Jeddah

let’s shop =)

the weather was stifling. it’s the first time i saw those three inch long flying cockroaches that still scare the beep out of me!

it was irresistably hot! it’s the first time i saw those large three inch flying cockroaches and they still scare the bejesus out of me!!!

I went to saudi Arabia after finishing mu GCSE’S. It was an entirely different place to birmingham England; in fact it was totally opposite. Instead of the cold and tbe green you get here, I was exposed to the city lights and the hot hot weather. No one slept at all hours, I could get up at two o’clock, three o’clockin the morning and the world was awake it was like it never stopped. I met people from all walks of life, people begging on the streets telling me their stories, buisiness from around the worls telling me why they were there. the best part was the night sky it was nothing like what i have seen before. you could see the sun and the moon together in a sky with the colour of the northern lights. I would stare at it for hours just mesmerised by it, even with the light pollution it looked beautiful. the truth is i had good times and bad. in a place so busy people had brawls on the streets you got shoved and pushed and someone was always looking to make a sale but it was good. The food was good especially. I’ll never forget it especially as it was my first holiday.

... was in 1983. I lived here from 1981-83 and gave birth to my daughter. I highly recommend the Souk, especially the gold souk (if it’s still there) but wear an abbiyah (if you are a woman) it’s just a lot easier. And bargain. Offer half of the asking price and go from there. Got some lovely things, especially fabric. Go between October and March. Avoid the month of Ramadan. Drive along the Corniche and check out all the modern art. Try to find a villa with open gates and see if you can get into the Majlis. Or look for the lights of a wedding and be a guest. There’s also the camel market where I saw camels being loaded into a pick up truck. Gas is like water and water is like gold.

great food, but nothing much here. got harrassed by airport official because i’m indonesian. can’t get anywhere because i’m a woman. not worth visiting.

I plan to move to Jeddah (InshAllah) in the next 3-4 years.

Ive lived in Jeddah for about 2 years now and i love it. Theres a great comnbination between tradition/religion and open mindedness. Women are being allowed to do more things, driving will finally be legal in a matter of months! women have top job positions and are seen as a productive part of the community. at the same time, religion plays a huge role in the city, shops close during prayer, women and men are mostly seen wearing traditional clothing and as much as u complain about it at the time, you learn to love it! Shopping here is great aswell, we also got amazing beaches and lotsa cafes! I have an amazing group of friends here that i havent found anywhere else in the world.

I’ve been working here in Jeddah for almost 6 years now, plus the numerous visits I made as a child about 10 years ago. What can I say about Jeddah? It’s a beautiful city, with Western restaurants like Chili’s, Fuddrackers, Applebee’s, Fridays, etc. There are lots of huge shopping malls with shops that sell Western and local clothes and other fancy stuff.

What I really don’t like about living here is that I can’t drive a car coz I’m a girl. I have to wear this abaya each time I go out. You can’t go out on a date here without being harassed by the police and sent to jail for flogging or deportation. Difficult situation.

So I just stay at home most of the time, ask my Dad to drive me to where I want to go so I won’t take a cab and be raped and left in the middle of the desert.

i’m an indonesian, but i consider jeddah as my home :) my family has lived here for about 16+ years..

jeddah has transformed from a traditional boring city to a magnificent liveable city…. you can find lots of malls here! love the discounts! love everything about it! except that women are not allowed to drive here :( hope the law will change in the next few years…