Abayas - Not Just Black Any More!

Me in my new abaya

Abaya fashion has really changed since I first arrived in Saudi Arabia back in 2007.  Back then, practically all that was available was in the color black and in heavier suffocating polyester fabrics, unless one could afford to pay through the nose for nicer more practical fabrics.  Nearly all abayas fastened up the center with snaps, which easily came apart when getting into or out of a vehicle or even just walking.  I would go from shop to shop asking for abayas made of cotton or thinner fabrics, looking for abayas with pockets or zippers - but what I wanted back then was non-existent. 

I'm happy to report that today, all that has changed.  It is such a pleasure to find all kinds of practical fabrics being used for abayas, all kinds of colors, styles, and embellishments, with zippers and ties, you name it. It's exciting to see women walking around in not just plain black.

I'd like to bring your attention to a post I just wrote on my other blog, Susie of Arabia, regarding a controversial news item related to wearing the abaya.  It's about a world champion chess player from Ukraine who basically refused to travel to Saudi Arabia, citing her aversion to the abaya as a reason to give up her two world chess championship titles.  CLICK HERE to read my two cents about the matter.

Saudi Arabia Desert Tents

When driving out in the countryside in Saudi Arabia, it's not unusual to see tents here and there. Many are equipped with electricity and are air conditioned.  

Our World: Dr. Seuss Style in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia is a very family-oriented place, full of entertainment facilities that cater to children. Among these are water parks and amusement centers.  I've never been inside the walls of the business featured in today's post, but I enjoy the Dr. Seuss styled wall, lampposts, and roof.



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.

CDP Theme Day: Photo of the Year

It's always difficult to choose my favorite photo from the past year, as I'm sure it is for other bloggers who participate in City Daily Photo's Theme Days.  City Daily Photo is an online community of photo bloggers from around the world who share images from their cities.  The first day of each month is Theme Day - this month's theme is our favorite "Photo of the Year." 

I like to choose photos with people in them - maybe because so many of my photos don't have people in them.  It's gotten better in the past few years because of the popular use of camera phones, but there is somewhat of a stigma in Saudi Arabia of taking photos of people in this culture, especially of women.  I also like to choose photos that show a slice of life, a slice of culture - and I think this photo fits the bill. 

It was taken one evening as I walked through the oldest part of Jeddah called Al Balad.  This group of men probably gets together each evening to socialize and play games. 

Please visit City Daily Photo's portal to view the other entries in this month's Theme Day.  I'm sure you won't be disappointed.   

Scenes from Jeddah's Bastah Market

Jeddah's Bastah Market is a fun open air market which happens every Friday evening in the winter months through February 16th.

Row after row of booths offer a variety of foods, dessert treats, and drinks, as well as handmade crafts and jewelry and lots of imaginative items.    

For more information and photos featuring this fabulous market, CLICK HERE.

Jeddah's New Waterfront Project

A large section of the Jeddah Corniche has recently been renovated and opened the end of November.  This is a shot of the end of the beautiful new pier.  It's quite an impressive project.  I haven't seen all of it yet, but you can see more photos on a post I made on my other blog, Susie of Arabia.  

SkyWatch: Saudi Hospitality in the Desert

This watermelon vendor sells his fruit off the freeway between Jeddah and Yanbu.  But he has hot water ready on the fire to share tea with customers who have pulled off the road for a rest.

His watermelons were neatly displayed on a tarp on the ground. 

He was literally in the middle of nowhere.  

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.