Thanksgiving Treats
I love any holiday revolving around food. In celebration of this truly awesome day, I’m wallowing in past delicacies and the delights yet to come. Particularly the discoveries I made in Sharjah, and a little bit of traditional feasting too. A meditation on great foods. I know what you’re thinking. Who spends a morning thinking … Continue reading
Sharjah in rearview
This trip has been positively eye-opening. While I may leave Sharjah imminently, this experience has left me enlivened, positively brimming with exciting ideas. Thanks so much to @rupertbu @bodour @nouranoman @kalimat_ books and the Department of Culture & Information for their hospitality and support. Thanks to my drivers and tour guide for their wonderful insights … Continue reading
Sharjah Art Museum & Maraya Art Centre
The first thing almost anyone here will tell you about Sharjah is its immense investment in culture. The city practically oozes with museums, galleries and events. There is a huge concerted effort to celebrate culture and art here. In fact, it’s a major tenant of the Royal family’s work. His highness is a prolific writer. … Continue reading
Sharjah: Comics & Graphic Novels
Britain is notoriously squeamish when it comes to illustrated work. Despite delivering excellent artists and writers like Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman and a bevy of other superstars – they still lack a mainstream following or any significant literary respect. Whether that’s the cause of or effect behind the cagey, insular and incredibly risk-averse market is … Continue reading
The Amazing Shobhaa De
The last two days have been amazing – and full of outstanding women. One of them is the excellent Shobhaa De – an Indian writer and broadcaster, and one firecracker of a speaker. She was on the outstanding Women in Fiction panel at #shjibf with Kate Mosse , Oumaima Abdullah al-Khamis (Saudi Arabia) and Dr … Continue reading
Exploring Sharjah
Today I went exploring near my hotel. The city of Sharjah is centred on a large lagoon, so almost everywhere are promenade waterfronts and high rises. Next door to our hotel there is a public park full of palm trees, all in impeccable rows. As I wandered in this garden, hopping from shady spot to … Continue reading
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
Que Sera Sara? 