Jeddah Supermarket

There is construction going on in this supermarket, hence the blue sheeting to the right.

Jeddah Scene in Mall

SkyWatch - Jeddah Foreign Workers

Many foreign workers from African countries are day laborers here in Jeddah.  Depending on their specialities, like masonry, woodworking, construction, electricians, plumbers, etc., they wait in certain areas of the city to pick up jobs. 

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Jeddah Architectural Detail

I just don't get some of the architectural details I see around this city sometimes...

Jeddah Mall Pharmacy

OurWorld - It's November ...And I'm still Hot

Even though it's late November already, the temperatures are still in the 90s here in Jeddah - and I'm still hot.  We still have our AC on all day and night.

It makes me hotter just seeing cold weather clothing, like jackets and sweaters, in all the mall windows.  This guy on the escalator was even wearing one of those goofy fur lined hats, which I certainly don't understand in 90 degree weather.

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Jeddah Slums

The dictionary defines "slum" as a thickly populated, run-down, squalid part of a city, inhabited by poor people.

Most of the slum housing in Jeddah is inhabited by foreign workers from poorer countries, like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and perhaps African countries.

Most of the residential doors in these areas are solid metal. Many are rusted and are painted bright colors.

The residents are not without their satellite dishes though...

Jeddah Patriotic Decor

Many businesses here in Jeddah display graphics in support of the royal family and of Saudi Vision 2030.  I - a long term comprehensive plan for the future of the kingdom, consisting of social and economic reforms designed to promote other strengths and resources of the country, thereby taking the emphasis away from the country's reliance on oil revenues.

Billboard sized images of the king and crown prince can be seen all over the city, showing the business owner's pride and loyalty to the kingdom. 

Jeddah Mosque Minaret

Mosques can be found literally every few blocks here in Jeddah, so there is always one within walking distance - which is very convenient because Muslims pray five times daily.  

SkyWatch - Jeddah VIP Car Wash

I've posted many times about the over-usage (and therefore, meaningless) of the term "VIP" here in Jeddah.  There are VIP barber shops, VIP hookah shops, VIP clothing stores, etc.  But this one is a first for me - a VIP car wash!

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Jeddah Abandoned Car Ongoing Problem

While this problem has improved somewhat over the years, the streets of Jeddah are still impacted with disabled and abandoned vehicles that take up valuable parking spaces in neighborhoods all over the city. Plus they are such an eyesore.  

Saudi Arabia - Burger King Logo

OurWorld - This is Oh So Saudi - Inshallah!

One of the most common terms heard in Saudi Arabia on a daily basis is "Inshallah," which means "god willing" or "if it's god's will."  If it's god's will, it will happen - and if it's not god's will, it won't.  This term is used so often that it gets tiring for a lot of people to hear it.  For customer service, it is used as an excuse absolving the company from any responsibility - "Well, it wasn't god's will so there was nothing I could do about it."

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Jeddah Architecture in Mall

The second floor of the Mall of Arabia in Jeddah, with window skylights.

Jeddah Street Vendor

What? Halloween in Saudi Arabia? You Bet!

I've been to a few Halloween parties in Saudi Arabia over the years, which are generally attended by the expat community.

This year's party was at a friend's lovely home, and the decorations were pretty amazing.  Our hostess does have four kids and she said she has collected more decorations with each passing year.

From spiders and webs, to pumpkins and candles, to skulls and skeletons - the decorations were fun and plentiful.

Hope you all had a Spooktacular Halloween!

SkyWatch - Jeddah Architecture

I've got to admit, I don't really love a lot of modern architecture.  Jeddah is abundant with modern architecture all over the city.

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Saudi Arabia - Women's Outer Fashions Changes

My, how times have changed!  While many women in Saudi Arabia still wear the typical black abaya, many women are opting for colors and prints, and some are even venturing out sans abaya altogether nowadays. 

Of course those women are careful to be properly covered - long sleeves, loose skirt or pants to the ankles, and high neckline with no cleavage.

Our World - Arabic Script Jewelry

I've always been attracted to Arabic script since we moved here - in business signs, toilet signs, and jewelry, and wherever else there is Arabic writing.  The above pendant says "Mother" in the larger script.  There is smaller Arabic script at the very top that says "I love my..."

This pendant is just of the letter "Ya."

This last pendant spells out the woman's name of "Shahad."

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Ready for Ramadan

More Ramadan decor in malls and a supermarket are featured in today's post. 

These photos were taken right before Ramadan began several months ago.

Mall Shoppers in Jeddah

Roshan of Al Balad

Signs of Ramadan

Even though Ramadan has come and gone, some shops in Jeddah leave up their decorations for the holiday until they disintegrate and tear from the severe heat. 

The red and blue banners are a very typical display for Ramadan.

All kinds of business get into the act and dress up their shops for Ramadan.