It was quite crowded yesterday, as it was Friday, the last day of the weekend. Many local families were picnicking under the kiosks provided, on the stretches of lawn here and there, or even right on the concrete in front of the water. Saudis have the uncanny ability to picnic literally everywhere. I've seen families sprawled out on rugs in the middle of vacant lots, having a meal right next to piles of rubble and garbage. I've seen men taking their tea on the side of the road, the exhaust fumes from Jeddah's horrific traffic perhaps adding flavour to their cups. I've even seen a woman exit McDonald's with her children, lay down a mat and start chowing down on Big Macs right in the restaurant's parking lot. So, yeah, Saudis really seem to enjoy their meals al fresco, surroundings notwithstanding.
The Corniche though, is a very pleasant place to picnic, having recently been redesigned in order to provide the best for Jeddah's citizens. With a lovely view of the sea, adults and children engage each in their own activities. Men and women alike sit on rugs, chatting, having tea or smoking shisha, eating or even napping. Many had set up small grills and were barbecuing, causing the smell of cooking meat to mingle wonderfully with the salty air. The children were kept very busy as well. Some were wading in the shallows, pants rolled up, shrieking in delight every time the tiny waves splashed them (swimming is not permitted). A group of boys had set up a makeshift football field with empty soda bottles serving as goalposts, as boys all over the world do, and were having what seemed like a very intense game. There are also playgrounds all along the Corniche, where many children were swinging, sliding, climbing, running, and generally making the most out of the Corniche's new facilities.
Everyone seemed to be having a very enjoyable time, and, to be honest, I felt a little out of place, as there were no other expats to be seen. Nobody spared me a glance though, at least not until I got my camera out, which caused a few wary looks my ways. Even so, by being as discreet as possible, I managed to get a few decent shots, even of people. Here are some of them:
The Corniche though, is a very pleasant place to picnic, having recently been redesigned in order to provide the best for Jeddah's citizens. With a lovely view of the sea, adults and children engage each in their own activities. Men and women alike sit on rugs, chatting, having tea or smoking shisha, eating or even napping. Many had set up small grills and were barbecuing, causing the smell of cooking meat to mingle wonderfully with the salty air. The children were kept very busy as well. Some were wading in the shallows, pants rolled up, shrieking in delight every time the tiny waves splashed them (swimming is not permitted). A group of boys had set up a makeshift football field with empty soda bottles serving as goalposts, as boys all over the world do, and were having what seemed like a very intense game. There are also playgrounds all along the Corniche, where many children were swinging, sliding, climbing, running, and generally making the most out of the Corniche's new facilities.
Everyone seemed to be having a very enjoyable time, and, to be honest, I felt a little out of place, as there were no other expats to be seen. Nobody spared me a glance though, at least not until I got my camera out, which caused a few wary looks my ways. Even so, by being as discreet as possible, I managed to get a few decent shots, even of people. Here are some of them:
A man strolls along the shore gazing thoughtfully at the water. Nothing like a walk by the sea to clear your mind.
A mother and her son walk toward the floating mosque at prayer time.
I really enjoy observing how the locals, with all their unique beliefs and customs, interact with each other. I found myself wondering what these people's relationship is. Not that I would ever dream of asking...
After grabbing a cup of Costa coffee from across the street, it's time to relax and get some sun. Those hands aren't going to tan themselves.
At kiosks like this you will find anything your heart desires, from refreshments and floaties, to carpets and tea kettles.
There are several mosques along the Corniche. I don't know anything about the first two mosques, but the one right above is Jeddah's Floating Mosque, also known as the White Mosque of Jeddah. It's a real architectural beauty and it's probably the number one attraction for Jeddah's very limited tourists.
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