Saudi Arabia Beauty of the Desert

Who knew the desert could be this beautiful?  Miles and miles of gentle sand dunes in shades of caramel, golden cream or even pale pink, swirling like a delicious hot cappuccino.

Special thanks to Khaled Al-Sheraihi for allowing me to post today's lovely photos of the desert sands of Saudi Arabia.  You can follow him on Instagram.

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Cosmetics Culture in Saudi Arabia

Cosmetics are a huge business here in Saudi Arabia. Historically, culturally, and religiously, a female in Saudi Arabia had only one chance to make a good impression on a potential suitor - and it has always been largely based on physical appearance alone.  When I first met my husband many years ago and I was learning about his culture, I remember asking his friends what was the most important thing they would look for in their future mate.  All of them, without fail, said physical beauty.  I would say, well what if the woman is not so smart or a real bee-yotch - and they would that didn't matter at all.  Arranged marriages are still pretty normal here, but many families are allowing the couple to get to know one another better before they marry now.  

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Mystical Landscape of Al Ula

The sandstone rock formations of Al Ula are truly unique. The narrow opening shown above separating two enormous rocks is aptly called The Guitar.

As the sun goes down over Al Ula, the silence of the desert amplifies while the sunset paints the sky and the moon rises marking the end of the day.

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.

Red Sea Island

Jeddah: Henna Beard

It is not uncommon to see Muslim men with bright red hennaed beards or hair here in Saudi Arabia. Henna is also used by women to color their hair or as a temporary dye on the skin of the hands and arms in intricate designs to celebrate marriage.  Since henna is not permanent, it is approved for use according to Islam.   

A Jeddah Salon and Spa

Many of the salon/spas for women in Jeddah are housed in private villas in residential areas.  Men are not allowed inside.  There are many of these spas all over the city, offering the usual salon services like haircuts, mani/pedis, waxing, and massages.  Physical beauty is very important for Saudi women, as it is for women everywhere.  But in this country, first impressions and physical attraction are probably even more crucial since opportunities for men and women meeting are very limited due to society's strict gender segregation.  So beauty is a key factor for a man looking for wife in this culture since dating is not generally accepted.   Salon/spas do a thriving business here in Jeddah. 

Spa Lounge Tranquil Pool

Spa Lounge is a lovely full service ladies' day spa in mid-Jeddah, located off of Al Khayyal Street.  This tranquil oasis offers pampering manis and pedis, massage, hair and skin services, and many other spa treatments.  The bright and airy facility is the ultimate in relaxation with comfortable Feng Shui appeal.

For more information, contact Spa Lounge by:

Phone:        02-263-0904  (after August 18, 2013, dial:  012-263-0904)
Website:     http://www.the-spalounge.com
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/spa.loungejeddah
Address:     Khayal Street – Khalidiyah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia