Hanging Village

This village was built into the side of a mountain. It was only accessable to visitors by cable car. The rooms that you see at the top are built so that Saudi families can have their picnics in privacy and the female members of the family can take of their veils to eat.

Animals of Saudi

Until I moved to Saudi, I had no idea that baboons lived there too.
We came across these on a drive through the country-side.

In Abha we also visited an animal souq where camels, goats, sheep and cows were being sold.

Bling Bling

We visited a gold souq (market place) in Abha. The jewelers were very friendly and let us try on the gold.

This girls is wearing over 100,000 Riayals worth of gold. This is an ensamble usually worn by Saudi brides.

People I met in Abha

In Abha last weekend, it wasn't uncommon for the locals to come up ask to have their pictures taken. As westerners we were as much a novelty to them as they were to us. According to Saudi culture, it's not appropriate to take pictures of the females. So that explains why I mostly have pictures of the one gender.

Abha

This weekend I visited Abha - located south/west of Riyadh. It's the popular destination for tourist from all over the country - boasting the only national park. It was a lovely respite from the heat of Riyadh. And it was really nice just to see some new scenery.

Notice the mineret along the skyline? Every town and city in this country usually have a couple.

Lady in Black

That's me on the right.

Saudi Solution

No emergency park brake? No problem!