SIGNS AROUND JEDDAH

 

SAUDI STYLE MAJLIS

Majlis is the Arabic term for living room (or sitting room), salon, or parlor.  It also can refer to the Saudi style seating.  The term actually means "council," which can describe business, social or religious gatherings. Red geometric patterns are often used to cover the cushions which are placed on the floor usually against the walls. Many homes have a room designated for the majlis and it is sometimes called the Bedouin room.  Saudis are known for their warm and generous hospitality.

 

JEDDAH SCENES AROUND THE CITY

 

OLD BOATS & MORE

OLD BOATS WITH STORIES TO TELL

MEN IN SKIRTS (CALLED FUTA)

TAKING A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

URGENT PHONE CALL FROM THE BACK OF A TRUCK

ME & MY SHADOW

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MY CORNER OF THE WORLD

SOUVENIRS

ALL SEASONS

PICTORIAL TUESDAY

 

DIFFERENT SKIES

SOARING MINARETS

SLICE OF LIFE IN JEDDAH

LACY WINDOWS

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TIMELESS THURSDAYS

 

SAUDI ARABIA SLICES OF LIFE

Souvenirs - starts with S

 

Scene from the Souk - A favorite

Silver Trinkets from the Souk

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Life on Jeddah's Corniche

Today's post is just a couple of shots of slices of life on Jeddah's Corniche, along the Red Sea coastline.

Our World - Jeddah Gold Souk

One of the most popular purchases of visitors to Saudi Arabia is gold jewelry.  Why, you might ask?  There are several factors at play here, making gold a better value in Saudi Arabia.  The Magic Kingdom is the largest manufacturer and supplier of gold jewelry in the whole region of the Middle East. The quality of the gold available here can be found in higher karat content than in many places around the globe.

Another reason is that competition is fierce, with business districts of many places having a large and thriving gold industry.   Also, taxes are lower as well, at a nominal 5% VAT.  Added to these reasons is the fact that labor costs are cheap here in Saudi Arabia. with gold manufacturers and gold souks frequently staffed by a labor force imported from less affluent countries in Asia. 

Many of the gold fashions of Saudi Arabia are heavy, intricate, and bulky, and much of it could be described as gaudy.  Since the gold content of many pieces is higher, it appears bright yellow in color.
Lately though there has been a problem reported in Saudi Arabia, with religious pilgrims (short term visitors to the kingdom who tend to purchase gold when visiting) becoming the target of gold scams and being sold inferior quality gold as pure gold (24K).

TIPS FOR BUYING GOLD -
- Check the gold rate - it fluctuates daily
- Pay cash, if possible. Purchasers have more bargaining power if they don't use a credit card.
- Take along someone who speaks Arabic, if you can. It will make negotiating a lower price easier.
- Go to the local gold souks, where you will likely get a better price than at mall shops.

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More Miniatures and Figurine Souvenirs

Friendships, dance, traditional clothing, architecture - I wanted to show you more of the lovely variety of souvenirs now available in Saudi Arabia. 

Mosque minarets and roshan window coverings, artisans and children at play - these are all depicted in these well made handcrafted knick knacks available as gifts or reminders of one's time spent in the Magic Kingdom.

Personally I have a very difficult time deciding on what I want when there is such a great assortment to choose from! 

Of course there are also the usual refrigerator magnets, keychains, postcards, and coffee mugs available too.

Jeddah Souvenirs from Al Balad

Buying souvenirs used to be quite challenging here in Jeddah just a few short years ago.  Now souvenirs have become much easier to find.  Al Balad, the oldest part of Jeddah, has several shops where an assortment of souvenirs can be found.  There are now many colorful and well made figurines featuring typical clothing, activities, careers, and customs of Saudi residents. 

There are also miniatures offered which feature some of the beautiful architectural details of this region, especially the beautiful and unique window coverings here.

Not everyone here dresses the same, so it's nice to see the variety of different types of traditional clothing that many people can be seen wearing.  

I'm especially fond of the figurines which show many "slices of life" here in the kingdom, such as restaurant workers serving tea to friends leisurely sharing tea and conversation together. 

Here is the link to one of the souvenir shops in Al Balad, with a map to its exact location - 
Al Balad Souvenir Shop

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.

SkyWatch - Jeddah Al Balad Street Scene

Madinah Road in a newer area of Al Balad in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

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Jeddah Scenes from Al Balad

Al Balad is such a fascinating and interesting place. It's the oldest section of the city of Jeddah, which was originally a sleepy fishing village when it was settled over 1400 years ago. Today Jeddah is a thriving business center in the Middle East and the gateway to the holiest cities of Islam, Mecca and Medina.  

An eclectic mix of the super old and the ultra modern, some areas of Al Balad (which translates to "the city") often feel like one is stepping back in time. 

Jeddah Slice of Life

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM SAUDI ARABIA!

Jeddah - Two Perspectives

I love going down to the oldest part of Jeddah called Al Balad. In many ways, it's like taking a walk back in time.  I will often take different shots of the same scene - one landscape and one vertical.  And then I sometimes have a hard time deciding which one I like best.  Which one do you like best?