Tuesday, February 28, 2017

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?



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.

Monday, February 27, 2017

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.  

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Saturday, February 25, 2017

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.  

Friday, February 24, 2017

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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Thursday, February 23, 2017

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.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Jeddah - Outdated Modern Architecture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.  

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

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.



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.

Monday, February 20, 2017

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!

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Saturday, February 18, 2017

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.  

Friday, February 17, 2017

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.


To  visit MORE friendly skies around the world, fly on over to SKYWATCH  where you’ll find beautiful skies posted by bloggers all over the world. 

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

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.

Monday, February 13, 2017

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.  

Sunday, February 12, 2017

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.

Saturday, February 11, 2017

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.

Friday, February 10, 2017

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.



To  visit MORE friendly skies around the world, fly on over to SKYWATCH  where you’ll find beautiful skies posted by bloggers all over the world. 

Thursday, February 9, 2017

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.  

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

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.

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

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.

Monday, February 6, 2017

Sunday, February 5, 2017

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.  

Friday, February 3, 2017

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.


To  visit MORE friendly skies around the world, fly on over to SKYWATCH  where you’ll find beautiful skies posted by bloggers all over the world.

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

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.