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Friday, January 31, 2020

Saudi Arabia's Pursuit of Oud


Oud shops are abundant here in Jeddah.  Oud is a popular type of perfume sold here in Saudi Arabia that is derived from agarwood (also known as eaglewood, gharuwood, or aloeswood), which comes from the aquilaria tree.  There are 17 species of the aquilaria tree, which is native to southeast Asia.  The wood of tree is normally light colored, but when the tree becomes infected with mold in its heartwood, that wood turns dark with an aromatic resin that is both precious and rare. This aromatic heartwood is then turned into perfumes and incense and is highly valued in the Middle East. One reason for this could be that agarwood is highly regarded in Islam.   

Many factors can affect the scent of agarwood - the species of the aquilaria tree, the geographic location where it is grown, the source from which its branch, trunk and root are derived, the length of time the heartwood was infected before harvest, as well as the methods used in harvesting and processing.  The aquilaria tree is listed on the endangered species list of wild flora and fauna.  Due to its rarity, it is one of the most expensive commodities in the world.  Some types of oud are more expensive than even gold.  


Thursday, January 30, 2020

SkyWatch - Mosque on a Moonlit Night


A beautiful crescent moon graces the early evening sky in Al Balad, the oldest sector of the city of Jeddah.

Al Balad is very lively in the evenings, with many souks and shoppers, each block offering different scents from the smells of freshly baked bread to the spicy smells of earthy incense.


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.

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Saudi Women at the Mall


Like most women everywhere, many Saudi women love to shop!




Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Jeddah Just Desserts


Yummy looking desserts at a new shop in a mall here in Jeddah


Monday, January 27, 2020

Our World - Jeddah - New Artwork in Al Balad


This colorful new art installation in Jeddah's Al Balad adds a bit of pizzazz and whimsy to the oldest part of the city.  It appears to be built of painted wood.  Geometric / tribal patterns are common and cultural here in Saudi Arabia.




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.


This post is also linked to Travel Tuesday.


Sunday, January 26, 2020

Jeddah Meat Shop


I've previously shown large banners of the king and other important government officials hung by businesses showing their support and loyalty.  Even smaller businesses do it too.

Saturday, January 25, 2020

Jeddah VIP Saloon


Many men's barbershops here in Saudi Arabia are called "saloons" instead of salons and they feature "VIP" on their business signs, which so many businesses here use so the meaning of VIP is totally lost. 

Friday, January 24, 2020

Jeddah Al Balad Door


I have a thing for doors - always have.  I find them intriguing and mysterious and I always wonder what's behind them.  I love everything about this photo - the green color of the door and the wrought iron design on it.  The interesting shadow falling across the top part of the door. The half circle shaped air vent above the door and that it's not centered, throwing off the balance.  The exposed electric wires above the door and the tubing on the right side.  And the small plaque with Arabic script at the very top of the photo.  Pictures are like visual poetry.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

SkyWatch - Jeddah Al Balad Roshan


A sample of newer "roshan" window coverings in Al Balad.

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.


Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Jeddah's Honeycomb Sculpture


The Honeycomb sculpture sits in the middle of a roundabout of Jeddah. It appears to be made of concrete.  Named The Honeycomb for obvious reasons, this sculpture resembles a cross section of the hexagon shaped wax inside a beehive.  


Honey is very popular in this region of the world, and can be bought by the kilo or complete with the honeycomb, as I posted a while back on my blog in this post. 


Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Jeddah Birds in Al Balad


All over town, there are areas where random people feed the pigeons on a daily basis.  These photos were taken in Al Balad.  




Monday, January 20, 2020

Our World - Occupied with Phone in Jeddah


When people ask me about life in Saudi Arabia, they are often surprised at how typical and normal I describe this place and the people of this country.


Yes, the standard dress may be different here, and some customs might be peculiar to those from other cultures, but many other aspects of life here are just like anywhere else in the world.  Like, for example, everyone here has a cell phone, and they are always "connected" or chatting on the phone.


Today's photos were all taken in Al Balad, the oldest part of the city, a thriving business, cultural, and shopping hub of Jeddah, as well as a photographer's paradise.


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.

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Jeddah Snacks and Sweets Shop


A very well stocked snacks and sweets shop in Al Balad in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Friday, January 17, 2020

Jeddah Business Salute to Government


Large images of the king and other important government officers are featured prominently on many businesses here in Jeddah to show their allegiance and support.  

Thursday, January 16, 2020

SkyWatch - Jeddah Al Balad Mosque


On a narrow street in the old sector of Jeddah called Al Balad lies this older white mosque with its beautifully detailed minaret.


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.



Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Jeddah Modern Office Building


Another skyscraper of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 

Monday, January 13, 2020

Our World - Saudi Arabia Progress - Fitting Rooms!


Lots of change has happened in the kingdom over the past 5 years, especially regarding women. Women started driving the summer of 2018.  Women are working in practically every sector now, not just in education or medical fields. There are movie theaters and a lot less gender segregation than before.

AND - many shops now have changing rooms for women to try on clothes before purchasing them!  Before, many shops had a three day return policy and with women not being allowed to drive,  it was a real pain in the a$$ - especially if the garment needed to be returned. So dressing rooms are a welcome change here in the kingdom - and a sign of real progress.

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.

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Jeddah Organic Products


Organic Apple Cider Vinegar - is available in Jeddah.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Jeddah Spice Market - Sumac


The spice sumac derives from red berries of the sumac bush which grows in the Middle East. The berries are dried and then crushed into a coarse powder.  With its pleasant lemony taste, sumac is used to spice up many dishes in the region, oftentimes sprinkled on top to enhance not only the flavor, but to jazz up the appearance of the dishes.