Face Mask Truths

I think with everyone wearing face masks in this time of Covid, people who were previously leery or apprehensive about Muslim women who wear veils may have changed their tune a bit. One big complaint I used to hear was how the face veil (called niqab) would interfere with activities like driving or working.  The truth is, they just don't.  Another interesting result of wearing the masks is in how we can see that the eyes are so expressive by themselves and revealing of one's mood.  I have always been able to tell just from a niqabi's eyes that she is smiling at me or saying hello.  So I'm glad for this unintended teaching moment due to worldwide face masking.  

Shopping for Veils at the Souk

While most Saudi women who wear the face veil called "niqab" usually wear black,  they do come in a variety of colors.  I once ran into a friend of mine who was wearing all pink - a pink face veil, a matching pink head scarf, and a totally pink abaya.  She had to whisper her name to me because I wouldn't have recognized her otherwise!

City Daily Photo is an online community of photo bloggers that share images of life in their cities around the world.  The first of every month is Theme Day  for City Daily Photo bloggers.  This month's theme is "Shopping."  Be sure  to visit the City Daily Photo portal to view other participants' entries for today's theme day.

Jeddah - Friendly Saudi Women

One thing I love about living in Saudi Arabia is its people. Saudis are very warm, gracious, generous, and welcoming.  Frequently I am approached by Saudi women who ask me if they can take a photo with me, ask me where I am from, etc., and they like to chit chat a bit about a variety of things. When I first moved here, I used to think the niqab (the face veil that many Saudi women wear) meant that they wanted to be left alone, but I have come to realize that it doesn't mean that at all. I wish the rest of the world could know the Saudi people the way I have been able to... 

Jeddah: Saudi Purses

From Kalimah Brand, these niqabi purses come in either black or white.

Our World: Saudi Arabia Eating While Veiled

Wearing the face veil (called niqab) in Saudi Arabia can present some challenges for women. One problem is breathing, especially when it's so hot and humid.  I've noticed that the veil is sometimes sucked inward toward the nostrils and mouth when the woman takes a breath.  Another challenge is eating or drinking in public while wearing the veil.  I've seen some women remove their veils in restaurants so they can eat and then when they are done, they put their veils back on.  I've also observed women lifting the veil with one hand and feeding themselves with the other hand, as the woman in this photo is demonstrating.  I'm such a messy eater that I'm sure the inside of my niqab would look like a dirty napkin if I ate while wearing 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.

Hoppy Easter!

Our World: What Saudi Women Wear

 Even after five years of living here in Saudi Arabia, I'm afraid I am still not used to seeing women dressed in black cloaks from head to toe.  It still jars my senses - yet I am one of them!

These women are wearing the long black cloaks called abaya that all women in Saudi Arabia wear when out in public.  The two women on the outside wear a type of overhead abaya, which is all one piece and very loose, revealing absolutely none of the female form at all.  Most abayas that I've seen start at the neck and then the head scarf (hijab) is separate.   Many Saudi women also wear the niqab (veil) over their faces - although it might just be my imagination, but I feel like I am seeing more and more women without the veil lately.  The veil is not required by Islam.  Abayas with embellishments and colors are seen more commonly now too.  I wrote a post this past summer called "Embracing the Abaya" on my other blog, Susie's Big Adventure, with more photos of different abayas.  CLICK HERE TO READ 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.