Holiday in the Kingdom



Souk

 So what does one do on their first holiday season in the Kingdom? Well, as a warm-up to Christmas Eve day, I would suggest a marathon round of golf (27 holes) and a Budweiser NA or two (blah!) You should then top it off with a trip to the Jeddah souks for an evening-long session of shopping for thobes, jewelry, watches and incense. And if you are feeling really adventerous, stop by Al Biak (KSA's version of Kentucky Fried Chicken) for some broasted chicken, shrimp and fries - don't forget your heart meds.

En-Lazar Reef

Chrimas Eve day should always involve a scuba diving trip in the Red Sea. Our destination was Rose Reef and En-Lazar Reef, two great locations for plenty of sight seeing - underwater, of course. Speaking of which, the diving off KAUST is great! Reefs and wrecks abound all within about a 1 hour boat ride and with a water temperature that averages 80 deg., you can understand why this area is one of the top 10 destination diving areas world-wide. Unfortunately, you can't just get on an airplane and fly here, but, there is always hope for change. Christmas Eve, a number of us caravaned up north to King Abdullah Enconomic City to dine at Al Sayyadiyah, a fish restraunt that has been recommended by several KAUSTians. We sampled appetiziers and several Hammour dishes (grouper). It was all delicious and really got us in the Holiday spirit. So if you ever happen to be Saudia Arabia during Christmas, please consider this must-do itinerary. Merry Christmas!