Sharjah’s Oasis
It is late and I am buzzing. Suffice to say we went to the desert for a pseudo-traditional evening – including incense, henna, a banquet on a Persian rug and possibly the best doughnuts I have ever eaten. I am sure there will be photos in due course. Probably of me trying to look regal … Continue reading
Sharjah Day One: Feasting & Wafa’ Tarnowska
Today I am brimming with ideas. Artistic, political, cultural, social – my mind is racing from such complex stimuli. I’m honestly having trouble keeping up with myself. Once I’ve digested the big thoughts I’ll let you know, but for now, a brief note from last night. First off, there was a brilliant feast at Al … Continue reading
SHJIBF Opening Ceremony
This morning, the Sharjah International Book Fair was opened to the public. The first event was a conglomeration of several special celebrations: An opening brunch of incredible decadence, attended by Culture Ministers, Ambassadors, literary professionals and government agencies, hosted by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of … Continue reading
Sharjah: The Arrival
While I am sitting in a hotel much like any I would find in any other cosmopolitan city, this trip already has been anything but ordinary. Arrived last night [at 1am] to my own welcoming entourage at the airport. Two lovely ladies with a sign saying SARA MARIE waved, smiled and answered all my questions … Continue reading
Sharjah : a crash course
Next week, I head to foreign shores. I’ll fly to Dubai and then be escorted to the Emirate next door: Sharjah, for the Sharjah International Book Fair. While Abu Dhabi and Dubai are well known names even in Scotland, usually conjuring images of the exotic Arabia and glitzy high rises, the UAE as a whole … Continue reading
Bundles of Joy ( & Thirty Things #9)
A few weeks ago, I boarded the train to London. The East Coast line between Edinburgh and the Big Smoke is one of life’s great pleasures, but on this occasion I was rather too excited to gaze fondly at the crashing North Sea or the quaint clusters of Northumbrian sheep. I was en route to … Continue reading
Extra Credit: Whales
I love whales. Seriously. For me they hold a natural affinity, one which other (possibly sane) people often reserve for primates. There is something eternal and wise, ancient and prescient about the beasts from the deep. It may sound silly, but somehow, they seem to sing to my soul. They didn’t always, but then my … Continue reading
Clouds
Change is afoot in the Bean House, but that’s a story for another day. In the meantime, here is a wordcloud piece of this log, curtesdy of Tagxedo. You may have only existied for two months little one, but I like the way you are shaping up.
Annabel Lee & a plate
Fall is in full swing round these parts. Something about autumn feels super crafty and homespun and charmingly rustic. If there were orchards, I’d be pickin’ and bobbin’ with the best of them. Sadly, there are not. No home-made candy apples for me this year. Instead, with a relatively free afternoon, I decided to do … Continue reading
Autumnal
It is that wonderful sort of autumnal day that reminds me of tailgating. Sunny. Blustery. On that tantalizing line between mild enough for a cardigan and cold enough for a jacket. Early autumn is quite possibly my favourite time of year. It’s full of promises that are not yet come to fruition – the bite … Continue reading
Que Sera Sara? 