Spice Souq

February 5, 2013, 2:25 pm

≫ Next: Death Valley

≪ Previous: Camel Profile

$

0

0

An old Saudi man selling spices and other food items at the Al Ahsa (Hassa) souq.

---

Death Valley

February 19, 2013, 5:58 pm

≫ Next: Souq Al Qaysaria

≪ Previous: Spice Souq

$

0

0

The remains of a camel in the Empty Quarter, Rub Al Khali.

Souq Al Qaysaria

February 20, 2013, 2:29 pm

≫ Next: Diriyah Door

≪ Previous: Death Valley

$

0

0

Entrance to the newly renovated souq in Al Hassa (also known as Hofuf, Al Ahsa).

Diriyah Door

February 22, 2013, 3:08 pm

≫ Next: Giant Saudi Flag

≪ Previous: Souq Al Qaysaria

$

0

0

A colorful door to a private farm in Old Diri'ya, Riyadh.

Giant Saudi Flag

February 23, 2013, 2:43 pm

≫ Next: Riyadh Date Souq

≪ Previous: Diriyah Door

$

0

0

A huge Saudi flag near to one of the entrances to old Diriyah (Al Diriya, Ad Dariyah) in the outskirts of Riyadh where the first Saudi state was born. The giant flag's surroundings are a very popular place for people to picnic and have barbeques on the weekends.

Riyadh Date Souq

March 2, 2013, 2:50 pm

≫ Next: Diriyah Organic Farm

≪ Previous: Giant Saudi Flag

$

0

0

 When dates turn yellow from the original green color they are called rutab. After they start ripening and changing color they're called tamr.

The Riyadh date souq is next to the Rabwah vegetable souq located on exit 14. During the date season millions of different kinds of dates can be found here. Visitors are welcome to sample the dates and some vendors will offer some Arabic coffee with them. Date paste, syrup and juice can also be found here.

Diriyah Organic Farm

March 16, 2013, 2:13 pm

≫ Next: Ushaiger Heritage House

≪ Previous: Riyadh Date Souq

$

0

0

An organic farm in Diriyah just outside of Riyadh on the edge of Wadi Hanifa. The farm overlooks ruins of palaces of the historical Diriyah. This farm produces organic vegetables, fruits and herbs year round.
To visit this farm, check the American Community of Riyadh's website who occasionally organize tours to this otherwise private farm.

Ushaiger Heritage House

March 30, 2013, 4:45 pm

≫ Next: Lake Kharrarah

≪ Previous: Diriyah Organic Farm

$

0

0

The lovely little village of Ushaiger, located about 170km NW of Riyadh has been partially renovated to its old glory by the villagers who paid for it out of their own pockets. That's how much they cherish their heritage! The village has mosques, schools, museums, a marketplace and numerous wells that are all open for visitors to explore. These images are from one of the renovated houses. The family has set part of the house as a museum and it's like stepping back in time inside this traditional Saudi home.

---

Lake Kharrarah

April 13, 2013, 1:01 pm

≫ Next: Rain At Red Sands

≪ Previous: Ushaiger Heritage House

$

0

0

Amidst the endless ocean of sand dunes lies “Lake Kharrarah” National Park. The valley actually transforms into an actual lake only after the heavy rains. The massive surge of water rushes down the steep dunes into the valley below forming a lake which at times can be deep enough to swim in. When there’s no water the lake bed becomes an unexpected contrast to the surrounding red sand dunes.   The valley becomes a pleasantly green pasture where migratory birds and other wildlife can be spotted, especially in early spring when the lake bed is in full bloom.

To get to the Khararrah park from Riyadh take the Makkah highway west (route 40) proceed passing the check point and follow the road down the escarpment.  Continue on this road passing the exit to Dirab and Dhurma until you reach exit 7 Jau, take the exit and make a U-turn. You are now headed back towards Riyadh and will take the first service road on the right, then you’ll pass by a pink gas station called ZamZam gas station. After the sign in English and Arabic for Kharrarah Park, turn right onto a road in rather poor condition. This road becomes a Tarmac road after a few hundred meters and then passes by some camel farms circling its way into the dune area. As the road winds up and takes a sharp turn to the right about 4 km from the main road, you’ll see a small white mosque on the right side of the road. The entrance to the lake valley is directly opposite from the mosque.

GPS co ordinates for Lake Kharrarah: 24° 24' 20.63" N 46° 14' 43.45" E

Rain At Red Sands

April 26, 2013, 10:15 am

≪ Previous: Lake Kharrarah

$

0

0

Rain changes the color of the red sand dune desert drastically. The contrast becomes even more striking when the dunes become soaked with water and dark clouds fill the skies.