SIGNS OF SUMMER

KID'S POOL TOYS HANGING AROUND AT SACO

WATERMELONS & VENDOR IN THE SHADE

WATER SPORTS ITEMS OFFERED AT THE MALL

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Our World: WWE in Jeddah

Last April the WWE came to Saudi Arabia and put on a show for a mixed crowd of 60,000 men, women and children at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah.  That women were allowed to attend an event such as this was in itself historic.  Until recently, women were not permitted inside a sports stadium - period. 

Some of the WWE legends making an appearance in the first ever Greatest Royal Rumble 50-man event were:  John Cena, Shinsuke Nakamura, The Undertaker, Chris Jericho, Triple H, Kalisto, Rey Mysterio, and many more.  For a video and more information about the results of the matches, CLICK HERE. 

A big "Thanks" to my friend and amazing photographer Abdullah Yahya for allowing me to share these beautiful photos for today's post of this event which he attended.  Stay tuned for more fantastic pics from around Saudi Arabia taken by Abdullah.  Follow him on Instagram and Twitter @ayaa1977

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.

Resort Like Living - in the Compound

One of the draws for many workers from other countries is the lifestyle offered here in Saudi Arabia. Many expats live in compounds, which are walled-in communities where life is quite different from outside its wall.  Women do not have to wear the abaya inside the compound walls and in some compounds, women can even drive.  

Many compounds have resort-like swimming pool areas, exercise classes, tennis courts, bowling alleys, golf courses, restaurants, beauty salons, theaters, and grocery stores. They also offer easier access to transportation and a variety of events to keep residents as busy as they want to be.  

Jet Ski on the Red Sea

Water sports are a favorite pasttime in Jeddah because of its location on the Red Sea.  Unfortunately water sports are mainly only enjoyed by males here.  The vast majority of Saudi women do not know how to swim because culturally they are discouraged from doing so. 

Red Sea Fishing

Our World: Women Swimming in Red Sea

It's not a common sight in Saudi Arabia, but on occasion, women sometimes venture into the Red Sea wearing their abayas.   Most Saudi women do not know how to swim.

 


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.

Jeddah Cyclists

I don't see many cyclists on the streets of Jeddah so when I do, it's rather exciting!  

Jeddah: Compound Pool Area

Many residential compounds in Jeddah are exclusive for foreign workers and do not allow Saudis to live there or even visit.  One reason is that inside the compound walls, women do not have to wear the black cloak or cover their hair.  Women can wear bathing suits when swimming or sunbathing at the beautiful pool areas inside the compounds.  Even at Saudi resorts that accommodate Saudi guests, many do not permit women to swim at all, unless there is a separate private pool provided just for women. 

Our World: Harbor at Oh Dark Thirty

When I go out on the Red Sea with my husband, he likes to go in the middle of the night before the intense heat of the day approaches.  This harbor is at a place called Durrat Al Aroos, a popular resort area north of Jeddah.  I love the blackness, the stillness of the water, and beautiful reflections of the boats.




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.

Riding Helmets

These are the riding helmets used by special needs children who participate in a therapeutic horse riding program called "Open Skies."  For more information, CLICK HERE.

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

SkyWatch: Red Sea Dolphins

On my very first snorkeling expedition in the Red Sea, I took it as a good sign that dolphins danced alongside of our boats as we drove out to the dive spots. There were several dozen dolphins who put on a little show for us. You can read more about my first snorkeling experience here by reading my post about it called "Finding Nemo: Snorkeling in the Red Sea" on my other blog, Susie's Big Adventure.


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.

Our World: The Fans

Soccer fans gathered in a Jeddah mall coffee shop to view a big match on television recently.

Soccer Drills

There is a big empty lot a few blocks from our home that is used for soccer games and practice. It's one of the few empty lots that I've seen here in Jeddah that is not filled with rubble. Some neighborhoods have grassed fields, like at schools, where the boys can play. Girls are not allowed to play sports in public settings like this.

Our World: Paintball in Jeddah!

One might not expect to find a paintball business in Saudi Arabia, but in Jeddah, there are at least two locations! I've complained before that there is really not that much to do here, so I'm happy to discover that there are places like this here, especially for the youth and those who are young at heart. This one is located in Obhur, north of Jeddah, and the other location is near Prince Sultan Road and Al Kayal Street. I'm not sure about the cost and how it compares to the states.
For more information, you can call 055-627-1862. Saudi Paintball also has a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/saudipaintball1




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.