TRAVELLERS' TALES OF SAUDI
Mike Bissett
We reveal the real-life, authentic travel testimonials of visitors to the fascinating nation that now welcomes the world, as well as unique experiences they had for the first time in Saudi...
Scroll down to read about Mike's time in Saudi
Mike enjoyed a comprehensive adventure across Saudi with his wife of 50 years, Liz, on a group trip with Exodus. Both in their 70s, Mike was amazed by just how much variety was lying in store for them in the country…
Ancient petroglyphs at Jubbah and AlUla are living records of thousands of years of
History
While also showing how the climate and fauna of Arabia have changed dramatically over almost 10,000 years. It was completely fascinating.
I would like to have found out more about the evolution of the Arabic language, which we were told some of the rock carvings help to explain.
Mingling with local people as the sun set at Elephant Rock at AlUla was memorable.
I felt part of a very 'real' experience as Saudis relaxed and socialised at the end of their working week (we were lucky to visit on a Thursday evening). What amazes our friends at home when we tell them about such experiences is how welcome we were made to feel and how safe the whole environment was.
We enjoyed a taste of traditional life in the mountains with a
picnic and a hike
The picnic was especially enjoyable as coffee was roasted for us on an open fire and tasty snacks enjoyed. The hike was based at a high mountain village just being authentically restored as a small family-run tourism complex. There was great scenery and an invigorating 4x4 ride to get up there.
At Founding Day celebrations in the evening at
Hofuf
We were again made so welcome. We were lucky to be in the atmospheric souk area of Hofuf as bands were playing and marching demonstrations being held. A memorable occasion and some fun shopping opportunities as well. A great choice of restaurants, too.
I was attracted to Saudi because...
It’s an important and interesting country that’s started opening up to visitors again.
I had been to Riyadh for 10 days on business back in 1987 and I have some vivid memories from my time there, like the fascinating souks. I was eager to see how modern Saudi has changed in almost 40 years and especially keen to see its ancient monuments like the petroglyphs and Nabataean sites, pre-Saudi village and town life, and important Islamic sites.
Watching afternoon prayers at one of Riyadh's main mosques, with a fascinating Q&A with a senior Imam
This gave us more insights into Islam and its role in daily life. It was most impressive to see a congregation of many hundreds praying together. We very much appreciated the discussion with the Imam.
Nabataean Hegra was
another highlight
We had visited Petra some years ago so really wanted to see the second site of this mysterious civilisation. We were certainly not disappointed. A big site, loads to see and very well organised to cover the ground in a reasonable time and without being too tiring.
The Maraya mirrored building is
just wow!
What a thing to see in the desert sun.
It was a great time to visit atmospheric AlUla Old Town
Just as restoration is gathering pace. It was really interesting to get a 'before and after' feel and to wander the narrow old streets.
The religious sites of Medina, Mount Uhud and getting close to The Prophet's Mosque, was a very powerful experience.
We felt that our respectful presence, outside the mosque, was welcomed. We got about as close as a non-Muslim can to the 'heart' of Islam. Walking up Mount Uhud was fun – with my white hair and beard I was followed all the way by cries of "Hajji!".
The Prophet's Mosque was just spectacular and I enjoyed the associated museum explanations and models.
Again, it was a great time to visit Old Jeddah (Al-Balad)
As the restoration is gathering pace. Old Jeddah has great neighbourhoods to walk around, interesting and impressive old houses to visit and friendly, bustling shops to buy sweets and souvenirs.
I was surprised by how welcome we were made to feel by the
Saudi locals
They were unfailingly friendly and helpful. But I was also amazed by the staggering variety of what there is to see and experience in the country…
The mix of old and new in
Riyadh and Jeddah
Was fascinating to see; how the modern big cities are developing and to get some understanding of how Saudis live today. A big plus was that in Riyadh I could see well-preserved castles and palaces at the heart of the modern city. In Jeddah, the combination of the seaside setting and the atmospheric old town was very interesting. The thobe-clad Saudi men we met could not have been more courteous and helpful.
The Buraydah camel market was such a
spectacle
There were camels just about as far as the eye could see. And very genuine. As visitors, we were very much observers from outside of the 'real life' workings of the busy market. I really appreciated being able to get close to the camels and to see how they were managed and handled. It was well worth getting up early.
Feeling inspired by Mike's travel tales?
Now you've been given a flavour of what the real Saudi is like, it's time to start planning your own Arabian adventure there yourself...
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