The children's book fair started on the 11th, and it was good fun with a lot of workshops, and other activities including the roaming pantomime by the Brick People. But on 14th the country's President passed away after a long illness, so all events were cancelled for 3 days. It suddenly changed our work schedule, though I have been going to work but not doing much on the ground reporting. Hunting for feature stories continues. So far so good.
The highlight of this edition for me is that I saw the ruler in real for the first time. I was there when he came for the inauguration. There is a lot of quiet security here unlike the ostentatious one in India. Entry to the venue was restricted, and we had to reach by 8 am since the Ruler was coming around 10 am. Bags were checked but we were not frisked. The packed food for the media came only after HH left. I went to see him as he was holding court, and got a photo from afar.
The best thing about Sharjah book fairs is that entry as well as all workshops are free of charge. Even though many of the guests come with a premium price tag.
No comments:
Post a Comment