I just got back from Sharjah, and let me tell you, there's a whole world waiting to be discovered there. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. I knew it was the quieter sibling to Dubai, but didn't think it'd hold too many surprises for me. I thought it'd be a quick stopover, just some token cultural jaunt before diving into the flashy lights of the more touristy spots. Spoiler alert: I was completely wrong.
This spot? Total surprise.
First things first, I had no idea I'd fall head over heels for the Sharjah Art Museum. I almost didn't even go, thinking, “Ugh, another museum?” But you know how sometimes, you just meander into one of those places, and suddenly, it's like the universe decides to show off its secrets? I spent a couple of hours there, wandering through the galleries, getting lost in these contemporary and classical pieces. My favorite was this enormous abstract piece that lined one wall—just huge splashes of color that practically talked to me. Each piece was an invitation to see the world differently. I didn't know I needed that kind of inspiration until I walked into that space.
It's funny how an unplanned moment can become the highlight of your trip. I mean, who goes to Sharjah solely for the art scene? But there I was, immersed in creativity, snapping photos like I was a teenage Instagram influencer. I debated whether or not to share it all—doesn't everyone just post selfies in front of skyscrapers? But sometimes, art has a way of making you forget about all that and just feel… human.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
So, after that unexpected culture shock, I wandered down to Al Majaz Waterfront. I wrote it off as a simple stroll beside some water, but no, my friends—this place had magic. The sun was dipping low, painting the whole area in shades of orange and pink. It was breathtaking! I grabbed a coffee from a little café, sat down, and just took it all in. The sound of the water lapping against the shore, the laughter of families enjoying the evening, and the mean little ducks quacking around made everything feel alive.
In that moment, I caught myself smiling like a total goofball. It was one of those afternoons where I wasn't rushing to check off items on my itinerary. I just… existed. And in our fast-paced lives, isn't that what we truly need? I pulled out my phone to document it, but then I thought, “Nah, just sit. Just breathe.” Sometimes the best things to do in Sharjah are the ones you don't plan for.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Later, I had an embarrassing detour. My sense of direction is atrocious, seriously. I meant to head for the Sharjah Heritage Area, but somehow ended up in this bustling market instead. Honestly, I didn't even know it was a market until I heard someone shouting about “fresh fruits!” and saw tables piled high with produce. I guess I was just following the smell of spice. So, instead of the heritage area, I found myself at Al Ars Al Aam.
At first, I was a bit annoyed. There goes my carefully plotted itinerary! But then I embraced it, wandering through tight stalls that were bursting with linens, spices, and all sorts of handmade trinkets. Oh, the tang of saffron! And then, out of nowhere, this woman called out to me. She was selling these bright, colorful lanterns, and I ended up chatting with her about the stories behind them. “These aren't just decorations,” she said, eyes twinkling. “They carry joy and light in our homes.” I bought one, partly because it was beautiful and partly because she was so lovely.
That little lantern is now sitting on my shelf, and every time I look at it, I remember her smile and those unexpected moments of kindness in the most unintentional detour of my life.
A meal that became a memory
Oh, and I can't forget to mention the food. I stumbled into a restaurant called Al Fanar, which, yes, I tried looking up beforehand but somehow missed in my confusion with the directions. When I finally found it, I was ready to dive into whatever was put in front of me. I mean, how can you say no to traditional Emirati cuisine? I opted for the lamb mandi, and oh my goodness, the flavors. The rice was fluffy, the lamb was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and it was all decorated with nuts and spices that made me feel like I was dining royalty.
While I was eating, I glanced over and noticed a family feasting together, with gregarious laughter filling the air. I felt a tiny pang of homesickness—food always manages to connect us, doesn't it? I was the outsider watching their joy, and I was struck by how food sparks conversations, laughter, and shared memories.
Small mistakes turned into serendipity
Even with my blazing sense of direction—or lack thereof—I found moments hidden in the corners of Sharjah I never could have planned for. The mishaps turned into stories I'll cherish forever. Like the time I tried ordering a local dish with what I thought was confidence but ended up with something entirely different. Hey, at least I got to try “margoog,” which I later learned was a bread-like dish soaked in all sorts of delicious sauces—a total win!
I could keep rambling about the best things to do in Sharjah—there's more than a single blog post worth, but I think you get the idea. It's all about surprises, connections, and those little detours you take along the way. My trip was more than just sightseeing; it was about feeling, discovering, and nourishing a sense of adventure that I didn't even know I needed.
And here I am, sipping the last cold bit of my coffee, still trying to piece it all together in my mind, letting the memories wash over me quietly. It's those unexpected gems that linger, weaving into the fabric of our lives, reminding us of the beauty wrapped in moments we never sought out.
