Kara in Sharjah: Wild Wadi (rocks my) World

After five weeks we finally managed a trip to the famous Wild Wadi water park in Jumeirah beach, Dubai. Matt, Mike and I decided to head there for one last hurrah. It was also their last night, so we needed to let loose and have some fun.

The water park was a blast. The best part may have been its location. It sits right in front of the Burj al-Arab and next to Jumeirah city, so as you’re flying up the waterslide you get some great views. And yes, I did say up. I’d never seen this before, but you start on the ground level for water slides (with inner tubes) and water shoots you upwards, then when you reach a certain altitude, you slide down, like you normally would. Whoever invented this was a genius, because he realized that people hate climbing all those stairs to get to the top of slides and found a solution! The only problem was that the jets of water shooting you up the slide were pretty violent, so if you didn’t take care to sit up in your inner tube, you ended up with a sore rear. Still, soaring up a slide with a nice view of the park, the city, and the Burj with the Persian Gulf to look at, especially during the sunset, was pretty sweet!

The park itself is also quite beautiful. There are palm trees everywhere, a view of the sea, and of course the Burj and the Beach hotel shaped like a wave, all of which combine for a very pleasant, relaxing atmosphere. At night it’s even more beautiful. The trees were lit up, party lights strung everywhere, and the Burj was all lit up with different colors. The term 'enchanting' was made for this place! In terms of attractions, there was a mini wave pool, a kiddie play area, a surfing area, numerous slides, the one giant slide, and a long lazy river. We’d heard tales of the famous Jumeirah Sceirah, the tallest and fastest free-fall speed slide outside of North America (featured on Amazing Race 5), that shoots you down at upwards of 80km/hr. SO of course the boys wanted to tackle it. After the five minute walk up the stairs I figured I might as well suck it up, so I said my prayers, crossed my arms and ankles, and took off! There’s nothing like a terrifying shoot down a waterslide to add some spice to your day. But overall, a great park, minimal lines (none for the giant slide), and great people watching. Really one of the best parts was having all the great photo opportunities! (See below).

After Wild Wadi we decided to hit Sheikh Zayed road and our favorite Lebanese restaurant, Safideh. We’ve been there twice already with Dr. S, and it’s cheap and good so enough said. We caught some of the Saudi Arabia – Ukraine game, then headed home. Tonight was the last for Matt, Mike, and Kim, all of whom are on planes back to the U.S. in the next few hours! It’s crazy to think that Olan and I are out of here Wednesday; we’ve really settled in!

ps: My body feels like it’s been put through a meat grinder. I’m now rethinking the wisdom of massive jets of water that shoot you UP a water slide.