This entry is the result of different trips through this region of the United Arab Emirates. Although there is much more that can be done within this emirate, especially if you like museums or archaeological sites, I did not visit those, and before I left, it was getting too hot to be out in the sand!
One of the places that I visited was the ghost town of Al Madam. There are 2 rows of houses just south of the town of Al Madam, which were built most likely in the 1960s or 1970s by the government. From what I was able to learn, these houses (and mosque) were likely built when the government was trying to get the Bedouin tribes to settle in one location and change their nomadic ways. The houses, if inhabited at all, were not inhabited for long. Legend has it that the djinns (genies or spirits) disturbed the residents and they left due to the paranormal activity. Others believe that it was simply the sand that has been encroaching, and now covers some of the houses completely, that forced the move. Regardless of the reason, you can drive to this deserted area (with a 4×4), or park and walk the remainder (which is what I had to do, so as not to get stuck in the sand). Since it was already the end of June by the time that we could go, we left early in the morning to beat the heat (which, by 9-10 am was becoming unbearable). If you want to go, follow the Google Maps link to the Old area of Madam, of the industrial road, and then drive as far as you like on the sand. Continue reading Mini Escapes – Sharjah
hat its neighbour, Mosul, only 87 km away (or approximately 80 minutes drive + checkpoints) is a war ravaged area. Our guide for the weekend, Sabah, works for the British Consulate in Erbil, and has travelled to Mosul, so he shared his experience and photos with us. They had to go in a convoy of 5 armoured cars, wearing full body protection the entire time. The sights you see on the news are what exist, with buildings in ruins, and bodies littering the streets. (The only thing littering the highways/streets in Erbil state was the rubbish (especially plastic). Even though they were travelling from Kurdistan (part of Iraq), and going for diplomatic reasons, they were stopped at many different checkpoints and questioned, as the Kurdish and the Arab Iraqis do not like each other. Sabah very much emphasized the fact that they are different from the Arabic Iraqis, even if they are Muslims (Sunni). (Perception Challenge, especially for my friends who are bombarded by North American News broadcasts… Islam, just like Christianity, has many different denominations, and just because someone is Muslim does not make them the same as the extremists in the news.) 
Curious Julie's Colourful Adventures 