Adventure, here we come!
As an artiste of words (journalist and author), I can never emphasize enough leaving the empty notebook and Word document behind for some time off in nature. So, here we were, securing our wristbands and water bottles at the Adventure Cafe to explore more than a handful of activities, including water sports, mountain biking, fitness classes, yoga sessions, horse riding, stargazing, and survival skills courses.
It's easier to be brave when you're not alone. This was my underlying thought as I hiked up a trail in the Kalba Mountains, Sharjah, UAE. I not only felt brave, but I'd say braver; for giving us company were Omkar and Robin, the expert hiking crew. The two-hour (uphill, downhill) trek dotted with rocks and sand seemed within limits, for the duo remained calm, patient, and friendly as they guided us on day one of the Adventure Festival. It was 11 am when we made it back to the base. The experience had overwhelmed us — so much so that instead of camping for the 'art workshop' next, we decided to take the shuttle from the Mountain Camp to the Water Sports Centre and try our hands-on kayaking for the first time.

Hero Experiences Group launched the Adventure Festival (December 14-15), powered by Hero Events and Absolute Adventure, a vibrant, family-friendly outdoor festival debuting at the stunning natural Kalba landscape in Sharjah.
But before getting our clothes wet and testing our arm strength, let's rewind. We said goodbye to Dubai (for a day) to fill our Saturday with a sense of calmness and a dash of adventure. At 7 am, we hit the road. If you wish to create art, you must travel unknown roads, right? As an artiste of words (journalist and author), I can never emphasize enough leaving the empty notebook and Word document behind for some time off in nature. So, here we were, securing our wristbands and water bottles at the Adventure Cafe to explore more than a handful of activities, including water sports, mountain biking, fitness classes, yoga sessions, horse riding, stargazing, and survival skills courses.

Since the sun was not harsh when we reached, we chose to hike foremost. I'd be lying if I were to say the 'kid-friendly' labeled hike was friendly enough for me. The hiking crew did say it was not, so organizers, please note this for the future. Nevertheless, going slow and the crew's perfect attitude helped us test our limitations! So, kudos lie there. City dwellers often crave earnest conversations and warmer smiles, and the crew at the Festival filled that need and greed. Just walking around in the Mountain Camp, watching the children attend Rope Courses, adults sitting in for a yoga class, or simply sitting on the rocks, which were tastefully adorned with cushions that screamed Majlis patterns and colors, is just what we needed to slow down at the end of the year. And, of course, the chance to learn about the Mangroves in the region was also on the cards. The one-hour Mangrove Walk turned out to be more of a short stroll, followed by a let's use fish nets to catch a crab, a fish, and more — I did wish it was more informative and included a visit to the Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre next door, but alas, it was not. Once again, the crew's enthusiasm made up for the lack of what could have been a fuller experience. The fuller experience for us came in the form of the Guided Kayak Tour, which was a blend of serenity and escapade. After we were slipped into life jackets, instructions were given on 'how to operate,' and well, we were in the waters, kayaking our way to a newer skill, experience. Synchronization and balance are what could guide you here and in life, I'd say.

Pardon the cliche, but there was something for everyone at the camp, and it did make for a good day out in the mountains with friends and family. Barring the fact that where was everyone? We were not expecting huge crowds; the quiet was what we sought, but it was quieter than we had thought. We had our bags in tow, with a change of clothes and a toothbrush, but we took a U-Turn and returned home to Dubai partly for a few reasons. We didn't spot many campers staying overnight, perhaps because it was day one of the camp and season. Also, we were a tad disappointed with the food choices — we'd expected a limited menu, which is perfect for a camp like this, but the quality and choices were way off the mark. Additionally, the staff at the dining area was pretty lost at operations, and we did discount that as well, for it is their debut in the region.
Yes, the organizers have thought through everything, and while they seem prepared, I guess the implementation would take a bit to translate from paper to mountains. Would we like to go back and perhaps even stay? A big yes, for who'd not want to sit by the bonfire with a book and hot chocolate?
So, adventure, we shall return!

Authored by Purva Grover
Purva Grover is an author, journalist, and creative entrepreneur. She is the founder-editor of storiesoverart.com, a sanctuary for all who find solace, inspiration, and purpose in art. In a world that often overlooks the significance of art, she stands firm in her belief that it is essential, more so than anything else.
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