A luxurious way to have loads of adventure and fun, and learn exciting and insightful lessons in history, geography, culture and sounds in the deserts of Sharjah
t was 7 am and I was lying on my back on the cool sands of a desert at the base of the Al Faya Mountain in Sharjah. We had just wintessed a spectacular sunrise from the summit of a hill, and now, arms crossed on my chest, legs stretched out, I was admiring the beautiful blue sky above me. The sun was playing hide and seek with snow white, puffy clouds that were happily floating in the sky. Silence reigned. Silence, except for the soft, faint sounds of the clinking of a wind chime. I closed my eyes shutting out everything else, relishing the soothing notes.
A few moments later, the clinking sounds slowly faded away to be replaced by a cheery, metallic note, quite like what you would hear when a ceramic bowl is struck softly. Interestingly, though, the sound was reverberating for what seemed to me to be several minutes. And was it calming!
Slowly that too faded, and the sounds of a wave crashing on the shores began to wash over me. As they grew in intensity I felt as though I was inside a wave, with the sound waves enveloping my body.
To say the feeling was pacific and peaceful would be an understatement. It was sheer bliss. The pale sun warming the body, the tranquil sounds washing over, the cool sand taking the shape of the body drawing out the tensions and stresses of a tough work week… the sense of serenity was overwhelming.
I was almost in la la land, or what one of my friends later explained to me, was a state just before yoga nidra, when an annoying fly buzzed by my ears and nose, intent to ruin the reverie that I was sinking into.
I shook my face to shoo it away. Then tried to flick it off with my hand, before trying to return to my previous state. Thankfully that irritating pest disappeared, or perhaps went off to disturb someone else.
Once again, I began enjoying what our little booklet said was sound therapy in the desert.
Ozgul Tanriover terms it sound bathing. A Turkish expat and a sound therapy expert, she was taking a bunch of us mediapersons on a journey into ourselves using sound as a medium.
Her session though, was the cherry on the cake of what was easily one of the most exhilarating and enjoyable trips that I have been on in a long time. Organised by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) on behalf of the Mleiha National Park in February, the event was to underscore Mleiha’s importance as a cornerstone in Sharjah’s tourism, economic, and cultural landscape.
For those who came in late, Mleiha National Park plays a huge part in shaping Sharjah’s tourism landscape, even as it contributes immensely to cultural preservation, and the economy of the region.
A two-day event that was organised for the media included horse riding sessions, an amazing archaeological tour & landscape exploration tour, a dune bashing drive through the desert, a delightful oud performance, and an overnight stay at a spectacular glamping site in the desert, not to mention a delicious dinner under the stars. The fitting finale was the sound bathing session, after which we were treated to a sumptuous breakfast.
While there were numerous highlights, one of the many was the Fireside Chat where archaeological experts shared insightful anecdotes and stories on Mleiha, discussing its history, conservation efforts, and community impact, highlighting the fabulous and legendary role Mleiha played in history, placed as it was on the famous Silk Route.
With something for everyone - from geography-lovers, to history and culture geeks, adventure and thrill-seekers, gourmands and those looking for R&R, this trip is definitely recommended.
The best thing is that all of this and a lot more besides are available for visitors. Visit Mleiha Glamping - Standard Tent for details and reservations.
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