great day dear Savvy.
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November 15, 2017 at 6:59 am
Beautiful pictures and brilliant post as usual.
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November 15, 2017 at 8:07 am
Thank you Siddhartha for your kind appreciation .
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November 15, 2017 at 8:59 am
Gourmet consieur delectable delight. Vegetarians can get such food itself makes me feel like going to this place. Can you also share the details of the hotel.
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November 15, 2017 at 12:29 pm
Nice to know you are interested in the vegetarian food options … the restaurant ‘s name is Beit Sitti …in Sharjah meaning My grandmothers place literally . There are just so many food options in Dubai that finding something to suit your taste will certainly not be an issue.
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November 16, 2017 at 5:38 am
Beautiful place ! Fantastic clicks !!
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November 16, 2017 at 6:17 am
Thank you Megala. I have to thank my daughter for some of those clicks.
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