Our World: Menswear Shops

It's not unusual in Saudi Arabia to find similar shops and businesses congregated in one area, one after the other.  Here are two traditional Saudi menswear shops right next door to each other.  I know that in the USA this is generally not done and is actually written in to the rental contracts that similar businesses will not be allowed within the same shopping plaza. What is the norm for your part of the world?



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Jeddah - Interesting Design Architecture

This is a newer hotel on King Fahd Road in Jeddah, with the familiar blue glass, but with an unusual design element.  

Jeddah - Modern Building

Another solid blue glass building in Jeddah - one of many built all over the city.

Jeddah: Derby Hats on the Roof

This beautiful skyscraper of Jeddah has large derby hat shaped shade coverings on the rooftop. The palm trees on the street below finish off the look nicely.

From a different perspective, you can see that the highrise in the top photo isn't really so big after all. It is dwarfed by the neighboring building, which has interesting details itself.  

SkyWatch: Jeddah Bank Aljazira

Well known for news in Saudi Arabia as well as the rest of the world , the Aljazira name also boasts a variety of businesses in other fields, like banking, paints, sports, and real estate.  I love the curvy blue glass facade of this modern bank building in Jeddah.  The enormous picture of the Saudi king pays respect to his royal highness.



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Gate and Shadows

I'm not sure if this gate is to a villa or a business of some kind. There is a sign above the entrance but I don't know what it says.  The palm trees and crossed swords in the wrought iron details makes me think that it's some type of government facility.  I love all the shadows on the wall at play here.

Jeddah - Outdated Modern Architecture

This is an older modern building in Jeddah that is probably several decades old.  I rather like it and it must have been pretty cool in its heyday.  

Our World: Saudi License Plates

Vehicle license plates in Saudi Arabia always have the license numbers written in both Arabic and English.  Many vehicles also sport religious verses displayed on the back windows.



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Jeddah Restaurant Goodies

One of my favorite restaurants in Jeddah is called Goodies.  Located at Star Avenue Mall, Goodies has a tantalizing selection of visually appealing food cases where the customer is able to select her choices of salads, soups, desserts, and main dishes including a vast assortment of fish and other meats.  The food is then cooked to order.  Always delicious!

Jeddah - Using Glass in Architecture

I love the way glass was used as the main feature of this architectural design.  

Jeddah Hilton Lovely Buffet

Weekend brunch at the Jeddah Hilton is a lovely, but pricey, affair.  Elegantly carved fruits adorn the tables amidst a large variety of salads, main courses, breads, soups, desserts, and hors d'oeuvres.

Each dish is presented in a most appetizing way, like this eggplant dish called baba ghanoush with pomegranate and lemon.

The food is as delicious as it looks.  

SkyWatch: Jeddah Pretty City Park

For a city of 4 million people, Jeddah does not have many public parks for outdoor recreational activities.  However in recent years, an effort has been made to correct that.  This beautiful park with lush palm trees, grass fields, a walking track, seating areas and all important shade is located next door to IMC - International Medical Center.  Later in the day when the sun is not so hot, the park is filled with men relaxing, women walking laps, and children at play.


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Jeddah - Architectural Design

Yet another blue glass building in Jeddah with an interesting architectural appeal.

Jeddah Hilton Hotel Lobby

This is the lovely interior lobby of the Jeddah Hilton Hotel.  

Our World - Stuffed Grape Leaves

If you don't grow up eating grape leaves, you may not enjoy them at first.  The grape leaves can have a strong flavor that can take some getting used to.  But if you keep trying them, they do grow on you. They are usually stuffed with rice or a ground beef mixture with onions and spices.  My husband lines the bottom of the pot with 1/4 inch slices of potatoes,stacks the stuffed leaves into the pot, adds some water and lemon juice, then lets them cook slowly for a few hours. This makes the grape leaves tender and cooks the rice and meat inside.  They make a great snack or party hors d'oeuvres.



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 Architecture - Looking Up

When one enters the lobby of the beautiful International Medical Center (IMC) of Jeddah, if you look up, there is much to see.  The architectural details of this building are exquisite.  

Saudi Arabia - Street Cleaner

A common sight on the streets of Jeddah are the many imported foreign workers from poorer countries who are brought to Saudi Arabia to clean the streets.  Trashing of the streets is a big problem.  It is done because everyone knows there are street cleaners.  They work amid the extreme heat and dust and the exhaust fumes from thousands of vehicles.  Their jobs are not easy or pleasant and their wages are considered low.  However, they make enough money to support their families back home.

Jeddah Hilton Interior View from Above

The Hilton in Jeddah is similar to many other Hiltons around the world.  It is located on the Corniche next to the Red Sea, so some of the rooms and dining areas have spectacular views of the water.

SkyWatch: Jeddah's Koran Sculpture

The city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is home to hundreds of public sculptures.  Many of the sculptures follow various themes, like science, astronomy, nautical, or religious.  This particular sculpture represents an open Koran, the holy book of Islam, resting on a book holder which is commonly used here in Saudi Arabia.  It was made by one of the most prolific artists who created sculptures for the City of Jeddah, Spanish architect and sculptor Julio Lafuente.



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Jeddah IMC - Elegant Arches

This enormous beautiful window is part of the lobby of the International Medical Center (IMC) of Jeddah.  This hospital is where my husband had triple bypass heart surgery several years ago.  

Saudi Arabia Feast - Kabob!

Saudi family gatherings often include sharing a meal together and quite often that means eating on the floor.  A large plastic tablecloth is laid down and on it is placed the serving dishes.  The tablecloth makes for easy cleanup afterwards as after all the plates, utensils, and serving dishes are hauled off, all the garbage can just be gathered up in the tablecloth and disposed of.  Kabob is a favorite, as well as lamb and rice, fried fish, or barbecued chicken.

Our World: Jeddah - Sculpture 28 Winding Steps

It's difficult to get a good picture of the details of this lovely sculpture in Jeddah because it is placed on a very busy street where it is impossible to stop in the car and set up a shot.  The sculpture is made of cast alloy and is the creation of German sculptor Ottmar Hollman, who made many works of art for the city of Jeddah.  At the very top of the sculpture is a crescent moon and an astrolabe, while the twisting etched steps below signify life's journey.



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 - Modern Design

Another newer very modern architectural design building in Jeddah.

Saudi Arabia - It's a Girl!

The addition of a new baby to a Saudi family is often marked by decorating the door of the hospital room of the mother.  

Jeddah Hi-Rise Architecture

I love the design of this modern hi-rise building of Jeddah.

SkyWatch: Jeddah Mosque on the Red Sea

One of Jeddah's hundreds of mosques sits right along the edge of the Red Sea. There is construction development happening between it and the Jeddah Hilton.  The land along the sea is of course premium real estate, so I'm sure the development will be something very fancy and expensive.


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Jeddah - Blue Glass Buildings

One of Jeddah's many modern blue glass buildings ...

... and another ...

... and another.

CDP Theme Day - Loving Life

I just returned to Saudi Arabia after spending more than two months in the USA.  While I was happy to be able to spend the holidays with my family, I really missed my husband too.  I was apart from him all that time, although we chatted on the phone almost every day.  Living here in the Magic Kingdom has grown on me - I actually have a very good life here.  My place is with my husband and I am happiest with him.  Upon my arrival back to Jeddah on the way back from the airport to home, we stopped at a neighborhood restaurant for shawarma and fresh squeezed fruit juice.  The simple things in life make me happy.

City Daily Photo is an online community of photo bloggers that share images of life in their cities around the world.  The first of every month is Theme Day for City Daily Photo bloggers.  This month's theme is "Loving Life."

Please visit the City Daily Photo portal to view other participants' entries for today's theme day of "Loving Life."  I'm sure this month's entries should be worth a visit.