SkyWatch: Jeddah Compound Grounds

Gated communites, or compounds as they are called here in Jeddah, are very popular living choices for expat workers. Women can drive within larger compounds and they don't have to wear the abaya (black cloak) when they are within the compound grounds. Life can feel more "normal" for the compound's foreign residents because of these capabilities.





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Saudi Arabia: Decorative Teapots

I'd love to start a collection of these charming teapots I saw at the local Turkish-Afghani souk.  I love the shapes, colors and pattern designs of the teapots.  CLICK HERE FOR A MAP to this souk where you can find baskets, carpets, furniture, clothing, handicrafts, jewelry, and many other traditional handicrafts.

Old Jeddah: Street Sign

Our World: Carpets

All homes in Jeddah that I have visited have flooring that is completely tiled throughout.  Most bathroomsm and sometimes even the kitchens, also are completely tiled not only on the floor but up the walls as well.  Therefore area carpets are a very popular commodity in this country.  These carpets are from the Turkish-Afghani Souk in the old part of Jeddah.  CLICK HERE FOR A MAP to this souk where you can find baskets, carpets, furniture, clothing, handicrafts,jewelry, and many other traditional handicrafts.




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Jeddah: Inside a Textile Souk

Clothing, carpets, and handicrafts are available in textile shops like this one in Jeddah.  I got a kick out of seeing the handwoven piece of the US flag in the lower left corner - I certainly didn't expect to see something like that here.  The other one in the lower middle also made me chuckle because Lebanon is misspelled, something that I found on many carpets and other items in the Turkish-Afghani souk.  CLICK HERE FOR A MAP to this Jeddah souk where you can find baskets, carpets, furniture, clothing, handicrafts,jewelry, and many other traditional handicrafts.

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. 

Old Jeddah Souk

Baskets colorful, every size, every color, every shape!  Available at the Turkish-Afghani souk in Old Jeddah.  CLICK HERE FOR A MAP to this souk where you can find baskets, carpets, furniture, clothing, handicrafts,jewelry, and many other traditional handicrafts.