Our World - Al Ula Barzan

One of the eleven different tours offered at the Winter at Tantora Festival in Al Ula is a trip to Barzan Resort for a Saudi style luncheon amidst the peaceful palm treed grounds. A traditionally dressed server greets guests as they enter, offering a small cup of gahwa (Arabic coffee).

Black tents with white stripes which are made of goat hair are situated around the grounds.  Inside the tents are vendors offering handmade crafts made by Saudi women, such as beaded veils and jewlery.

An assortment of delicious Saudi dishes is served for lunch in a large open air carpeted area with Bedouin style seating on the floor.

It was definitely a true unforgettable Saudi experience, as the entire Weekend at Tantora Festival was.

To read more about my experience at the Winter at Tantora Festival in Al Ula, CLICK HERE.

My friend Laura of the amazing blog Blue Abaya has written a fabulous comprehensive guide and history of Madain Saleh with lots of fantastic photos - CLICK HERE to access it.

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.

Visit Jeddah's Bastah Market

If you haven't been yet, Jeddah's Bastah Market is definitely worth the trip. Held every Friday evening now through February 16th, the atmosphere is joyous, the weather is extremely pleasant, and the food is fabulous.  Not to mention all the other dozens of vendors with their products of handmade crafts, jewelry, fragrances, clothing, and much much more.

CLICK HERE for more photos and information about Bastah Market.

CLICK HERE for a map location of Jeddah's Bastah Market.

Our World: Handmade Saudi Gifts

It's difficult finding handmade souvenirs in Saudi Arabia.  But I am happy to report that it's getting easier.  The smaller items pictured here are Saudi-made soft keychains.  The larger soft dolls are about 9" tall and they can also be used as pencils cases when unzipped and the stuffing removed.  I bought these at Aseil Restaurant on Sultan and Rawdah in Jeddah, but they may be available for sale at other places. I also purchased a little purse made of natural palm leaves and sadu fabric. These products are handmade by Saudi women for an organization called Liyano, dedicated to propagating Saudi heritage.  It supports charities and provides job opportunities for Saudi women. 

Follow them on Instagram at:  saudigifts
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Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is 


#saudigifts  #liyano  #KSA  #Jeddah  #heritage  #Saudi  #souvenirs  #gifts

Jeddah: Inside a Textile Souk

Clothing, carpets, and handicrafts are available in textile shops like this one in Jeddah.  I got a kick out of seeing the handwoven piece of the US flag in the lower left corner - I certainly didn't expect to see something like that here.  The other one in the lower middle also made me chuckle because Lebanon is misspelled, something that I found on many carpets and other items in the Turkish-Afghani souk.  CLICK HERE FOR A MAP to this Jeddah souk where you can find baskets, carpets, furniture, clothing, handicrafts,jewelry, and many other traditional handicrafts.

Old Jeddah: Yemeni Handi-Crafts

These are popular knickknacks sold here.  They are modeled after the Yemeni style houses and come in a variety of sizes.  CLICK HERE FOR A MAP to the Turkish-Afghani souk of Old Jeddah where this photo was taken.

Old Jeddah Handicrafts Souk

The Turkish and Afghani souk area of Old Jeddah is a colorful and fascinating place with wares such as textiles, furniture, baskets and other home accessories, and jewelry.

CLICK HERE FOR A MAP to Old Jeddah's Turkish and Afghani souk.