Poolside at the Red Sea

We had another incredible buffet at the Red Sea Resort. We had our hands and arms heena'd and we also got to dance to a great Saudi folk band.

That's me with the sloppy scarf on the right talking to Basmah, a Saudi professor, who is also a published poet. She gave each of us a signed copy of her English poems.

Visiting a house designed in the Old Jeddah style

We visited with an architect who had built his house in the traditional style which caught the breezes and provided natural airconditioning. He had just returned from the Hajj, but still gave us a wonderful tour of his house. He is dedicated to promoting Islamic architecture.

Old Jeddah

We visited Old Jeddah starting at King Abdul Aziz Palace which is 150 years old.  We had a short but informative powerpoint on the history of Jeddah, then went shopping. I bought a lot of wonderful, unique items such as frankincense, Kohl for eyeliner, rugs, prayer beads, and more.

View from the hotel balcony

The view of the Red Sea from the balcony is astounding and at night there is a fountain or spray of water that shoots 100' into the air. It is beautifully lit.

Saudis are working for peace and understanding

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I presented Amr Khashoggi with a Navajo bell at lunch at the Byblos restaurant. He facilitates a group called Letskeeptalking.com which works to improve Saudi/US relations and is on the Committee for International Trade as well as the Council of Saudi Chambers. Our group had another excellent discussion the next day about SaudiUS relations and the impact of 9/11. Economically, the roles have shifted as well, with more European and Asian companies doing business in the Kingdom. Saudi students have also been sent to colleges in Japan, Europe, Africa rather than just the US.

Security at our Intercontinental Hotel

Outside of the entrance to many businesses that cater to foreigners you will see concrete blocks, gates, walls, manned guard towers and security guards. This is the jep in front of our hotel with the machine gun mounted on top.