At first glance, Saudi Arabia seems to be characterized by black abayas and tan sand. But in my time there, I discovered so much color behind the closed doors! How can I possibly summarize it all for you? There are so many fascinating perspectives, depth, intricacies and sides to the country. After a week and a half, I cannot possibly have experienced, much less explain it all!
What I can do is share a few aspects that stick with me:
1) Signature Saudi hospitality: Generosity and hospitality accompanied me everywhere I went. People I’d barely met opened up their homes and invited us to stay. Knowing we were visiting for a week, they put their own plans on hold and showed us around their city, night after night. This is a culture where, if you mention you like something in someone’s house, more than likely someone will give it to you. I’ve never felt more welcome anywhere.
2) Enormous positivity: People look forward, rather than back, and are very positive about where their country is going. There are a lot of challenges: the biggest of which is creating jobs for the >50% of their population who is under 25, but the changes that King Abdullah has made have generated a lot of optimism for the future. I met some new friends who are starting Naqaa Environmental Enterprise, which will help businesses in Saudi Arabia start acting more sustainably — and their enthusiasm is infectious!
3) Delicious food: Food is embraced with a passion here: every dinner was characterized by an enormous spread of delicious dips, appetizers, grilled meats, soups, and more. The best hummus I’ve ever had: must be their chickpeas. Fish feast? Eaten on the ground, like a picnic. How much more fabulous can you get?
4) Dynamic markets: Colorful, embroidered, beaded dresses, fragrant woods and oils, spices and delicious dates overflow in stalls in El Balad, the “Old City” of Jeddah. Indulgence for all the senses!
All I can say is, if you ever get the chance, make the trip to Saudi Arabia. It will open your eyes in many ways, to a new beauty!