CLOSED SHOPS

Theft is not a big problem here in Saudi Arabia. Many shops have minimal security when they close for the day or for prayer times.  No doors, no locks, no alarms. Just big pieces of cloth over the inventory.

 

UNEXPECTED

There are still things that surprise me here in Saudi Arabia - things that are totally unexpected. One would think that nothing would surprise me any more at my age.

Many people would be surprised to learn that Saudi women 

like to wear bright colors and prints at home.

 Sorry I haven't been visiting blogs - I'm busy packing to leave by the end of this month. I'll no longer be living here in Saudi Arabia and will just return in the future for short visits. So I'll be discontinuing my regular blogging soon.  

I've really enjoyed making friends all over the world through blogging and would like to thank you for your interest and questions about the country I have called home for the past 15 years.  It's been quite an adventure!  Much love and best wishes to you all! 

LET'S GO SHOPPING

 

SMALL JEDDAH SHOPS

A Jeddah dress shop

Shop window

Many shops here are packed tightly with products

 

RAMADAN BANNERS

Tiny shop with Ramadan lanterns and banner

Ramadan banner under colorful fish shop sign

Walking by, dressed in white

 

AT A JEDDAH MALL

I like the festive banners in this shop.

Can you spot the employee in the photo above? She's rather hard to see, but she's right in the middle of the pic.  

Whimsical Ramadan decor at a local mall

 

AROUND A SHOPPING CENTER

Ramadan banners adorn the front of this shop

Colorful print abayas and matching scarves

More Ramadan decor - moons, stars, teapots

 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING PRAYER TIME

When smaller kiosks close for prayer times or non-business hours, many of them simply cover up and drape their merchandise with large cloths. 

It's common to see workers pray outside shops in malls. Often prayer rugs are available for whoever wants to use them. 

Thievery is rare in Saudi Arabia, where penalties can be very stiff. Most people in this country are honest and respectful of others' property.

Another worker praying in public

 

DECKED OUT FOR RAMADAN

 The familiar red Ramadan banners hang in front of many businesses during Ramadan.

GINORMOUS INCENSE BURNERS

Many malls and businesses have huge incense burners like these, measuring well over three feet tall and filling the air with delicious scents.

 

RANDOM PICS AROUND JEDDAH

A Sugar Cane Juice shop

Stuffed grape leaves are popular during Ramadan

(This brand name Al Sawsan translates to The Susan) 

Colorful shopping area in Jeddah

 

TRADITIONAL MENSWEAR

The red & white checked scarves that Saudi men wear are called shemagh

Traditional clothing is available in all sizes, even babies

The egal is worn on top of the head to keep the shemagh in place

 

RANDOM PICS

Food truck decorated for Ramadan

Indian restaurant - love the architectural design 

Colorful shops

 

RAMADAN SPECIALS

Ramadan lights on sale

Traditional clothing, lanterns, and other things

Special store set-up selling sweets for Ramadan

 

FANCY SCHMANCY BALLGOWNS

 

SIGNS AROUND JEDDAH

ROYALTY LOYALTY

A SAUDI COUPLE SHOPS FOR PHONE ACCESSORIES

GRAPHICS HELP TO DISCERN THE TYPE OF BUSINESS

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ARABIC SIGNS & FONTS

COLORFUL SHOP IN AL BALAD

BLUE NEON IN AL BALAD

TORY BURCH IN ARABIC

DEPARTMENT STORE SIGN

CUTE COLORFUL FONT

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