Housewares in Jeddah

I just love all the houseware shops here in Jeddah - and there are a million of them! Saudi serving style runs on the fancy side, so there is always a lot of offerings in gold and silver with fancy detailing. 

I'm crazy about this incense burner - I love the shape and the pretty gold painted designs on it.  Tagines are also very popular here for serving different food. 

Saudi Arabia's Cheap Bread

While prices for many products have risen since we moved here 12 years ago, the price of bread has still remained relatively low.  Above is a large flat bread that has black seeds imbedded in it. It's thick and tasty - and one round can easily feed four people.  We like tearing it into small bite size pieces and dipping it in foul or hummus. Each large loaf costs 2 riyals, which is 50 cents US. 

Here we've got another size and price comparison, with long sandwich rolls - 6 in a bag, all for 1 riyal! That's 25 cents US for 6 rolls.  The price for bread remains low because the Saudi government subsidizes the cost so even the very poor can afford bread to eat. 

Sunset in Jeddah

I thought the colors of this sunset taken from my rooftop in Jeddah were unusual.

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The VIP Obsession in Saudi Arabia

I've posted many times in the past about the obsession with businesses here in Saudi Arabia the use of the term "VIP" to describe their services. It is so over-used here that its lost all effective meaning. The first photo in today's post features a dry cleaning establishment which actually says "VPI" on the sign. It appears like those letters are quite faded, but it's still visible.  So we have a VPI/VIP dry cleaning service here in Jeddah, which I'm sure makes its customers feel VERY important.

The 2nd photo features two VIP businesses next door to each, which makes it very convenient for VIP customers who are looking for a salon and hookah pipes.  The last picture is of a VIP men's salon.  The most commonVIP businesses I've seen here are salons and hookah shops, but the dry cleaners is a new one for me.

When I asked my husband about this over used obsession here in Saudi Arabia with businesses claiming to be VIP, he told me that these businesses are trying to attract Very Idiotic People!

Saudi Female Store Employee

This female employee of a large supermarket in Jeddah greeted us at the entrance as she dispersed sweet smelling incense in the area.

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Ramadan Special Packaging

Many products sold during Ramadan are presented in special Ramadan themed packaging, like this beautiful tin box of chocolate covered nuts by Jewels.  The blue and gold design is very appealing and I love how the shape of the box itself curves along with crescent moon.  Ramadan ended a couple of days ago for this year.

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Ramadan Store Displays

For the monthlong Ramadan period here in Saudi Arabia, grocery stores will usually carve out an area for special Ramadan treats and sweets.  It is a time when families generally get together to break the day's fast at sunset. 

The day's fast is often broken with dates and buttermilk, followed by prayer, and then a full on feast of Ramadan favorites.  This year's Ramadan was different for most families due to the strict Covid-19 curfews in place, prohibiting people from being out and about hours before sunset.

Eid Mubarak from Saudi Arabia

Wishing my Muslim friends and families around the world a wonderful Eid Mubarak!

Jeddah's URB Kitchen Restaurant

Modern Jeddah Highrise

One of the modern highrise buildings dotting the city of Jeddah's landscape.  

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Jeddah Seasonal Outdoor Market

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Jeddah Market Souvenirs

Jeddah Market Play Area for Kids

In one corner of the big outdoor market, a brightly colored activities area for kids attracts families.  

Jeddah Outdoor Market

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Bastah Market Barker

To try to attract customers, like the old time carnival barkers, this guy in traditional headgear loudly calls for customers to come and try the food.

Jeddah Interesting Sky

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Friendly Saudi Women

Basta Market in January

Bastah Market - a local Jeddah seasonal market that assists new businesses get off the ground.  

Jeddah Waiting for Work

Laborers waiting around for work on a beautiful day in Jeddah.

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Jeddah Boulevard

Jeddah Business Loyalty

Lots of businesses here in Saudi Arabia show their patriotism and loyalty to the king and to the country in the form of graphics hung outside their businesses.

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Jeddah Burger Joint

I thought this was a cute name and graphic for a local burger joint here in Jeddah.

Jeddah Ramadan Banner

The red and blue print banner are a common decor during Ramadan.  Many businesses spruce up their exteriors with this festive design.

More Souk Shops

SkyWatch Dramatic Sunset

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Fashion Knock-offs at the Souk

The souks sell a lot of knock-offs from famous brands and designers at deeply discounted prices.