Nothing Says ‘America’ Like the Portion Sizes at The Cheesecake Factory
I can’t talk about our time in Jeddah without mentioning The Cheesecake Factory, or “The Cheesecake” as it’s called here. As cliché as it may be, it’s our place of choice for any celebratory occasion. :: The restaurant is more than just a hearty American meal and familiar atmosphere to me. Growing up, we didn’t […]
Window Shopping at the Gold Souks in Al Balad
Oil isn’t Saudi’s only underground treasure… Gold is mined along the west coast and is highly sought after in the kingdom (kingdoms and gold seem to go hand in hand, after all 👑). :: Husbands-to-be buy gold for their bride’s dowry, jewelry is gifted for special occasions, and tourists and pilgrims often spend time (and […]
Jeddah’s Record-Breaking Fountain
Jeddah is slated to have the world’s tallest building (currently under construction) but while we wait for it to rise above the Burj Khalifa, at least Jeddah continues to have the honor of world’s tallest fountain. It’s a title they’ve held for almost 35 years since King Fahd donated the landmark (water mark?) to the […]
Is This Really Saudi?? Resorts on the Red Sea
There are many beach resorts in Jeddah: family-friendly ones, ladies-only ones, fancy you-have-to-know-someone-to-get-in ones. The resort we’ve been to the most is called Le Plage and it’s primarily a family-friendly place. :: We had a hard time finding it on our first visit. There are no signs outside distinguishing the resort and everything is surrounded […]
The Sweetest Little Cafe
This bright, charming cafe, @saraladiescafe, is my happy place. I started coming here when Ezra was 1 month old – once a week we would stop in after our Mommy + Me yoga class (stop your snickering, it was a nice bonding experience). The employees, all sweet and friendly ladies, would dote on him while […]
Malls – the Best Respite from Summer Heat
Sweet relief! We rejoined society today and went to the mall for the first time in ages. I pushed the boys in a double stroller for five miles and could’ve kept going if naps and food weren’t needed. 😆 :: Saudi has the largest, most impressive malls I’ve ever experienced. There are several just in Jeddah. […]
Magic Carpets do Exist
These days I swoon for a beautiful rug…aka I’m clearly in my 30’s. 😁 :: Saudi homes are typically tiled (cooler and easier to clean up the dust), and fully carpeted rooms are rare, so rugs have center stage. There are plenty of shops selling oriental and modern patterned rugs that are factory made and a […]
Walking Along the Red Sea: the Jeddah Corniche
The Jeddah Corniche is a magical place. It’s a 4.5 km promenade/recreation area that winds along the coast of the Red Sea. There are spacious walkways, gardens, playgrounds, fountains, sculptures and the occasional mosque. A few sandy beach areas welcome swimmers (mostly men and children) and concession kiosks dot the walkway. 🏝🌺☀️ :: This revamped version […]
My Favorite Place to Shop in Jeddah
When IKEA gets a little old and I’m craving variety and inspiration, the first place I’ll pay a visit is the secondhand store, Mawakeb Alajer. :: If it’s not the only thrift store in the city, it’s at least the most popular. The two story villa is a treasure trove of unique Arab furniture and […]
Bizarre and Beautiful Sculptures
Jeddah is full of some of the oddest, most tacky… yet compelling sculptures. A boat spilling with giant fruit, a car on a magic carpet ride, a 15 meter granite and stone bicycle (supposedly the largest bicycle in the world) 🚲, a massive bronze fist, a huge protractor and ruler, a larger-than-life mosaic wave. 🌊 […]
