Jeddah Modern Sculpture

Jeddah is a city in Saudi Arabia known for its many sculptures.  I don't know anything about this particular modern sculpture, but it is likely made out of some type of recycled metal, as many of Jeddah's sculptures are. 

Jeddah: WAMY

World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) is an international organization whose purpose is to “preserve the identity of Muslim youth and help overcome the problems they face in modern society."


Worldwide they host numerous events, conferences, and camps and boast membership in more than 55 countries.  WAMY is largely funded by Saudi Arabia.  Chapters in the USA were closed due to its close ties with the Bin Laden family.  For all its implied good intentions, the organization begets criticism for allegedly supporting terrorism and sponsoring students to become indoctrinated by radical Muslim clerics in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

SkyWatch: Jeddah's Air Quality

There is so much construction (for years now) in our part of Jeddah that most days the sky doesn't appear blue at all - it's a dusty beige color.  Not only that, it's rare for me to see any clouds in my area of the city either.

Between construction dust and sandstorms, the air quality of Jeddah can be really bad.  I never leave the house without my inhaler.  Many Jeddah residents wind up in the hospital because they cannot breathe.

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Palm Trees and Mosques

Many mosques here in Saudi Arabia are landscaped with palm trees around them.  I think they fit together well. 

Jeddah: Party Time Dresses

Fancy dress shops abound in Jeddah.  This is a children's clothing store in a mall which sells fancy wedding / party dresses from kids.  The weddings I have attended in Saudi Arabia have all been quite elaborate.  I usually feel under-dressed.  The women, especially, go all out - I have never seen such gorgeous gowns, high heels, jewelry, hairdos, makeup and accessories in my life as I have here. 

Our World: Get Your Fresh Produce Here!

All over Jeddah there are roadside street vendors hawking their fresh produce.  Many customers don't even get out of the cars to shop.

 


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Red Sea Octopus

This octopus was caught in the Red Sea.  I have actually seen octopi when I have been out snorkeling.  Octopus is sold at the big fish market in Old Jeddah. 

Jeddah: Mall's Stained Glass Domes

One of the malls we visit in Jeddah has many domes with different designs and colors of stained glass. 

Jeddah: Lovely Bakery Treats

Saudis definitely have a sweet tooth.  There are chocolate shops and bakeries everywhere.  Many items are so beautiful you don't want to eat them.  Here are some beautiful cakes and bite size morsels.

Or if you prefer, here is a selection of mostly black and white cookies and treats.  

SkyWatch: Minaret and Lovely Sky

Where I live in North Jeddah, there is so much construction in the are for years now that many days the sky looks beige because of all the dust and sand in the air.  It's nice to see a blue sky and some clouds once in a while, instead of the usual brownish haze.

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Jeddah: Empty Mall

Weekdays here in Saudi Arabia, most malls are pretty deserted.  It doesn't help that only limited shops are actually open, partly because of the continual closing and opening of businesses due to the prayer times and the lack of customers during the day time.  Most nights and weekends, the malls come alive.  In fact on weekends I try to stay away from the malls if at all possible because of the crowds and heavy traffic. 

Beach Villas

These pink twin beach villas could be part of a family compound at the resort area north of Jeddah called Durrat Al Aroos.

Our World: Water Spray Hoses

I still wonder why these handy dandy water spray hoses for the toilet haven't really caught on in the USA yet.  Every home and public restroom here in Saudi Arabia is equipped with these devices which provide a spray of water to clean yourself after using the toilet.  You can also purchase replacement parts, which is what is shown in the photo.  I love these hoses so much that I had my husband bring them and install them in the bathrooms of the home we just purchased this past summer in Washington state!  Americans don't know what they are missing.  By the way, I have seen them in stores like Home Depot, but the kits are outrageously expensive.  They are quite cheap here in Saudi.

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Grape Leaves Selection

It took me a while to get used to them, but stuffed grape leaves is one of my favorite snacks now here in Saudi Arabia.  They are readily available already made in cans - the selection here is quite good. They are usually just stuffed with rice.  Or you can purchase just the grape leaves and make your own from scratch.  When we make our own at home, we will usually add in some spiced up ground beef.  I also prefer them with a strong lemony flavor as well.  

Bath & Body Works in Arabic

I like to show logos and signs of familiar worldwide businesses that are written in both English and Arabic.  This one is Bath & Body Works taken in a local Jeddah mall.  

Misspelled Sign: "Deture" Ahead

One of my hobbies here is locating misspellings on signs, menus, or whatever.  This one says "Deture Ahead"

SkyWatch: Red Sea Coast

This part of the Red Sea coastline is north of Jeddah in a resort area called Durrat Al Aroos.  When we go out to the sea, we usually depart from this area.

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Saudi Arabia: Modern Minaret

I have a fascination for mosque minarets, and this one is quite unusual.  The modern swirl design of the minaret is so simple and graceful.  I have never before seen one like it here.  The crescent moon shape tops off most minarets. 

Morning at Durrat Al Aroos

A peaceful early morning shot at the marina at Durrat al Aroos, north of Jeddah.  As we sat in the boat preparing to go out to sea, I kept hearing splashing in the water near me.  I looked over and saw large areas of the otherwise calm water fluttering.  It turns out that it was hundreds of little sardines that were trying to escape the jaws of larger fish below them hunting for their breakfast.  Above the water, dozens of seagulls waited for the sardines splashing on the water's surface.  They dove down and successfully caught their snacks.  It was quite fascinating.

Our World: Saudi Arabia: Friendly King

Many businesses here in Jeddah feature huge banners or signs with pictures of the current king and crown princes on them.  Many of the photos are of the royalty waving big friendly "Hellos!"

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Jeddah Mosque

Here is another typical mosque of Jeddah.

Jeddah: Yellow Business Signs

One business after another using a lot of yellow for their business signs.  I kinda like it.

Jeddah: Busy Street Scene

I love this busy street scene of Jeddah.  It's colorful and has a lot going on with the traffic, the businesses, the signs, and the men walking. 

SkyWatch: Jeddah: Lovely Skyscraper

This is one of my favorite newer buildings in Jeddah.  I love the architectural style of it.  It is located on Medina Road, one of the main streets of Jeddah.


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Jeddah: Business Signs

Many of the business signs here in Jeddah are quite colorful and many have tons of graphics on them to indicate the type of products they offer.  Because there are so many foreigners here who don't speak or write Arabic, the graphics are necessary.  In my opinion many of the signs are too busy with too many pictures and too much writing.

Saudi Symbols

This is one of many similar sculptures that stand in the center of traffic islands in Jeddah that depict symbols of Saudi Arabia - the crossed swords, the date palm, and the color green. 

Our World: Saudi Arabia: Buckled Up Kids? Nope!

One thing that still upsets me after 8 years in the kingdom is the lack of safety implementations.  For example, cars are equipped with seat belts but they are rarely used.  It is not unusual to see children bouncing around inside the vehicles or hanging out the windows.  

This already bashed in car had three small children in the back seat, none of whom were buckled in.  If there is an accident and one of them is injured or killed, fault will not lie with the driver/father who didn't ensure that his children were buckled in.  What will be said is "It was God's will."

Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is like all around our ever-amazing planet.

Jeddah Street Scene

An unfinished building, a covered up car, and a man crossing the street with his grocery bag make for an interesting Jeddah street scene.

Jeddah: Green Neon Building

Many of Jeddah's buildings are outlined in a variety of colored neon lights.  It brings the city to life at night, don't you think?

SkyWatch: Saudi Arabia: What to Wear?

This photo shows a variety of dress that men in this society can wear when out in public. Some western businessmen here might wear suits and ties, but it's not too common a sight.  Women are not allowed such freedom of choice in the clothing department.  Women are usually covered in a long loose black cloak called abaya and are not normally seen in public wearing pants of any kind.


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School Sign Gets Spelling Wrong

Sorry about my extended absence.  I recently returned to Jeddah after spending the summer in the US where I was busy purchasing a home, among other things.  Hopefully I am back for a while.  Did you miss me?

Here is another misspelled sign here in Jeddah, this time on a school advertising "Since and Math" on the bottom line on the sign above the entrance. Oops!