Outing to Sharjah

Final Schedule as Follows:

1) Islamic Political Philosophy: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday 11:00-11:50
2) Modern Gulf History: Monday, Wednesday 11:00-12:15
3) Islamic Law and Jurisprudence: Monday, Wednesday 12:30-1:45
4) Intermediate Arabic II : Monday, Wednesday 2:00-3:15
          +Language Lab: Sunday 2:00-3:40
5) Politics of Arabian States: Monday, Wednesday 3:30-4:45

Overview, two very busy days on Monday and Wednesday when I have classes from 11am- 4:45 with only 3, 15 minute breaks. Then only one class on Tuesday and Thursday, then two classes on Sunday. (the weekend here is Friday and Saturday!)


Today we went on an outing to Sharjah. It started out not too eventful, went to an Islamic Civilization Museum, which I have to admit wasn't to exciting. It was interesting at times but had a lot of coins and a lot of pottery, so it got a little old after awhile! The highlight would probably have to be the ceiling of the dome! I just looked at the video and now realize I have to work on SLOOOOWLY panning the camera. I apologize for any motion sickness caused by this video.

12th Century Qur'an Manuscript at the Museum

After the museum we basically wandered. Walked through a few souqs that were mostly closed unfortunately, but did find a cool spice shop! Found some black lemons! Must get some to bring back towards the end of my trip!

Old man sitting at coffee shop praying on his prayer beads
 in his hand (kind of like a muslim rosary)

The highlight of the day for me was going down to the Al Qasba area for dinner and a short cruise on the Sharjah Lagoon! We had dinner at a Lebanese place called Shababeek where I had the best falafel I've had!

Sorry for the loud noise! I was right next to the motor!

Falafel wrapped in Pita with cilantro, tomatoes, pickles, and some tasty sauce!

         Also experienced my very first major culture shock last night. After we got back from dinner around 9:30 or so, the group decided we should still hang out for a little longer. Since men aren't allowed in the girls dorm area and vice versa, we picked a neutral location near the men's dorms. After probably less than an hour we were approached by a security guard on a bike saying women are not allowed in this area and that the other girl, Deena, and I had to leave. We said that we were told by our advisors that men and women could both be here. The security guard again said no and told us to leave. So Deena and I left. The security guard then followed us on his bike more than halfway to the women's dorms just to make sure we were actually leaving I guess. On the way back Deena told me numerous stories about the Security acting this way, even if it is just women all together after dark. I also remembered from some of the exchange students who were here last semester say that sometimes if there are one guy and girl walking together during the day even if their are tons of people around, the security guards sometimes follow them. Or if they are sitting alone together at a table or a bench (even if there is a crowd of people round) they will tell them to leave. Even though this isn't technically against the rules of the university! It was definitely frustrating and we had a grand old time verbally abusing the officer to ourselves as we were walking home. It was frustrating because of course, to us as Americans, it is so normal to have guy friends and have it not mean anything beyond that. I think it is just something we will just have to get used to.

On that note, I leave you with this....

This is in our library...