Jeddah Family Sign at Restaurant

A "Families Only" sign at a local restaurant here in Jeddah - means that "Single Men" are not allowed in this section.  Many restaurants in Saudi Arabia are still gender segregated and have separate entrances and dining areas for single men and families.

Our World - Saudi Woman Working

Even though it's been several years since women started working in fields other than just medical or education, I still take delight in seeing Saudi women working in so many other arenas. Halima works in the Nuts and Spices Department of a large supermarket chain called Manuel here in Jeddah. 

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Another Sign of Ramada Coming - Vimto!

Vimto is a popular soft drink beverage consumed in Saudi Arabia, especially during Ramadan.  Flavored with the juice from grapes, black currants, and raspberries, plus herbs and spices, Vimto was first invented and marketed in the UK in the early 1900s orginally as a health tonic. A few years later, it was produced in carbonated form.   

Jeddah Pretty Housewares

More browsing at Al Nawras Shop in  Shatie Souk - I just fell in love with the cute little teacups with the palm tree and crossed swords.  The golden peacock adorned bowl below is a VERY Saudi looking piece.

And last for today's post is another pretty little teacup set with intricate Arabesque designs in gold leaf. 

Jeddah Chinko Housewares

Chinko s a popular type of housewares here in Saudi Arabia.  It gets its name because it is imported from China.

SkyWatch - Jeddah Red Sea Coast

From one day to the next, the weather conditions can vary greatly in Jeddah. This time of year, it's usually already quite warm and humid.  This year, however, the weather has been unusually pleasant for a much longer period than normal.  We were even very comfortable sitting outdoors at a seaside restaurant.

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Jeddah Ramadan Preparations

Restaurants are gearing up for Ramadan here in Jeddah.  Many restaurants offer a special grand buffet for iftar during the month of Ramadan.  Iftar is the prayer at sundown and is when Muslims can break the fast after not eating all day.  The meal breaking the fast is also called iftar.

Ramadan Accessories

Today's post features some more Ramadan themed housewares and decor.  First is a cute little teacup set featurng things like Vimto, the dallah, henna, and lanterns. 

The 2nd photo has a variety of pretty home decor items, while the last photo is of a Ramadan serving tray. 

OurWorld - Ramadan Serving Dishes

Ramadan will be starting soon, and there are hints of its arrival all over.  Ramadan is Islam's holy month when Muslims fast during the day.  Over the years, Ramadan seems to have become more commercialized, much like Christmas has in the west, with Ramadan themed dishes, lighting, decorations, and other items available.

Here are a few of the crescent moon shaped serving dishes I saw recently at Al Nawras Housewares Shop at Shatie Souk.  The crescent moon is significant for Ramadan in that its sighting marks the beginning and then also the end of the Ramadan season.

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.

Saudi Teasets

Tiny teacup sets can be found in every housewares shop in Saudi Arabia.  Tea is probably the most popular beverage here and is always offered to guests. 

Tea is served in small glass or ceramic cups, sometimes with handles and sometimes without, as you can see in these sets. 

Jeddah Mosques as Art

Today's post features some photos I took of mosques here in Jeddah that I have photoshopped into art, so to speak.  Hope you enjoy them!

Above is the Floating Mosque, which is given that name because at high tide, it appears to be floating on the Red Sea.

I call this one Little Mosque on the Sea - I love its design and the palm trees that surround it.

This last mosque I call the Candle Mosque - because its minaret looks like a candle to me.

Jeddah Prayer Room Sign

A sign that I saw at a local restaurant / amusement park - many businesses in Saudi Arabia have prayer areas for patrons.

SkyWatch - Yes, It's Really a Fountain!

In the eleven years that I have lived in Jeddah, yesterday was the first day I have EVER seen the spectacular Sunflower Field Fountain actually spraying water!  Of course I don't get to drive by it every day, so I'm sure it probably sprays other times when I am not around.  But needless to say, I was very excited to see it operating.  The fountain sits in a lagoon along Jeddah's Corniche which runs along the Red Sea coastline. 

Surprisingly enough, a female artist was responsible for this lovely public art installation.  Eila Hiltunen, a Finnish sculptress, designed the fountain in the 1980s. The fountain contains seven graceful and whimsical perky sunflowers made of non-corrosive stainless steel to withstand effects from the harsh environment of Jeddah, such as the extreme heat, humidity, wind, dust and the salty sea air.

I couldn't get very good photos of the fountain because we were zooming by in a car, but I'm pretty happy with the pics I did get.

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Saudi Mall Scene

Malls in Saudi Arabia are very family oriented. Most malls have family entertainment areas that can range from having a few rides to being full on amusement parks.  This mall has a little train that gives rides to kids around the whole mall.  

Saudi Traditional Dress for Boys

Many Saudi men wear traditional clothing every day, however most little boys only wear it for special occasions like weddings and other formal occasions, such as festivals or cultural events.  Traditional clothing is available even in infant sizes.

 

Our World - Hub-Hub for Sale

Springtime in Saudi Arabia brings a variety of fresh produce in some of the fertile regions of the country.  The watermelon yield this year was abundant, and vendors well their melons at the side of the road from pickup trucks. The young boys above are shown helping out, while the older men below find time for socializing while waiting for customers.

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.

Waiting for Customers

One of the most popular purchases of tourists to Saudi Arabia is gold.  The karat content is much higher here than in many other countries of the world.  

Busy Little Shop in Madinah

Many customers pack the inside of this little shop in Madinah, while several children and a man in a wheelchair wait patiently outside.

SkyWatch - Jeddah Streets Sunset

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Lovely Angelina Restaurant of Jeddah

Jeddah is now loaded with world class restaurants.  I recently had the pleasure of having breakfast at Angelina, a beautiful Parisian franchise restaurant located right on the Red Sea along Jeddah's Corniche. There is seaside seating and of course indoor seating as well.  Angelina originated in France, so the decor and menu are decidedly French too.  

A modern white marble fountain graces an interior courtyard where there is additional outdoor seating which separates two separate areas of the restaurant.  

The April weather was warmer than it has been and there was a haze in the sky and not much of a breeze - but that didn't stop us from enjoying one of our last meals outside before it just gets too hot to do it.  

The croissants and other French pastries were perfect!  I also had an omelette that was delicious. Loved the cappucchino too!

Since I had several of the small croissants, I opted not to have the Pain Perdu (French Toast), but my friends all adored it and it looked scrumptious!!!

The fresh fruit was so colorful, juicy, and delicious too.  All the food was presented beautifully.  I especially loved the pistachio croissant - so flakey and fabulous!

The menu is a little pricey but definitely worth the experience of going.  Angelina is located just south of the Fakieh Aquarium on the Corniche.  There is also a lovely specialty boutique gift shop on the premises.  Their number number is 012 288 0378 and the patisserie is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

That's me with Fritz, the charming South African manager of Angelina, who makes sure everything runs smoothly.  Go visit Angelina - you will love it!