WEEKEND ROUNDUP - LETTER "V"

A FAVORITE - "VACCINE," BACK IN JANUARY

STARTS WITH "V" - "VIP" SIGNS ABOUND IN JEDDAH

"VERDANT" - GRASS IS NOT SO COMMON HERE IN JEDDAH

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FRIDAY BLISS

 

Our World - Miswak for Dental Hygiene

Miswak is derived from the branches of a certain tree and its twigs have been used for over 7000 years as a tool for dental hygiene in the Middle East and other Muslim populated areas of the world.  Not only do they have value as a toothbrush, miswak has been proven to have antibacterial properties, is helpful in the prevention and reduction of plaque, strengthens the gums, and prevents tooth decay and bad breath.  It is also endorsed Islamically.  Not bad for a simple product that comes from tree branches, huh?

Miswak can be purchased in small bundles that are cut to about 6 inches or so in length. Each twig can vary in its diameter, with the smallest size being about the width of a piece of cooked spaghetti.  The biggest size would be about the circumference of a tube of lipstick, while the most common size is about the width of a pencil.  Miswak is very inexpensive and is very easily purchased by vendors on the street here.

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.

Yummy Dates

Saudi Arabia and the entire Middle East has a constant love affair with dates.  There are hundreds of varieties of dates that can be found in this region of the world and there are even huge markets that solely sell dates. Some dates are soft and gooey, while others are hard and dry.  Some are eaten before they ripen.  I've liked every single kind that I have tried so far! 

The dates pictured here are soft and gooey. First we separated them because they stick together, then we cut them in half, took out the pits, and then placed a nut, like walnuts or almonds in the center. Then we rolled each date in sesame seeds. It makes a delicious and nutritious healthy snack.  It's a messy job, but it's really fun to lick your fingers when you're all done!

SkyWatch: Jeddah's International Medical Center

This is Jeddah's beautiful International Medical Center.  It opened for business in 2006 and has 300 beds that accommodate patients in over 30 specialties.  The beautiful architecture was the design of a famed architect of the region, Dr. Sami Angawi.


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.

Jeddah: Where Face Masks are Common

Many women here in Saudi Arabia cover their faces with the niqab (face veil), however it is a very common sight year round in Jeddah to see men wearing face masks because of the poor air quality.  Construction projects all over the city, lack of rainfall, and frequent sandstorms all contribute to making Jeddah a nightmare for those of us with asthma or other breathing problems.

Jeddah: A Problem all over the City

Empty lots within the city of Jeddah have become dumping grounds for trash and rubble.  It is a huge unsightly problem as well as a public health hazard.  Another related problem are the broken vehicles abandoned all over the city. 

Saudi Arabia: Hookah Smoke Shop

Aromatic flavored tobaccos, colorful hoses, pretty water pipes - and anything else you need to smoke "Hubbly Bubbly" at home are all available at the countless hookah shops in Jeddah.  In the past year as smoking in public has been banned in Jeddah, many restaurants and hookah lounges have had to change their game plans.  Smoking is still permitted in outdoor spaces, so many restaurants and lounges have adapted to set up their customers with hookahs on rooftop or patio spaces.  Smoking sheesha continues to be a thriving business here in Jeddah despite the ban and despite reports linking it to a variety of health issues. 

Saudi Arabia: Corner Villa Gates

I don't think I've ever seen a private villa here in Jeddah that isn't surrounded by high walls with big gates.  This is done for privacy so that the women of the house can go out into the narrow outside area without having to put on their abayas (long black cloaks) and scarves.  Despite this, many Saudi women never spend any time outdoors and as a result suffer from a variety of maladies, ranging from depression to various cancers to diabetes. 

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

Int'l Diabetes Care Center

 

 

Diabetes is a terrible disease that affects millions worldwide.  More than 25% of Saudi Arabia's adult population is afflicted with diabetes, and that number is expected to top 50% by the year 2030.  According to statistics from the World Health Organization, Saudi Arabia ranks #7 in the world for the incidence of diabetes, and 2nd among the Middle East countries.  Exercise is one of the key factors in fighting diabetes, but here in Saudi Arabia, women are discouraged from exercising.  For example, women are forbidden from riding a bicycle in public and most women are not taught to swim.  As ludicrous as it sounds, girls sports in Saudi Arabia are discouraged because, among other things, holy men consider female sports "unladylike" and have even gone so far as to state that women participating in sports can lead to homosexuality. 

I await the day when the welfare of women is put ahead of these ridiculous notions dreamed up by the holy men of this country.   For more reading:

Close to 5.5 million will have diabetes in Saudi Arabia by 2030

Diabetes among Saudis a major issue

Diabetes:  Living with it, not for it