Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Our World - Jeddah Supermarket


A Saudi man shops with his young son in a modern supermarket in Jeddah. 




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Monday, January 30, 2017

Saudi Arabia - Roshan Window Coverings


An old architectural detail of buildings in Jeddah are the distinctive wooden window coverings, called Roshan (singular) or Rawasheen (plural).  They provide privacy but are also functional as they are vented to allow for air flow.  Many newer buildings in Jeddah feature the Roshan as a purely decorative feature.


Sunday, January 29, 2017

Jeddah - Blue Gate


Big iron gates like this one are a common sight in Saudi Arabia.  Private residences are all surrounded by soaring walls for privacy. 

Saturday, January 28, 2017

Jeddah Businesses


In Saudi Arabia it is common to find similar competing businesses in the same areas.  I guess it's easier to comparison shop that way, but it also might be inconvenient if those types of businesses are not located near you.  Of the 4 businesses shown here, two are oud shops (incense and perfumes) and the other two sell beds. 

Friday, January 27, 2017

SkyWatch: Jeddah's International Medical Center


This is Jeddah's beautiful International Medical Center.  It opened for business in 2006 and has 300 beds that accommodate patients in over 30 specialties.  The beautiful architecture was the design of a famed architect of the region, Dr. Sami Angawi.


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Thursday, January 26, 2017

Saudi Arabia - Bare Chested Men


In a country where women must appear in public covering everything except their hands and face, and where even women's faces on advertising or in magazines are often censored with black markers, men are held to different standards.


Gyms for men in Saudi Arabia often feature large photos of bare chested men to attract customers.  It's a difficult to understand cultural contradiction.

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Our World: Saudi Arabia - Unexpected



Although I've lived in Saudi Arabia for 9 years now, there are still many things that seem contrary to the culture or the religion, or certainly to the reputation of this ultra religious country.  I think I would probably be miffed if I saw this display in a mall shop's window in the USA, but to see it in Saudi Arabia was, well,  jaw-dropping.

 

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Saturday, January 21, 2017

Jeddah - Blue Glass Hi-Rise


Jeddah - Mall Window Displays


These Jeddah mall shop window displays were decorated in a winter holiday theme, something that is rare for this country.


There are only 2 recognized holidays in Saudi Arabia, and both are related to Islam. 


One holiday is celebrated after Hajj, the annual religious pilgrimage to Mecca, and the other follows Ramadan, the month when Muslims fast during the daytime.


Friday, January 20, 2017

SkyWatch - Swords of God Sculpture


Jeddah is well known for its many public sculptures that grace the city's streets for all to enjoy.  This sculpture is called the Swords of God.


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Thursday, January 19, 2017

Jeddah - Hookah Shop


This shop in Jeddah sells hookahs and everything that goes with them, including "Tabacoo."

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Saudi Arabia - Deli Dishes


These are very typical prepared vegetable dishes sold by the kilo that are available in the deli sections of most supermarkets in Saudi Arabia.  Many of these dishes are pickled.


Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Our World - Saudi Toilet Signs


I love taking photos of the signs for men's and women's toilets here in Saudi Arabia.  I like the graphics.





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Monday, January 16, 2017

Jeddah - Lighting Shops


Frequently shops in Saudi Arabia that offer the same services or sell the same products are located in the same area , one after the other, right next door to each other.

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Saudi Arabia - Modern Supermarket


Supermarkets in Saudi Arabia are very similar to supermarkets in the west, however one cannot find any pork products or alcoholic beverages, as these items are strictly forbidden within the country.

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Arabic - More Fun Fonts


Here are a few more fun Arabic fonts for you ...


Arabic script has similar qualities to English lettering in cursive, such as having a baseline and letters that join up or attach to one another.


It seems as though Arabic actually has two different forms of writing like we do in English with cursive and print.  I

Friday, January 13, 2017

SkyWatch - Saudi Wedding Hall


Weddings are a huge business in Saudi Arabia, as in many places around the world.  Fancy wedding halls abound, with elegant decor, lighting, and dramatic staircases.  The weddings I have attended usually are segregated by gender and generally there are no men in sight, except when the groom and maybe his father make an appearance in the wee hours of the morning.  When that happens, the women in attendance rush to slip into their abayas and veils so they are covered up properly.

 
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Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Arabic - More Font Styles


Here are some more font styles for your enjoyment.  I especially like the style of the one on the above right with the double lines in it.



Arabic script reads from the right to the left.  The blue sign above has a font that leans slightly toward the left ...


... while the font in the blue sign in this photo leans slightly toward the right.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Our World: Arabic Font Styles


Today I thought I would show you a variety of Arabic font styles shown through business signs in Jeddah.


I don't know why the blue sign has such extended lines in its font, while the other signs in this photo don't.


I love the fiery font on this black sign for a shawarma restaurant!




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Monday, January 9, 2017

Laborers in Saudi


These men are likely laborers who are waiting for a job to come along.  Most days certain streets are lined with workers looking for jobs.

Sunday, January 8, 2017

Friday, January 6, 2017

SkyWatch: Riyadh Architecture


Another cool building in the capital city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.


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Thursday, January 5, 2017

Riyadh: Cool Architecture


This is a cool looking building in Riyadh. Modern architectural structures like this are located all over the country.

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Saudi Arabia: Graceful Minaret


Mosques minarets in Saudi Arabia are varied in design.  This one is very graceful and has an Asian feel to it.