JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA

 


April 9, 2023

Weather: 95 degrees F, hazy

Easter Sunday, middle of Ramadan wasn't the best day to visit Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.  Ramadan is a Muslim holy month that began this year on March 23rd.   Practicing Muslims fast during Ramadan every day from sunrise to sunset - no food or drink (including water!).

Only one tour was offered and it was a drive along the Corniche (beach front) followed by several hours in the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Traffic was very light, but picked up after noon prayers when some shops open.  No one approached us to sell their wares as we have experienced almost everywhere since Australia.  There was a fair amount of industrial haze, but the streets were IMMACULATELY CLEAN!!  

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia's second largest city, is a major port city on the Red Sea with vast shipping and receiving facilities.  It has also become a historically important gateway for Muslim pilgrims arriving by sea on their journey to Mecca, some 40 miles east.   The Old City (Al-Balad) was founded in the 7th century and in later years rulers built a defensive wall around it--about 0.5 mile by 0.5 mile square.   The wall was torn down in the 1920s (some remnants remain) to allow expansion.   Today there are at least 50 buildings being restored, many of which are at least 500 years old.   Many of the buildings have shops on the ground floor selling all manner of goods and souvenirs.   Outside the Old City, Jeddah is modern, clean and appears very affluent.  Resort hotels, restaurants, beaches and sculptures line the Corniche, a seafront promenade anchored by the King Faud's Fountain.   In the evening this fountain spews water 1000 feet in the air.

The bars on our ship were closed for the day because alcohol consumption is prohibited in Saudi Arabia.  We were scheduled to depart at 5PM just in time to begin Happy Hour, but alas some late arriving supplies delayed us until 6:30.   Some of the passengers were beginning to get the shakes (smile).   

 Entrance Beacon at Port.   Look closely on the left to see the Fountain of King Faud in the distance. This was taken in the evening as we departed.



Along the beach front.  No one was at the beach 11AM Sunday (Ramadan?)

                                             Along the beach


                                              Probably one of many mosques


                                              Building that houses a TV station


                                                  Many, many American franchises in the city


                                                             Restored building in Old City


Note guy walking in front of us - brown corduroy jacket (95 deg F) over white Arab tunic with head scarf.  Also, on either side of walkway are shops that are closed until after noon prayers.


                                                               Main mosque in Od Town


Home of rich merchant who lived here in the 1800s.  Actually one of three buildings that made up his home.


                                                         Inside the merchants home




           From our ship: skyline of part of Jeddah in hazy background beyond receiving yard


                                              From our ship - a sea of cars ready to be sold.


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