Title: The Purple Journal

Alhumdulillah

Published on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:33:10

I’ve been tagged – ages ago, I know and I’m so sorry it took me this long – by the sweet Alisha to list 10 things that I am grateful to Allah for.  For all the blessings that I’m showered with, it’s so difficult to choose just ten of them.  So for ALL of those read more..

Dhow: A Traditional Arab Ship

Published on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:02:24

The history of Sharjah – then known as Sarcoa – goes back some 6000 years ago.  At that time the population was really small, and in addition to some cultivation and hunting, they used to depend on trade (mainly pearls) and  building of maritime boats. I took this picture at the Sharjah corniche during one beautiful read more..

Will You Marry Me … Again? (Part 2)

Published on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:39:08

In an attempt to get back together after the divorce, he decided that halala or temporary marriage is the only solution.  She was skeptical at first but – nobody knew why or how – eventually gave in to the plan.  Confident that she had finally agreed, his next step was to convince their building watchman read more..

Will You Marry Me … Again?

Published on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:16:00

Everyone in the building knows their story.  It started out a little over three years ago when the residents welcomed a newly married couple, enthralled to begin their new lives together.  The couple was originally from Egypt, had both been working in the Gulf for quite sometime, met each other through mutual friends, fell in read more..

The Wheel at Global Village

Published on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:21:02

Global Village read more..

Keeping the Water Clean

Published on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:13:21

Here in the UAE, when one is tired of the malls and parks, one definitely heads towards to corniche.   The one in Sharjah is my favorite:  majority of the people come with families, it’s very clean and the masjids are gorgeous!  One of the many activities that people can enjoy while at the corniche is read more..

A Little Palm Oasis in the Heart of Sharjah

Published on Sun, 24 Jan 2010 15:01:25

Just next to the gorgeous Al Noor masjid and Buhairah corniche in Sharjah is this small strip of land with hundreds of palm trees.  It’s simply called the Palm Oasis, where families come to spend an afternoon to relax.  The children are exceptionally happy, running around bare foot and riding their colorful bicycles, specially after read more..

Traditional Lanterns

Published on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:55:49

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Here’s the New Menu

Published on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:26:55

I asked Masood to bring home some tandoori roti from a nearby Pakistani restaurant earlier today.  This restaurant has recently been renovated, adding a family hall where women and children can dine with some privacy.  Naturally, they felt it necessary to upgrade their menu card too.  So Masood brought home, along with the rotis, their read more..

Of Buildings and Trains

Published on Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:48:59

So while the weather is still oh-so-pleasant and cool, Masood and I have promised ourselves to go out for walks each evening (and not buy dessert on our way home) and spend the time planning for our tomorrow together.  It’s amazing how there’s always a topic to talk about.  Or maybe I’m just talkative – read more..