Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - March 29/30
Viking's 1st time in Saudi Arabia. Jeddah was very strict with its entry requirements.
Saudi Arabia's second-largest city, Jeddah, has played a dual role throughout its history. Located on the eastern shores of the Red Sea, it was a major port for Indian Ocean trade routes in the 7th century. It also became a gateway for Muslim pilgrims arriving by sea on their journey to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina--a role that continues to this day.
A modern multicultural city, Jeddah's heritage is seen in the distinctive architecture and bustling souks of its historic Old Town.
After our arrival and me mistakenly using the men's room in the terminal, my friend Beth and I set out for a "Women Only" bus and walking tour of Old Town Jeddah, to hear the perspective of changes in the Kingdom from a female point of view.
From our bus, we saw the world's highest flagpole and the world's largest fountain
(fountain is only on after 5:00 pm and with many led lights. The Middle East seems to have a fixation on the highest and biggest).
Also, we saw many modern buildings and seafront parks. At night it resembles Las Vegas with all the lights.
We enjoyed our interesting tour of the historic Old Town and hearing the "call to prayer" bells, which occurs 5 times a day. When the bells ring, everything stops for 10 minutes while the Muslims go to prayer.
The unique architecture of Old Town and its "Rawashin,” or balcony, are the prominent traditional wooden panels used to cover windows and external openings. These let air in and also allowed females to look out, but not be seen from the street.
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Arabian Desert Sunset Safari in Bedouin-style camp.
A fun evening in the desert outside of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Entertainment, low loungers and tables, camel rides, music, tents for relaxing and dining, freshly mixed and baked pita bread, grilled meats, and many tasty treats for all. Low lights all around, a night under the stars in a great desert setting.
A few glitches, one bus got stuck in the sand, so the riders had to double up on other buses for the return trip, and a few buses got lost on the way. But a happy ending for all.
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Arabian Desert Sunset Safari in Bedouin-style camp.
A fun evening in the desert outside of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Entertainment, low loungers and tables, camel rides, music, tents for relaxing and dining, freshly mixed and baked pita bread, grilled meats, and many tasty treats for all. Low lights all around, a night under the stars in a great desert setting.
A few glitches, one bus got stuck in the sand, so the riders had to double up on other buses for the return trip, and a few buses got lost on the way. But a happy ending for all.
World's largest fountain
World's tallest flapole
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