[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam]
Day 24: Living on a prayer
Got up bleary eyed at 02:45 and brushed my teeth, hopefully with my own toothbrush. We made our way, luggage in tow to the pick up point we agreed with the cabbie the night before. It was 03:30, dark and warm as we bade farewell to al-Haram.
We didn't stop on the road as planned and made it to the airport by 04:45. We prayed fajr with the Imam at the airport mosque and then had tea. After checking in I bought a couple more overpriced presents.
Time is now 07:00 and I'm listening to my 'Istanbul' play list on the mp3 player. Man I love this music. Haven't heard any songs during the whole trip. I thought it would be inappropriate and it would have been.
We board around 08:00.
Glory Days
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam, shopping, airport, glory days, living on a prayer, duty free]
And so Esha prayers concludes
And with it my Umrah trip 2009. It went calmly with not too many (all relative of course) people attending. It was rather cool as well.
I'll miss it.
Dinner was KFC. The last time I eat it in a while.
Now I just have to make sure we get up on time early tomorrow morning.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam, shopping]
Where did the time go?
It was on the 25th of June that we set out on our pilgrimage, all those days ago. It has been 23 days, it's not as though we've been doing loads of things yet time has flown by.
There are now two sets of prayers left before we leave. We should be checking out at 03:30 in the morning, doing fajr prayers and having breakfast on the road. We're scheduled to land at Heathrow around lunchtime. So inshallah, we should be at home on Saturday afternoon.
Went to Mecca Tower yesterday, it is massive. No I mean it, it's massive and it sparkles. They sure as heck spent money on it. They have some familiar brands in there such as Starbucks, mothercare, Next, debenhams, KFC, BK and Pizza Hut. While impressive, it's not my sort of thing.
Time has flown and our trip is near its end. When next will I have the opportunity to come here again?
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam, nomaz, maghrib, esha, starbucks, pizza hut, BK, mothercare, debenhams, kfc, next, mecca tower]
There are now two sets of prayers left before we leave. We should be checking out at 03:30 in the morning, doing fajr prayers and having breakfast on the road. We're scheduled to land at Heathrow around lunchtime. So inshallah, we should be at home on Saturday afternoon.
Went to Mecca Tower yesterday, it is massive. No I mean it, it's massive and it sparkles. They sure as heck spent money on it. They have some familiar brands in there such as Starbucks, mothercare, Next, debenhams, KFC, BK and Pizza Hut. While impressive, it's not my sort of thing.
Time has flown and our trip is near its end. When next will I have the opportunity to come here again?
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam, nomaz, maghrib, esha, starbucks, pizza hut, BK, mothercare, debenhams, kfc, next, mecca tower]
Day 23: Last Christmas I gave you my heart
So far today has been a bit of an emotional day what with it being my last proper day in Saudi Arabia. I have no particular love for the country or it's people. It's more that this is the home of Islam. This is where Islam was born all of those years ago.
Jummah prayers was hectic as you would imagine it to be. I sat very uncomfortably for the most part but the prayers went very comfortably. I wasn't hindered as I thought I might be because of the sheer number of people.
More and more people seem to be arriving as the days go by. We picked the perfect times to come to Saudi and return to the UK. Although I hear the swine flu is raging over there. Perhaps we should stay in Saudi a little longer.
Fajr prayers was quite busy. It has been for the last few days, though I'm still able to find a good place to sit. We performed the prayers to Wham's Christmas classic Last Christmas which somebody had rather unwisely chose as their ring tone. Still no harm done.
You'll be happy to hear I didn't forget to have lunch this time!
Asr, Maghrib and Esha left and then that's it.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam, shopping, cockroach, stubble, beard, shave, wham, george michael, last christmas, jummah, crowd, pray, prayers]
Jummah prayers was hectic as you would imagine it to be. I sat very uncomfortably for the most part but the prayers went very comfortably. I wasn't hindered as I thought I might be because of the sheer number of people.
More and more people seem to be arriving as the days go by. We picked the perfect times to come to Saudi and return to the UK. Although I hear the swine flu is raging over there. Perhaps we should stay in Saudi a little longer.
Fajr prayers was quite busy. It has been for the last few days, though I'm still able to find a good place to sit. We performed the prayers to Wham's Christmas classic Last Christmas which somebody had rather unwisely chose as their ring tone. Still no harm done.
You'll be happy to hear I didn't forget to have lunch this time!
Asr, Maghrib and Esha left and then that's it.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam, shopping, cockroach, stubble, beard, shave, wham, george michael, last christmas, jummah, crowd, pray, prayers]
Completed
Completed my farewell Twaf so now I'm all set to return to the UK.
Just one day to go.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam]
Day 22: Forgot to have lunch again
One and a half days left before the journey back home. The weather seems to have cooled a little, taking it to 37 degrees C.
I've done all my shopping, pretty much packed my suitcase and performing prayers at the mosque as best I can, doing some extra stuff as I won't be here for much longer.
No amusing anecdotes to tell, nothing out of the ordinary to point out except that is for the man selling tea downstairs pointed a gun at me when I asked for three cups of tea. The gun was a toy one so the situation wasn't as grave as it could otherwise have been.
Finally shaved so I don't look 10 years older anymore. I have a picture somewhere though I won't be sharing it with anyone.
Not even you? Certainly not you. No, no, no, no, no.
I really do have nothing to say now except the cockroaches are getting bigger and braver. There's one staring at me now from the bedside table.
Eeek!
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam, shopping, cockroach, stubble, beard, shave]
I've done all my shopping, pretty much packed my suitcase and performing prayers at the mosque as best I can, doing some extra stuff as I won't be here for much longer.
No amusing anecdotes to tell, nothing out of the ordinary to point out except that is for the man selling tea downstairs pointed a gun at me when I asked for three cups of tea. The gun was a toy one so the situation wasn't as grave as it could otherwise have been.
Finally shaved so I don't look 10 years older anymore. I have a picture somewhere though I won't be sharing it with anyone.
Not even you? Certainly not you. No, no, no, no, no.
I really do have nothing to say now except the cockroaches are getting bigger and braver. There's one staring at me now from the bedside table.
Eeek!
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam, shopping, cockroach, stubble, beard, shave]
And that's why I should keep a camera with me at all times.
Rather idiotically I chose to leave the camera behind when I left the hotel for Asr prayers. I missed what would have been the best photo of my whole trip. Seriously annoyed with myself.
I was sitting at one end of a dining hall, immediately in front of me, slightly to the right sat a man with his back to me eating his food. Across to the other end of the floor, sitting by the window (al-Haram in the background) with her side facing me sat a woman with full covering, face, hands and feet. She was messing about on her mobile while her husband went to get their food. All of that in the frame with her in focus and him out of focus. Man that would have been a great shot.
Ok it may sound naff to you, maybe I'm not describing it well enough but if only I had my camera, you could have decided for yourself.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam, ring, introvert, shopping, malaysia, indonesia, bengali, pakistani, lift, polite, culture]
I was sitting at one end of a dining hall, immediately in front of me, slightly to the right sat a man with his back to me eating his food. Across to the other end of the floor, sitting by the window (al-Haram in the background) with her side facing me sat a woman with full covering, face, hands and feet. She was messing about on her mobile while her husband went to get their food. All of that in the frame with her in focus and him out of focus. Man that would have been a great shot.
Ok it may sound naff to you, maybe I'm not describing it well enough but if only I had my camera, you could have decided for yourself.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam, ring, introvert, shopping, malaysia, indonesia, bengali, pakistani, lift, polite, culture]
The Old Lady and the Escalator
If you don't know how to use an Escalator, please refrain from trying to use one during busy hours.
After walking around a shopping mall for a while to waste time, I decided to head back to the hotel. I noticed a mass of people at the top of the escalator that takes people to the ground floor. There was an elderly lady standing at the front attempting to get on. She would put her foot onto the moving steps and as the steps progressed, her foot would retreat.
She did this maybe four times until she finally managed to half jump, half crawl on to it. She barely managed to cling on to the side before the escalator descended as they have been known to do (how very mischievous of them). With the fear of life on her face she gradually proceeded down. Her friends followed.
Assuming it to be safe for the rest of us we also followed. Just behind me there was a large Arabian gentleman and in front there was this petite rather sweet Malaysian woman. Standing just to one side and behind her, I noticed the Malaysian woman had an apprehensive look on her face. I couldn't figure out why until I looked to the bottom of the escalator.
There at the bottom was our elderly lady on the floor. Unable to get off the escalator, she had fallen down. For some reason known only to her and the Heavens, she stayed there rather than crawling away. Soon followed her friends, one on top of the other.
As more of us came down so more of us fell. A few of us tried walking backwards up the escalator while it moved forward, attempting to cheat the Fates. Unable to move faster than it, we tumbled, head over heel, shopping bags and contents all over the place and arms and limbs flailing.
Our dignity, collectively smashed into thousands of pieces lying there on the floor all about us. Only Quentin Blake could do the scene any justice.
I managed to avoid my poor Malaysian friend. It took all my strength but I knew if I or my Arabian companion in this saga fell on her she could be quite seriously hurt. I pushed her to one side and he and I fell on the other side.
Oh if only I had been as lucky as her. Instead I fell onto a rather generously proportioned lady of unknown origin and my Arabian counterpart fell on top of me.
We managed to untangle our limbs, apologise to one another in various languages, got up and brushed ourselves down. I heard the instigator of this saga burst in to laughter - no doubt out of nerves and embarrassment.
Some people were annoyed but quite frankly what's the point. Accidents do happen and nobody was hurt.
As I was sweeping up my dignity, my sweet Malaysian friend glared at me. Oh dear, she clearly knew I pushed her but she didn't know why.
But at least we do, you and I.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam, ring, introvert, shopping, malaysia, indonesia, escalator, shopping, arabia, mall, quentin blake]
Day 21: Fellow Malaysian and Indonesian Muslims I salute you.
3 days to go. I'm beginning to miss this place already. Not so much the routine but how many people have the chance to pray in the Holiest place in the world (for their religion) so regularly.
It's an opportunity not to be missed. I guess that's how I can drag myself out of bed at 3 in the morning to do Fajr prayers having had only an hour and a half's kip.
This has been my 3rd trip in my rather short lifetime and hopefully there will be many, many more. While the trip's not finished yet, I hope to think I have taken full advantage of my stay here.
And now the award for the friendliest people in Mecca and Medina. It has to go to my fellow Malaysian and Indonesian pilgrims. They always have a smile on their face, when in an elevator, they allow you the opportunity to exit first AND they do their utmost not to push and shove even though they are being pushed and shoved in the mass of people as we all try and exit al-haram/Prophet's mosque all at the same time.
While you can accept less so called 'polite' behaviour from others - cultural differences after all BUT there is no excuse for British Bengalis and Pakistanis. Born and grown up in the UK as most of the ones I have come across have been, they've no excuse for their poor behaviour and manners. Shame on them
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam, ring, introvert, shopping, malaysia, indonesia, bengali, pakistani, lift, polite, culture]
It's an opportunity not to be missed. I guess that's how I can drag myself out of bed at 3 in the morning to do Fajr prayers having had only an hour and a half's kip.
This has been my 3rd trip in my rather short lifetime and hopefully there will be many, many more. While the trip's not finished yet, I hope to think I have taken full advantage of my stay here.
And now the award for the friendliest people in Mecca and Medina. It has to go to my fellow Malaysian and Indonesian pilgrims. They always have a smile on their face, when in an elevator, they allow you the opportunity to exit first AND they do their utmost not to push and shove even though they are being pushed and shoved in the mass of people as we all try and exit al-haram/Prophet's mosque all at the same time.
While you can accept less so called 'polite' behaviour from others - cultural differences after all BUT there is no excuse for British Bengalis and Pakistanis. Born and grown up in the UK as most of the ones I have come across have been, they've no excuse for their poor behaviour and manners. Shame on them
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam, ring, introvert, shopping, malaysia, indonesia, bengali, pakistani, lift, polite, culture]
It's like a finger pointing to the moon.
Stood looking at the Ka'aba and people coming back and forth for 20/30 minutes. Doing nothing except wondering about it all and where it leaves me having completed my latest Umrah. I don't feel any different, I haven't changed. Well I'm a little wider but that's thanks to the junk food. That'll all go again when I'm back in the UK and eating proper food. My hair will grow back and I'll finally shave as well. My tan will fade too. That then will leave no outward sign that I've done anything religious or anything at all for that matter.
In this worldly life it leaves me in much the same position as it did before my trip - well with a slightly lighter wallet. If you believe in the afterlife as I do, well this trip leaves me in a much better position - I hope.
I know some of you are groaning and rolling your eyes. You may even be shaking your head in sympathy for someone you consider to be a poor deluded fool. That doesn't bother me.
At the end of the day, if you're right, no harm done, I've just wasted my time and money.
If I'm right, I've done a very good deed which will reflect on me on the other side.
Each to his own I guess.
Time for Esha prayers now.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam, spirit, afterlife]
In this worldly life it leaves me in much the same position as it did before my trip - well with a slightly lighter wallet. If you believe in the afterlife as I do, well this trip leaves me in a much better position - I hope.
I know some of you are groaning and rolling your eyes. You may even be shaking your head in sympathy for someone you consider to be a poor deluded fool. That doesn't bother me.
At the end of the day, if you're right, no harm done, I've just wasted my time and money.
If I'm right, I've done a very good deed which will reflect on me on the other side.
Each to his own I guess.
Time for Esha prayers now.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam, spirit, afterlife]
One ring to rule them all and in the darkness bind them.
I bought a ring today, a very unassuming one. It's quite small and looks a little tired if anything. It doesn't stand out in any way but there's something very special about it. If it had a personality I'd say it's an introvert.
I first noticed it over two weeks ago and it's been playing on my mind since then. You wouldn't normally give this ring a second glance. Heck, you might even stick your nose up at it. However, to me It stood out from the rest. It did so because it didn't shine, it didn't sparkle and it wouldn't sit comfortably on the tray with all the other rings and instead sat a little askew.
It's not for me by the way, it's a woman's ring. It is however, my preciousss.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam, ring, introvert, shopping]
An Arabian Russell Crowe came to the mosque today
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam]
Day 20: Money changer man give me bad deal
Bought some presents today, one of them's pretty pricey so I hope it's liked. It should be, it's very nice and plays music.
Getting up for Fajr wasn't as difficult as I thought. Got about 2 and a half to 3 hours kip last night. In all the excitement of the Umrah, I'd forgotten to get dinner. Realised after going to bed and by that time of course I wasn't going out again.
Strangely enough I wasn't that hungry when I awoke. Nor was I hungry up to lunch time, though I did eat some food.
While I don't particularly enjoy the routine of room - lift (wait ages) - mosque - lift (wait ages) - room, I will greatly miss the opportunity of going and praying in the Mosque of all Mosques.
Met a bloke from Jo'burg waiting in a queue, he'd just come from visiting Al-Aqsa mosque in Israel/Palestine. The situation's not too good there apparently. Bit of an understatement that.
The day is only halfway through with only 4 nights to go.
The pound seems to be taking a beating again, the best rate I could find was only £1 = 6.3. When we got to Mecca at the end of last month, it was much higher.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam]
Getting up for Fajr wasn't as difficult as I thought. Got about 2 and a half to 3 hours kip last night. In all the excitement of the Umrah, I'd forgotten to get dinner. Realised after going to bed and by that time of course I wasn't going out again.
Strangely enough I wasn't that hungry when I awoke. Nor was I hungry up to lunch time, though I did eat some food.
While I don't particularly enjoy the routine of room - lift (wait ages) - mosque - lift (wait ages) - room, I will greatly miss the opportunity of going and praying in the Mosque of all Mosques.
Met a bloke from Jo'burg waiting in a queue, he'd just come from visiting Al-Aqsa mosque in Israel/Palestine. The situation's not too good there apparently. Bit of an understatement that.
The day is only halfway through with only 4 nights to go.
The pound seems to be taking a beating again, the best rate I could find was only £1 = 6.3. When we got to Mecca at the end of last month, it was much higher.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam]
An Umrah comes and an Umrah goes...
We went to Jeddah in the afternoon and performed Asr and Maghrib prayers on the road. We went by the beach. With the right company it would have been very nice.
We also visited the reputed grave site of Eve. Yes I know what you're thinking and you're not the only one thinking it. However, just the thought that it might be there gives one a weird feeling. Just imagine it.
We left around 14:50 and got back at 21:00. After waiting for the crowds to die down from Esha prayers, we went and did Esha and then the Umrah. At a steady pace, the Twaf lasted me appx. 22 minutes. At normal pace the sha'I lasted me appx. 30 minutes.
Managed to do it on my own this time. I've been wanting to do so for a while. Think it went OK but people kept distracting me. I found it very difficult to concentrate.
Never ever, ever put ihram on in a mosque. The standards of their bathroom/ablution/shower areas is disgusting. Shocking that a country with so much money and apparently so very religious should allow for areas where people go to purify themselves to be so grossly unattended.
It was a disgusting disgrace in 1997 and it's a disgusting disgrace now.
Take my advice, put on Ihram at your hotel and then do the Umrah prayers at the appropriate mosque.
It's 23:32 and I have to get up again for Fajr. Oh well, only 4 more nights...
Darn it, that reminds me. Need to buy gifts.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, hotel, bathroom, ablution, islam, Eve, hajj, ihram, jeddah, beach]
We also visited the reputed grave site of Eve. Yes I know what you're thinking and you're not the only one thinking it. However, just the thought that it might be there gives one a weird feeling. Just imagine it.
We left around 14:50 and got back at 21:00. After waiting for the crowds to die down from Esha prayers, we went and did Esha and then the Umrah. At a steady pace, the Twaf lasted me appx. 22 minutes. At normal pace the sha'I lasted me appx. 30 minutes.
Managed to do it on my own this time. I've been wanting to do so for a while. Think it went OK but people kept distracting me. I found it very difficult to concentrate.
Never ever, ever put ihram on in a mosque. The standards of their bathroom/ablution/shower areas is disgusting. Shocking that a country with so much money and apparently so very religious should allow for areas where people go to purify themselves to be so grossly unattended.
It was a disgusting disgrace in 1997 and it's a disgusting disgrace now.
Take my advice, put on Ihram at your hotel and then do the Umrah prayers at the appropriate mosque.
It's 23:32 and I have to get up again for Fajr. Oh well, only 4 more nights...
Darn it, that reminds me. Need to buy gifts.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, hotel, bathroom, ablution, islam, Eve, hajj, ihram, jeddah, beach]
Day 19: Probably the last Umrah...honest
I think I'm going to be doing another umrah today. Take advantage of your opportunity they say, I couldn't agree more yet why am I so reluctant? It's not even that difficult. The only thing that it is, is uncomfortable. To use that as an excuse to prevent oneself from performing such a religious action is a bit weak to say the least.
Imagine saying that to the Big Man (or woman, ultimately s/he's neither so be quiet) when you're up in front of Him (I said be quiet) - "Yeah sorry Geezer, it's just that the material's a little bit uncomfortable". That'll go down well won't it.
So yes, all being well, we shall go to Jeddah for a day trip and then head towards Umrah mosque, put on the kit, do the nomaz and then back into al-Haram for PROBABLY the last Umrah of this trip.
I may do it on my own this time. The last 3 times were with them. To me it's a very personal thing so doing it with them was a bit tough but they seemed to want me there with them. This time it's only one of them and he can manage by himself.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam]
Imagine saying that to the Big Man (or woman, ultimately s/he's neither so be quiet) when you're up in front of Him (I said be quiet) - "Yeah sorry Geezer, it's just that the material's a little bit uncomfortable". That'll go down well won't it.
So yes, all being well, we shall go to Jeddah for a day trip and then head towards Umrah mosque, put on the kit, do the nomaz and then back into al-Haram for PROBABLY the last Umrah of this trip.
I may do it on my own this time. The last 3 times were with them. To me it's a very personal thing so doing it with them was a bit tough but they seemed to want me there with them. This time it's only one of them and he can manage by himself.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, islam]
Watching them watching each other...
No matter what age they are, be they children, teens, middle aged or old, they all eye up the opposite sex. Always from the corner of their eye and always doing their best to make sure no one notices.
It's not too difficult for the men to try and dress to impress the ladies. They can dress in more or less anything.
While the women don't have to wear black, most do. At the same time they cover their hair and some cover their whole face or most of the face and some even wear gloves. So how can they try and impress the men? Well the black burka that was one a few pieces of simple cloth has evolved into a work of art. With different patterns and designs, on the cuffs, around the neck, at the base. Quite a few are now more in line with the shape of the body allowing the figure to show... ever so slightly that is.
I've even noticed and it's hard not to, that some have even got patterns and designs on the burka around about where the lower back is. Done intentionally of course.
I have nothing against this of course, I just find it humorous and comforting even that no matter how hard some might try to restrict human expressions. Constrict even people's desires, in the end it just won't work.
One hour until the last prayers of the day and then a Chicken Royale for dinner me thinks.
[Category saudi arabia] [tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, burka, men, women, freedom, expression, islam]
It's not too difficult for the men to try and dress to impress the ladies. They can dress in more or less anything.
While the women don't have to wear black, most do. At the same time they cover their hair and some cover their whole face or most of the face and some even wear gloves. So how can they try and impress the men? Well the black burka that was one a few pieces of simple cloth has evolved into a work of art. With different patterns and designs, on the cuffs, around the neck, at the base. Quite a few are now more in line with the shape of the body allowing the figure to show... ever so slightly that is.
I've even noticed and it's hard not to, that some have even got patterns and designs on the burka around about where the lower back is. Done intentionally of course.
I have nothing against this of course, I just find it humorous and comforting even that no matter how hard some might try to restrict human expressions. Constrict even people's desires, in the end it just won't work.
One hour until the last prayers of the day and then a Chicken Royale for dinner me thinks.
[Category saudi arabia] [tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, burka, men, women, freedom, expression, islam]
Pepto-Abysmal
Strange goings on at the Mosque. I got annoyed for the first time and almost called someone a git. The bloke kept pushing really hard and it took all my strength to stop myself from pushing into people in front of me.
There were a couple of people with weird writing on their tops. One had 'TiT' written on the back of his sweatshirt. I'm sure he doesn't know what it means. If he does then I don't think it's funny. Another person had 'PMSL' on their top in great big white capital lettering. He must know what that means.
I quite like the shaved head look. Everybody looks at you with respect because they know you've just done an Umrah. Don't think I'll stick with it in the UK though. I look as though I've escaped from an Asylum.
The Security team don't seem to mind if people take pics with mobile phones - probably because it would be too difficult to police. BUT if you take a proper compact camera/slr/video camera, they get all stressed out and annoyed.
Ah diddums.
While taking some pics yesterday evening after Maghrib, some self righteous doo gooder fellow pilgrim spoke in Urdu saying it's wrong to take pics. I just pretended to not understand him and carried on.
Why is it so wrong? And if it's so wrong, why do the Authorities allow people to take pictures? It'd be foolish to say that they allow it because it would be difficult to police. If something is haram, it would be avoided/got rid of, no matter how difficult the task.
If anything, I think taking pics should be encouraged. These photos/videos can be shared with the rest of the world. Show Muslims who haven't gone what it's like and show non-muslims pics and videos to help them understand more.
The more people learn about Islam - the proper Islam, not any one particular strand, the more they'll grow to understand, appreciate and respect it... Or so the theory goes.
Here endeth the sermon.
Amen.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, hotel, islam]
There were a couple of people with weird writing on their tops. One had 'TiT' written on the back of his sweatshirt. I'm sure he doesn't know what it means. If he does then I don't think it's funny. Another person had 'PMSL' on their top in great big white capital lettering. He must know what that means.
I quite like the shaved head look. Everybody looks at you with respect because they know you've just done an Umrah. Don't think I'll stick with it in the UK though. I look as though I've escaped from an Asylum.
The Security team don't seem to mind if people take pics with mobile phones - probably because it would be too difficult to police. BUT if you take a proper compact camera/slr/video camera, they get all stressed out and annoyed.
Ah diddums.
While taking some pics yesterday evening after Maghrib, some self righteous doo gooder fellow pilgrim spoke in Urdu saying it's wrong to take pics. I just pretended to not understand him and carried on.
Why is it so wrong? And if it's so wrong, why do the Authorities allow people to take pictures? It'd be foolish to say that they allow it because it would be difficult to police. If something is haram, it would be avoided/got rid of, no matter how difficult the task.
If anything, I think taking pics should be encouraged. These photos/videos can be shared with the rest of the world. Show Muslims who haven't gone what it's like and show non-muslims pics and videos to help them understand more.
The more people learn about Islam - the proper Islam, not any one particular strand, the more they'll grow to understand, appreciate and respect it... Or so the theory goes.
Here endeth the sermon.
Amen.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, hotel, islam]
Day 18: A camel came to the mosque today
6 nights to go now and then I'm back in the real world. Prayers will continue of course just not in the same manner. For a start they won't last nearly as long and they won't be conducted in such grand surroundings nor with thousands and thousands of people from all over the world.
We never did move to that other hotel. Their lift wasn't quite as reliable as one would like and our current hotel manager agreed to lower the price per night to match the other one.
Prices for all hotels had gone up in July because of the new season - schools broke up this month and expectations were high that there would be a huge influx of people. That never materialised in quite the way it had been hoped. People did come but briefly and left after a day or two.
I'm useless at guessing numbers but I would be willing to say that there are at least a lot of people here. Some of my photos will show you the numbers.
I'll be doing a farewell Twaf and Shai later this week. After the completion of this, you're not supposed to see the Ka'aba again. I don't know the reasoning behind this so will have to find out.
A camel came to the mosque today dressed in blue with a massive bundle of goods on his back.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, hotel, bathroom, camel, islam]
We never did move to that other hotel. Their lift wasn't quite as reliable as one would like and our current hotel manager agreed to lower the price per night to match the other one.
Prices for all hotels had gone up in July because of the new season - schools broke up this month and expectations were high that there would be a huge influx of people. That never materialised in quite the way it had been hoped. People did come but briefly and left after a day or two.
I'm useless at guessing numbers but I would be willing to say that there are at least a lot of people here. Some of my photos will show you the numbers.
I'll be doing a farewell Twaf and Shai later this week. After the completion of this, you're not supposed to see the Ka'aba again. I don't know the reasoning behind this so will have to find out.
A camel came to the mosque today dressed in blue with a massive bundle of goods on his back.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, hotel, bathroom, camel, islam]
I got to be a water boy
It's blisteringly hot in sunny Mecca. It's virtually impossible to do anything outside yet the street cleaners and shop stewards are out there plying their trade. The owners - almost exclusively Arab, will be under the air con. The workforce, mainly Pakistani and Bengali will be doing the actual work. At least that's how it looks to me.
I think I've managed to capture all the pics that I wanted to before my arrival to this Holy of Holy places. Some of the photos I am extremely pleased with. Hopefully or should that be Inshallah, you will all like them as well.
As there are a few days left in Mecca and thanks to a request nay a demand, an ORDER even, I will spend the next few days trying to capture the warmth of the relationships between men and women. No doubt many non-muslims feel that there's no such thing.* Well, that's certainly going to be a challenge. It'll be thoroughly embarrassing if I get caught. How would I explain myself?
I did initially try to capture the relationships but it proved too difficult. Perhaps, I wasn't trying hard enough. Well I promise to try harder.
To end the post, I carried several bottles of zamzam for a couple of 9 year old kids down a few flights of stairs in al-Haram as they were struggling to do so themselves.
Ah bless, I hear you say in unison like a castrated choir. Too bloomin' right!
Audieu, Audieu to you and you and you.
* Sorry, that might have been a horrendous generalisation. But media coverage would suggest this. The situation is probably not helped by certain doofus muslims I'll admit.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, hotel, bathroom, rich, poor, islam, kids, water, zamzam, relationships]
I think I've managed to capture all the pics that I wanted to before my arrival to this Holy of Holy places. Some of the photos I am extremely pleased with. Hopefully or should that be Inshallah, you will all like them as well.
As there are a few days left in Mecca and thanks to a request nay a demand, an ORDER even, I will spend the next few days trying to capture the warmth of the relationships between men and women. No doubt many non-muslims feel that there's no such thing.* Well, that's certainly going to be a challenge. It'll be thoroughly embarrassing if I get caught. How would I explain myself?
I did initially try to capture the relationships but it proved too difficult. Perhaps, I wasn't trying hard enough. Well I promise to try harder.
To end the post, I carried several bottles of zamzam for a couple of 9 year old kids down a few flights of stairs in al-Haram as they were struggling to do so themselves.
Ah bless, I hear you say in unison like a castrated choir. Too bloomin' right!
Audieu, Audieu to you and you and you.
* Sorry, that might have been a horrendous generalisation. But media coverage would suggest this. The situation is probably not helped by certain doofus muslims I'll admit.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, hotel, bathroom, rich, poor, islam, kids, water, zamzam, relationships]
Day 17: the Sun is shining like there's no tomorrow...
At this rate, there won't be.
Mecca hasn't changed much in the last 9 days or so that we have been away. Except that is for the Mosque near the hotel we used as a landmark. That's now been demolished to make way for some expensive hotel no doubt.
It angers me to no end what the Authorities are doing. All the cheap hotels that used to be beside al-Haram are being demolished to make way for expensive hotels. By cheap I mean £10-£15 and expensive I mean £50+. They're a disgrace. Islam is not about serving the rich while stamping on the poor. Which is exactly what this lot are doing.
On a cheerier note, we may be moving to a better hotel at a better rate with a better bathroom for less money and not that much further away from al-Haram.
Sounds too good to be true? Probably is. We shall see.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, hotel, bathroom, rich, poor, islam]
Mecca hasn't changed much in the last 9 days or so that we have been away. Except that is for the Mosque near the hotel we used as a landmark. That's now been demolished to make way for some expensive hotel no doubt.
It angers me to no end what the Authorities are doing. All the cheap hotels that used to be beside al-Haram are being demolished to make way for expensive hotels. By cheap I mean £10-£15 and expensive I mean £50+. They're a disgrace. Islam is not about serving the rich while stamping on the poor. Which is exactly what this lot are doing.
On a cheerier note, we may be moving to a better hotel at a better rate with a better bathroom for less money and not that much further away from al-Haram.
Sounds too good to be true? Probably is. We shall see.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, mosque, religion, hotel, bathroom, rich, poor, islam]
The last Umrah... probably
Yesterday...
The taxi driver took an eternity to get us too Mecca. While the previous one got us to Medina in under 3 hours, this one took over 5 hours and 30 minutes. We did stop three times though. Once at Miqat to put on Ihram and do the Nafl prayers. The second time was at a service station for a much needed Orange Juice break - the shopkeeper had a parrot that would sing and dance if he slapped the counter. Our 3rd stop was at a roadside mosque where we performed Maghrib prayers. I didn't take a picture of the inside as the over bearing, staring Imam put me off. I did however take a pic of the outside.
We finally got to our hotel at 20:50, checked in and took a breather. We set off again at 21:30, we had to wade our way through thousands of people who were leaving al-Haram as Esha prayers had just finished.
We did the travel prayers (shortened version of the normal one) and then started the Twaf (7 anti clockwise circuits) at around 21:55. It wasn't too bad and there weren't too many people. There were of course many thousands of people BUT we managed to touch the Ka'aba (not necessary but it is quite nice to do).
The Sha'I (Up and down Safa-Marwa 7 times) which is normally the most difficult for my companions because of the heat, people and steepness didn't prove too difficult this time. Managed to complete everything by 23:10.
Had my head shaved a third and final time - the edjut did a terrible job BUT I did only pay him SR5 (80p). Had a shower and then we all had KFC for dinner which took us to 00:20 when we went to bed.
My companions are getting old.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, prophets mosque, mosque, religion, tired, old, kfc, food]
The taxi driver took an eternity to get us too Mecca. While the previous one got us to Medina in under 3 hours, this one took over 5 hours and 30 minutes. We did stop three times though. Once at Miqat to put on Ihram and do the Nafl prayers. The second time was at a service station for a much needed Orange Juice break - the shopkeeper had a parrot that would sing and dance if he slapped the counter. Our 3rd stop was at a roadside mosque where we performed Maghrib prayers. I didn't take a picture of the inside as the over bearing, staring Imam put me off. I did however take a pic of the outside.
We finally got to our hotel at 20:50, checked in and took a breather. We set off again at 21:30, we had to wade our way through thousands of people who were leaving al-Haram as Esha prayers had just finished.
We did the travel prayers (shortened version of the normal one) and then started the Twaf (7 anti clockwise circuits) at around 21:55. It wasn't too bad and there weren't too many people. There were of course many thousands of people BUT we managed to touch the Ka'aba (not necessary but it is quite nice to do).
The Sha'I (Up and down Safa-Marwa 7 times) which is normally the most difficult for my companions because of the heat, people and steepness didn't prove too difficult this time. Managed to complete everything by 23:10.
Had my head shaved a third and final time - the edjut did a terrible job BUT I did only pay him SR5 (80p). Had a shower and then we all had KFC for dinner which took us to 00:20 when we went to bed.
My companions are getting old.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, prophets mosque, mosque, religion, tired, old, kfc, food]
Day 16: Not another Umrah
Well we did Fajr for the last time for who knows how long at the Prophet's Mosque. Can't say I felt too emotional about it though, I was far too tired to even think about it. The place was packed as it's a Friday, people have come from all over to perform Jummah prayers later today. I dred to think how busy it's going to be later today.
We'll have lunch after Jummah and then set off in Ihram to Mecca around 15:00. I hope to complete my Umrah before Maghrib which will be around 19:15.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, prophets mosque, mosque, religion]
Jesus' Indian look alike came to pray today.
I'm getting pins and needles sitting cross legged on the mosque floor. It's amazing how many people don't switch their mobiles off during prayers. During Zuhr prayers for example, somebody's phone went off with the ring tone Ride of the Valkeries. It made for a very epic prayer session.
It's amazing how things have changed since my last visit 7 years ago. There's a lot more ego and vanity on show amongst the Men and Women. I think it's partly to do with the lowering of the age group of the people coming. There are far less old people and many, many more young ones. On the Palestinian front, it seems to be cool to dress like the US youth of the 50's and 60's. The James Dean look in particular.
The Turkish contingent seem to be wearing football tops.
The Indians and this is surprising, mainly seem to be coming to prayers in what can only be described as pyjamas! A strange decision to be sure.
The Brits, what few there are, tend to try and dress as though they are in Pakistan. Mainly I guess because their families come from there.
The women tend to dress as though they're heading to Italy with their massive glasses. While the standard colour is black, the designs on the cuffs and bottom bits of their dresses are full of vibrant patterns.
As you can tell, my fashion vocab. is woefully poor. For that I am grateful.
There's nothing exactly wrong with any of that but it just seems to me that one of the nicer aspects of Umrah - not worrying about appearance, has been lost.
I haven't seen many white converts this year either. I remember seeing quite a few in 2002. I guess though that it's because we are currently in the off season. There'll be plenty in a month or so.
Lookalikes are back in town with Jeseus' and Wayne Roony's ones making a brief appearance. Steven Spielberg's one also came for prayers - that was probably my highlight. I wanted to ask him what on earth possessed him to green light the latest atrocious instalment of the Indiana Jones series of movies but I didn't.
There are kids running around all around me and some dude's trying to clean his ears without attracting any attention. Bad luck mate.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, fashion, children, ego, vanity, india, palestine, men, women, religion]
Day 15: It all depends on the woman
A pretty ordinary day expected today. The Sterling plummeted to an all trip low of £1 - SR 5.90. I changed some money yesterday at SR 6 to the pound. Should have done it the night before when it was 6.10. Ah well, you win some, you lose some.
Had this weird chicken type curry for lunch yesterday, it was as soft as butter under the sun. Felt weird in the mouth but tasted OK I suppose.
I've probably mentioned it before but the different types of food they have on offer here is amazing. They call it a food market and that's exactly what it is. The people behind the counters speak various languages and the food they serve come from all over the world. Perfect for catering to the needs of Muslims who travel on pilgrimage from all over and miss the food from back home. It's also perfect for someone like me who wants to experiment with food - only for lunch though. Dinner time is dedicated to the same old fried chicken, kebabs, tikka's and curries.
I think I'm putting on weight.
Haven't seen any doppelgangers of late which is a bit of a disappointment. I was really on a roll for a couple of days.
End
P.S. I got you some of those head scarf pins you asked for. Don't blame me if you don't like them. I'm terrible when it comes to these things. I got a few extra just in case.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, head scarf, chicken, curry, religion, hijab]
Had this weird chicken type curry for lunch yesterday, it was as soft as butter under the sun. Felt weird in the mouth but tasted OK I suppose.
I've probably mentioned it before but the different types of food they have on offer here is amazing. They call it a food market and that's exactly what it is. The people behind the counters speak various languages and the food they serve come from all over the world. Perfect for catering to the needs of Muslims who travel on pilgrimage from all over and miss the food from back home. It's also perfect for someone like me who wants to experiment with food - only for lunch though. Dinner time is dedicated to the same old fried chicken, kebabs, tikka's and curries.
I think I'm putting on weight.
Haven't seen any doppelgangers of late which is a bit of a disappointment. I was really on a roll for a couple of days.
End
P.S. I got you some of those head scarf pins you asked for. Don't blame me if you don't like them. I'm terrible when it comes to these things. I got a few extra just in case.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, head scarf, chicken, curry, religion, hijab]
Will you stop fidgetting
Man alive, I've calmed down a bit now but earlier I was seriously irritated. All throughout Maghrib (after sunset) prayers the bloke praying beside me couldn't stop fidgetting.
All I could think was, stop it, stop it, stop it. Instead of concentrating on what I should be doing, all I could think was how much he was annoying me.
My headache is getting worse now. Over an hour left until the last set of prayers, then food and then I can look forward to the wonderful, glorious, comforting warm, loving embrace of my bed.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, fidget, food, bed, sleep, religion]
I'm dying of boredom...
I'm also boiling and extremely tired.
Appx. 2 hours of sleep a day on average for the last 13 days. Sometimes even less.
I'm so bored my brain actually hurts. People keep staring at me for no damn good reason and it's becoming very annoying.
Got another Umrah to do on Friday which I'm not looking forward to. It's going to be hot, tiring, dusty, packed and generally uncomfortable. It will though be my last one for a while. Perhaps a long while.
Man my brain hurts and I can't focus my eyes.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, tired, sleepy, hot, weather, courtesy, religion]
Day 14: Brothers
I was pleasantly amused to find Frodo serving me my lunch yesterday. How low he has come, from saving Middle earth to catering for not always the most generous of clientele.
Not many days left to go. We head for Mecca in state of Ihram again on Friday (probably), spend a few days there then back to good old Blighty. Back to the real world.
Last night as I was sitting in the mosque waiting for Esha prayers, I noticed two brothers in front of me. They must have been in their mid 20's and dressed exactly the same. One was reading aloud while the other was listening. He could not read himself as he was blind. That's what family is about. I found that to be very touching.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, courtesy, religion, brothers, family]
Feeling th vibe tonight.
It's not hot, it's not packed to the rafters, there are no distractions.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, courtesy, religion]
I have a blocked nose
It's from yesterday's freezing shower, I'm sure of it.
You know I said I would not be taking pics for a couple of days. Well it proved to be a bit of a right royal disaster. I started taking pics almost immediately after the post. Thanks to Photoshop, they have come out quite well and I hope you like them.
The wretched air con in my hotel room seems to only have three settings : Arctic fun, Miserably low and Off.
The control dial seems to only be there as a tool to mock me. Turning it this way and then that way achieves nothing but I can hear from the recesses of the air con underworld piping, a high pitched cackle as though it enjoys teasing me in this manner.
I dare not speak angrily towards it lest it take offence and never switch on. That would be the end of me. I wonder how it all works. Perhaps they have a Union of some sort and should this one be mistreated by me, they may all stop working when I am around.
Chicken something for dinner for me tonight me thinks. Four and a half hours to go though.
Bought some toys and clothes for people back home so souvenir shopping almost complete.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, clothes, souvenir, cold, blocked nose, air con, courtesy, religion]
You know I said I would not be taking pics for a couple of days. Well it proved to be a bit of a right royal disaster. I started taking pics almost immediately after the post. Thanks to Photoshop, they have come out quite well and I hope you like them.
The wretched air con in my hotel room seems to only have three settings : Arctic fun, Miserably low and Off.
The control dial seems to only be there as a tool to mock me. Turning it this way and then that way achieves nothing but I can hear from the recesses of the air con underworld piping, a high pitched cackle as though it enjoys teasing me in this manner.
I dare not speak angrily towards it lest it take offence and never switch on. That would be the end of me. I wonder how it all works. Perhaps they have a Union of some sort and should this one be mistreated by me, they may all stop working when I am around.
Chicken something for dinner for me tonight me thinks. Four and a half hours to go though.
Bought some toys and clothes for people back home so souvenir shopping almost complete.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, clothes, souvenir, cold, blocked nose, air con, courtesy, religion]
I have a blocked nose
It's from yesterday's freezing shower, I'm sure of it.
You know I said I would not be taking pics for a couple of days. Well it proved to be a bit of a right royal disaster. I started taking pics almost immediately after the post. Thanks to Photoshop, they have come out quite well and I hope you like them.
The wretched air con in my hotel room seems to only have three settings : Arctic fun, Miserably low and Off.
The control dial seems to only be there as a tool to mock me. Turning it this way and then that way achieves nothing but I can hear from the recesses of the air con underworld piping, a high pitched cackle as though it enjoys teasing me in this manner.
I dare not speak angrily towards it lest it take offence and never switch on. That would be the end of me. I wonder how it all works. Perhaps they have a Union of some sort and should this one be mistreated by me, they may all stop working when I am around.
Chicken something for dinner for me tonight me thinks. Four and a half hours to go though.
Bought some toys and clothes for people back home so souvenir shopping almost complete.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, clothes, souvenir, cold, blocked nose, air con, courtesy, religion]
You know I said I would not be taking pics for a couple of days. Well it proved to be a bit of a right royal disaster. I started taking pics almost immediately after the post. Thanks to Photoshop, they have come out quite well and I hope you like them.
The wretched air con in my hotel room seems to only have three settings : Arctic fun, Miserably low and Off.
The control dial seems to only be there as a tool to mock me. Turning it this way and then that way achieves nothing but I can hear from the recesses of the air con underworld piping, a high pitched cackle as though it enjoys teasing me in this manner.
I dare not speak angrily towards it lest it take offence and never switch on. That would be the end of me. I wonder how it all works. Perhaps they have a Union of some sort and should this one be mistreated by me, they may all stop working when I am around.
Chicken something for dinner for me tonight me thinks. Four and a half hours to go though.
Bought some toys and clothes for people back home so souvenir shopping almost complete.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, clothes, souvenir, cold, blocked nose, air con, courtesy, religion]
I have a blocked nose
It's from yesterday's freezing shower, I'm sure of it.
You know I said I would not be taking pics for a couple of days. Well it proved to be a bit of a right royal disaster. I started taking pics almost immediately after the post. Thanks to Photoshop, they have come out quite well and I hope you like them.
The wretched air con in my hotel room seems to only have three settings : Arctic fun, Miserably low and Off.
The control dial seems to only be there as a tool to mock me. Turning it this way and then that way achieves nothing but I can hear from the recesses of the air con underworld piping, a high pitched cackle as though it enjoys teasing me in this manner.
I dare not speak angrily towards it lest it take offence and never switch on. That would be the end of me. I wonder how it all works. Perhaps they have a Union of some sort and should this one be mistreated by me, they may all stop working when I am around.
Chicken something for dinner for me tonight me thinks. Four and a half hours to go though.
Bought some toys and clothes for people back home so souvenir shopping almost complete.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, clothes, souvenir, cold, blocked nose, air con, courtesy, religion]
You know I said I would not be taking pics for a couple of days. Well it proved to be a bit of a right royal disaster. I started taking pics almost immediately after the post. Thanks to Photoshop, they have come out quite well and I hope you like them.
The wretched air con in my hotel room seems to only have three settings : Arctic fun, Miserably low and Off.
The control dial seems to only be there as a tool to mock me. Turning it this way and then that way achieves nothing but I can hear from the recesses of the air con underworld piping, a high pitched cackle as though it enjoys teasing me in this manner.
I dare not speak angrily towards it lest it take offence and never switch on. That would be the end of me. I wonder how it all works. Perhaps they have a Union of some sort and should this one be mistreated by me, they may all stop working when I am around.
Chicken something for dinner for me tonight me thinks. Four and a half hours to go though.
Bought some toys and clothes for people back home so souvenir shopping almost complete.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, clothes, souvenir, cold, blocked nose, air con, courtesy, religion]
I have a blocked nose
It's from yesterday's freezing shower, I'm sure of it.
You know I said I would not be taking pics for a couple of days. Well it proved to be a bit of a right royal disaster. I started taking pics almost immediately after the post. Thanks to Photoshop, they have come out quite well and I hope you like them.
The wretched air con in my hotel room seems to only have three settings : Arctic fun, Miserably low and Off.
The control dial seems to only be there as a tool to mock me. Turning it this way and then that way achieves nothing but I can hear from the recesses of the air con underworld piping, a high pitched cackle as though it enjoys teasing me in this manner.
I dare not speak angrily towards it lest it take offence and never switch on. That would be the end of me. I wonder how it all works. Perhaps they have a Union of some sort and should this one be mistreated by me, they may all stop working when I am around.
Chicken something for dinner for me tonight me thinks. Four and a half hours to go though.
Bought some toys and clothes for people back home so souvenir shopping almost complete.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, clothes, souvenir, cold, blocked nose, air con, courtesy, religion]
You know I said I would not be taking pics for a couple of days. Well it proved to be a bit of a right royal disaster. I started taking pics almost immediately after the post. Thanks to Photoshop, they have come out quite well and I hope you like them.
The wretched air con in my hotel room seems to only have three settings : Arctic fun, Miserably low and Off.
The control dial seems to only be there as a tool to mock me. Turning it this way and then that way achieves nothing but I can hear from the recesses of the air con underworld piping, a high pitched cackle as though it enjoys teasing me in this manner.
I dare not speak angrily towards it lest it take offence and never switch on. That would be the end of me. I wonder how it all works. Perhaps they have a Union of some sort and should this one be mistreated by me, they may all stop working when I am around.
Chicken something for dinner for me tonight me thinks. Four and a half hours to go though.
Bought some toys and clothes for people back home so souvenir shopping almost complete.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, clothes, souvenir, cold, blocked nose, air con, courtesy, religion]
I have a blocked nose
It's from yesterday's freezing shower, I'm sure of it.
You know I said I would not be taking pics for a couple of days. Well it proved to be a bit of a right royal disaster. I started taking pics almost immediately after the post. Thanks to Photoshop, they have come out quite well and I hope you like them.
The wretched air con in my hotel room seems to only have three settings : Arctic fun, Miserably low and Off.
The control dial seems to only be there as a tool to mock me. Turning it this way and then that way achieves nothing but I can hear from the recesses of the air con underworld piping, a high pitched cackle as though it enjoys teasing me in this manner.
I dare not speak angrily towards it lest it take offence and never switch on. That would be the end of me. I wonder how it all works. Perhaps they have a Union of some sort and should this one be mistreated by me, they may all stop working when I am around.
Chicken something for dinner for me tonight me thinks. Four and a half hours to go though.
Bought some toys and clothes for people back home so souvenir shopping almost complete.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, clothes, souvenir, cold, blocked nose, air con, courtesy, religion]
You know I said I would not be taking pics for a couple of days. Well it proved to be a bit of a right royal disaster. I started taking pics almost immediately after the post. Thanks to Photoshop, they have come out quite well and I hope you like them.
The wretched air con in my hotel room seems to only have three settings : Arctic fun, Miserably low and Off.
The control dial seems to only be there as a tool to mock me. Turning it this way and then that way achieves nothing but I can hear from the recesses of the air con underworld piping, a high pitched cackle as though it enjoys teasing me in this manner.
I dare not speak angrily towards it lest it take offence and never switch on. That would be the end of me. I wonder how it all works. Perhaps they have a Union of some sort and should this one be mistreated by me, they may all stop working when I am around.
Chicken something for dinner for me tonight me thinks. Four and a half hours to go though.
Bought some toys and clothes for people back home so souvenir shopping almost complete.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, clothes, souvenir, cold, blocked nose, air con, courtesy, religion]
Day 13: I think it is.
'Twas a low point for me last night. It's very frustrating being in a place where it's too hot to do anything. I'm naturally a wanderer. I love exploring new places, preferably on foot. But the heat of this place has kept me within a few blocks of my hotel and the mosque.
Having explored much of this area within the first couple of nights, I'm left hanging around. Going between the mosque and hotel, hotel and mosque has become a little repetitive, a little repetitive.
I think the only solution is to grow up and live with it. I'll soon enough be bemoaning the fact that I have to return to the UK.
Urgh, the real world, with its real life problems and real life implications. Best leave that to one side for the moment, it'll be here soon enough.
Had some Pizza last night for SR15, it was quite nice, a veggie deep pan. There were some left overs so had that for breakfast with tea.
Man, the way they make tea over here is shocking. Instead of giving tea with sugar, they serve sugar with tea. It's not a matter of how many teaspoons of sugar but how many tablespoons.
Just tasting the tea, I can feel Little Miss. Diabetes making her way towards me on a pink tricycle, with cubes of sugar in her hair.
I can sense my tapping away on the keys is upsetting my companions so I best stop.
Speak later.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, frustration, diabetes, tea, pizza, food, courtesy, religion].
Having explored much of this area within the first couple of nights, I'm left hanging around. Going between the mosque and hotel, hotel and mosque has become a little repetitive, a little repetitive.
I think the only solution is to grow up and live with it. I'll soon enough be bemoaning the fact that I have to return to the UK.
Urgh, the real world, with its real life problems and real life implications. Best leave that to one side for the moment, it'll be here soon enough.
Had some Pizza last night for SR15, it was quite nice, a veggie deep pan. There were some left overs so had that for breakfast with tea.
Man, the way they make tea over here is shocking. Instead of giving tea with sugar, they serve sugar with tea. It's not a matter of how many teaspoons of sugar but how many tablespoons.
Just tasting the tea, I can feel Little Miss. Diabetes making her way towards me on a pink tricycle, with cubes of sugar in her hair.
I can sense my tapping away on the keys is upsetting my companions so I best stop.
Speak later.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, frustration, diabetes, tea, pizza, food, courtesy, religion].
Waiting for the next set of prayers
It's weird man, little children pick up a copy of th Quran and start reading it without being prompted. They do the prayers perfectly as well. In the UK, you'd be lucky if a kid sat beside you as you prayed let alone them praying beside you. Heck even the 'cool' kids stop messing around during prayer time and perform their prayers admirably. That I guess is the difference between growing up in a Muslim country and a non muslim country.
Everyone's reading the Quran, doing extra prayers, reading the tasbeh (prayer beads), sitting and talking amongst themselves, awaiting Esha prayers (20 mins from now). Relaxing in the glorious Prophet's Mosque.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, old, infirm, wheelchair, courtesy, religion]
Shoe box 1120
I've decided to retire my camera for the next couple of days so I can concentrate on other things. It'll be tough of course but to be fair, half way into my trip, I think I have all the pics that I would have wanted to have taken before the trip started. There's only a couple that I would love to take but it would be far too difficult.
There are couples every now and again sharing intimate moments such as holding hands, eating from the same carton and even sitting together in the mosque, talking and laughing. All very normal in most countries but somewhere as suffocating and repressive as Saudi Arabia, it's such a refreshing sight. I'm hoping to grab such shots but I doubt I will be able to.
Seeing these couples, makes you hope that things are changing but then again, let's not kid ourselves. A lot of these couples don't appear to be natives. There's a long way to go.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, old, couples, relationship, courtship, courtesy, religion]
There are couples every now and again sharing intimate moments such as holding hands, eating from the same carton and even sitting together in the mosque, talking and laughing. All very normal in most countries but somewhere as suffocating and repressive as Saudi Arabia, it's such a refreshing sight. I'm hoping to grab such shots but I doubt I will be able to.
Seeing these couples, makes you hope that things are changing but then again, let's not kid ourselves. A lot of these couples don't appear to be natives. There's a long way to go.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, old, couples, relationship, courtship, courtesy, religion]
Sitting next to an old Indonesian man.
Half of me has been burnt, the other half over done. It's most powerfully hot here in Medina yet it's a cold day for them. Some of the locals have come out in jumpers.
Just had a chicken zinger. I know, I'm overdoing it with the fast food but in me defence, I rarely ever eat it over in the UK.
Some bloke and his family, allegedly from Bombay claim to have lost a lot of money while performing religious duties and is asking for any help - financial obviously. It's amazing how these people have the nerve to come to such a holy place just to con people.
I know he was a con artist for sure as he claimed to be from Pakistan when I fist came across him in Mecca.
Shameful.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, old, infirm, wheelchair, courtesy, religion]
Day 12: It's day 11
Did a tour of a few places straight after Fajr prayers. We visited Quba mosque which was originally built by the Prophet (pbuh). We also visited the 7 Mosques - literally 7 mosques very near to each other. These mosques stand on the sites of 7 tents that were placed by the Prophet's (pbuh) side during a war.
Finally we also visited Qibla Mosque, famous for the fact that, prayers in there used to be pointed towards Jerusalem until the order was given by God to pray towards Mecca (Ka'aba Sharif).
Got back to the hotel at 07:50 which shows you quite how early we set out.
Our driver and guide provided us with his false name which we should use should we be stopped by the police for a spot check. I'd never make a good spy because I kept forgetting the name. Luckily we didn't have to be tested and everything went smoothly.
All this air con is causing me to develop a cough. At least I think it's nothing more than a cough and not swine flu. That'd be funny, catching swine flu in a muslim country.
Anyhoo, it's time to go.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, old, infirm, wheelchair, courtesy, religion, qibla, 7 mosques, quba, swine flu, h1n1]
Finally we also visited Qibla Mosque, famous for the fact that, prayers in there used to be pointed towards Jerusalem until the order was given by God to pray towards Mecca (Ka'aba Sharif).
Got back to the hotel at 07:50 which shows you quite how early we set out.
Our driver and guide provided us with his false name which we should use should we be stopped by the police for a spot check. I'd never make a good spy because I kept forgetting the name. Luckily we didn't have to be tested and everything went smoothly.
All this air con is causing me to develop a cough. At least I think it's nothing more than a cough and not swine flu. That'd be funny, catching swine flu in a muslim country.
Anyhoo, it's time to go.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, old, infirm, wheelchair, courtesy, religion, qibla, 7 mosques, quba, swine flu, h1n1]
Day 12: it's far, far, far too early to get up.
It's inhumane. I wanna retch.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, old, infirm, wheelchair, courtesy, religion]
I protest my innocence
I have just been brought up on something from my earlier post...
I must state, declare and clarify here in writing to all of you two readers, well ok one and a half, the following:
There was nothing untoward, there is nothing untoward nor will there ever be anything untoward going on between me and the Malaysian girl.
I promise.
Honest Guv',
I swear me'lud.
For anyone to think otherwise for even a second, upsets me. I am disappointed.
For your peace of mind, let's bear in mind three things:
1: What country I am in,
2: Why I am here and
3: Who I am here with.
Need I say more? No? I didn't think so.
Let that be the end of the matter.
Fin.
Man alive, the air con is on at full power
Can't wait until dinner time, not sure what I'm going to have, there's a huge variety of food to suite the tastes of all of the different people that come from all over the world.
They even have fish and chips. Gor' bless Her Majesty, makes one feel proud to be an Englishman.
Started chatting to this Malay girl outside the mosque, she's staying at a hotel a couple of doors down from mine. Turns out she'll be coming to the UK to study this year, just as we'd swapped email addresses, a police officer came beside us and subtly made his displeasure apparent. Taking the hint, we scuttled off in our separate ways.
I'm bored now, very bored. I also have a headache.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, old, infirm, wheelchair, courtesy, religion, malay, malaysia, headache fish, chips, food]
Crawling babies
Moving around on my own a lot more and so everything feels a lot easier. It probably defeats the purpose somewhat of travelling in a group but I'm a solitary creature by nature.
There was a baby crawling along the lines of people sitting and waiting to pray in the mosque today which raised a smile amongs the worshippers, particularly the Indonesias. S/he, you never can tell at that age kept gurgling and doing general baby stuff. At one point the baby started for me, this of course made me nervous. Babies all around the world know exactly what they're doing. They target those that don't know how to handle them in front of others. Anyhoo, as this baby, with saliva dribbling down its mouth and cheeks as rosey as rosey cheeks had me in it's sights, my life flashed before my eyes but then, just then his/her father picked the baby up took him/her away.
Hah! That's 1 - 0 to me.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, old, infirm, wheelchair, courtesy, religion, baby, solitary, solitude]
There was a baby crawling along the lines of people sitting and waiting to pray in the mosque today which raised a smile amongs the worshippers, particularly the Indonesias. S/he, you never can tell at that age kept gurgling and doing general baby stuff. At one point the baby started for me, this of course made me nervous. Babies all around the world know exactly what they're doing. They target those that don't know how to handle them in front of others. Anyhoo, as this baby, with saliva dribbling down its mouth and cheeks as rosey as rosey cheeks had me in it's sights, my life flashed before my eyes but then, just then his/her father picked the baby up took him/her away.
Hah! That's 1 - 0 to me.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, old, infirm, wheelchair, courtesy, religion, baby, solitary, solitude]
Day 11: Missed Fajr
I went for a walk last night as it wasn't quite as hot as it has been on previous nights. As I was heading back home and about to buy some dinner, I noticed as though it was a mirage, the red and white sign of KFC.
Oh Holy KFC, hallowed be they name, thy chicken wings come, they chips be well done, on my stomach as it is in my mouth.
I had a chicken burger zinger or whatever it's called. Don't know much about what happened after that, it all happened so fast. I think I'll propose.
Coming to Muslim countries makes me realise just how little I know about my own religion and culture me thinks I have to do something about that.
Well it was going to happen sooner or later as exhausted as I am. I missed Fajr prayers this morning. The prayers are at 04:13 and I woke up at 05:01. Hope that doesn't happen again.
Time for the next set of prayers.
Caio
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, old, infirm, wheelchair, courtesy, religion]
Oh Holy KFC, hallowed be they name, thy chicken wings come, they chips be well done, on my stomach as it is in my mouth.
I had a chicken burger zinger or whatever it's called. Don't know much about what happened after that, it all happened so fast. I think I'll propose.
Coming to Muslim countries makes me realise just how little I know about my own religion and culture me thinks I have to do something about that.
Well it was going to happen sooner or later as exhausted as I am. I missed Fajr prayers this morning. The prayers are at 04:13 and I woke up at 05:01. Hope that doesn't happen again.
Time for the next set of prayers.
Caio
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, old, infirm, wheelchair, courtesy, religion]
Day 10: 364
During Asr prayers I heard a jingly, christmassy version of Pachelbels Cannon. For a second I thought I was having a divine revelation. Much to my displeasure, It wasn't to be though, the music was coming from someone's mobile phone. They'd set that as a ring tone.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, old, infirm, wheelchair, courtesy, religion, revelation, divine, pachelbel, music, classical]
Room service...
I'm being harried by two room service staff. They keep asking me questions and I'm trying my best to pretend to understand.
It just occurred to me that I'm not sure if I am supposed to tip them or not. What's more, I don't have any spare change. Bugger, this is going to be awkward. I'll just avert my eyes, look busy and annoyed. An annoyed look always looks like a person is busy.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, old, infirm, wheelchair, courtesy, religion]
Day 10: as soon as I saw, I knew...
There wasn't much to report yesterday. Jummah prayers was packed as could be expected. I prayed alongside a Moroccan Barak Obama, I felt very privileged. I visited our Prophet's (PBUH) mausoleum and paid my respects. Were it not for him, 1400 odd years ago, I would not be here performing this pilgrimage and paying my respects. That's a strange feeling.
We went to a bengali run restaurant yesterday evening. Just as soon as I saw it I knew and true enough I suffered a bout of food poisoning, two in fact. The place looked as though it came straight out of Dhaka. Who knows, it probably did.
Now for some sleep.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, old, infirm, wheelchair, courtesy, religion bengali, poisoning, bangladesh, dhaka, food, curry]
Day 8: Medina days...
Well, I'm starting to feel it. 8 days in but I think I'm getting there.
45 degrees Celsius today - it's getting powerfully hot!
The Prophet's Mosque has to be the best Mosque in the world. I absolutely love the architecture, the patterns and the repetitive arches. When it gets dark and the lights are switched on - it's absolutely magical.
Took us around 3 hours to get to Medina from Mecca. We were driven by a flash Harry from Bangladesh, with long slick black hair and a belly the size of Jupiter. He drove at twice the speed limit all the way!
I'm feeling pretty lucky. Shared an escalator with a Pakistani Niam Leeson and prayed with a Lebanese Sly Stallone and Egyptian Burt Reynolds...
Goodnight blogosphere, where ever you are.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, old, infirm, wheelchair, courtesy, religion]
Day 8: Zeus sees the error of his ways
Did the 7 circuits around Ka'aba (Twaf) around 03:30 this morning. Can't say that it did much for me. Strange that. Normally by 8 days into an Umrah I feel quite chilled out, mellow and happy with the world - a general sense of peace. Not getting anywhere near that this time. Maybe it will start in Medina.
While doing the Twaf, I noticed a tall white man, once of a good stature but now quite small and frail. He had an uncanny resemblance to Zeus - at least how I would imagine him to be. Perhaps it was him.
Well done Zeus for seeing the error of your ways.
On route to Medina.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, old, infirm, wheelchair, courtesy, religion]
Ok, Ok, Ok
As promised, here's mentioning you kid.
That's as much as you get. You know who you are, I certainly know who you are and some of them know who you are.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, old, infirm, wheelchair, courtesy, religion, relationship]
Day 7: I met a Turkish man on my way...
I met a Turkish man in the mosque and he asked me if I was Turkish!
It's amazing how much Turkish I remember from my trip nearly two months ago. Linguaphone, I salute you.
While in Turkey, all the turkish people thought I was from Saudi Arabia. It's funny now I'm in Saudi that a Turkish gent should ask if I am Turkish.. He took an immense liking to my shirt and started making exclamations to God. I know it's nice but that nice?
Ma Salama
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, old, infirm, wheelchair, courtesy, religion, turkey, turkish, shirt]
Day 7: one week ago we left for Saudi
I'm getting very tired of the King of Saudi Arabia smiling at me on their currency. He isn't even looking at me directly, he's looking at the top of my head as though there's a fly doing the rumba which he seems to find very amusing.
Not long to go now until I'm back. on home soil. 17 days by my count, 17 by other people's count as well.
There'll be 10 days in Medina and then a final 7 in Mecca. At least Medina will be cooler than Mecca by a couple of degrees by all counts.
Now I'm just rambling. I'm tired and I'm hot. Tea costs 2 riyals unless you want milk, in which case it costs 3m
Here's an interesting fact. All food in Mecca is subsidised by the Govt. Bread by which I mean something like a Chappatti, is subsidised 100%. By law, a restaurant has to provide you with as much bread as you want and you don't have to pay for it.
The cheapest food item in a restaurant is chana dhal at SR4. Four people could order one dhal and 8/12 pieces of bread and feast on that and have to pay only SR4. Not bad!.
Still not feeling very spiritual. Odd that, I normally do by now. Perhaps there are too many distractions.
Here's a pretentious quote to get you thinking...or puking:
Believe those who are seeking the truth. Doubt those who find it.
The git at the 'Barber Saloon' didn't cut my hair off properly the git. He still charged me handsomely for it though - SR4.
Zzzz Zzz Zz Z z
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, food, tea, subsidy]
Not long to go now until I'm back. on home soil. 17 days by my count, 17 by other people's count as well.
There'll be 10 days in Medina and then a final 7 in Mecca. At least Medina will be cooler than Mecca by a couple of degrees by all counts.
Now I'm just rambling. I'm tired and I'm hot. Tea costs 2 riyals unless you want milk, in which case it costs 3m
Here's an interesting fact. All food in Mecca is subsidised by the Govt. Bread by which I mean something like a Chappatti, is subsidised 100%. By law, a restaurant has to provide you with as much bread as you want and you don't have to pay for it.
The cheapest food item in a restaurant is chana dhal at SR4. Four people could order one dhal and 8/12 pieces of bread and feast on that and have to pay only SR4. Not bad!.
Still not feeling very spiritual. Odd that, I normally do by now. Perhaps there are too many distractions.
Here's a pretentious quote to get you thinking...or puking:
Believe those who are seeking the truth. Doubt those who find it.
The git at the 'Barber Saloon' didn't cut my hair off properly the git. He still charged me handsomely for it though - SR4.
Zzzz Zzz Zz Z z
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, food, tea, subsidy]
Day 7: The cockroaches have taken over the Asylum.
Had croissant and tea for breakfast.
This head shaved look doesn't suit me. I look like a mentally ill fascist.
All things being well and all that, we should be going to good ol' Medina tomorrow.
Fell asleep around midnight last night/this morning and then woke up again at 2. I'm going to need a holiday after this trip.
Apparently, my great-great Grandfather was a religious teacher from Iran. Oh how the mighty have fallen. Each generation has come to Mecca, home of Islam. Thankfully I haven't broken the link. Hopefully the next generation won't either.
As you can tell, I'm struggling for things to say, it's because I have over 1 hour to waste before I can go to Zuhr prayers. I'd have gone already but I get a sever case of pins and needles so best hang around here.
My companions started getting soppy about how much I, we do for them and how grateful they are to the man upstairs. Feeling uncomfortable, I did what any true Englishman would do and changed the subject.
You should try some of this holy water - zamzam. It tastes like nothing you would have drunk before unless you've tasted cold water of course!
Seriously, it tastes nicer than water when you know what it is and the history behind it. Don't ask me to do a blind test though, it'd go horribly wrong.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, old, infirm, wheelchair, courtesy, religion]
This head shaved look doesn't suit me. I look like a mentally ill fascist.
All things being well and all that, we should be going to good ol' Medina tomorrow.
Fell asleep around midnight last night/this morning and then woke up again at 2. I'm going to need a holiday after this trip.
Apparently, my great-great Grandfather was a religious teacher from Iran. Oh how the mighty have fallen. Each generation has come to Mecca, home of Islam. Thankfully I haven't broken the link. Hopefully the next generation won't either.
As you can tell, I'm struggling for things to say, it's because I have over 1 hour to waste before I can go to Zuhr prayers. I'd have gone already but I get a sever case of pins and needles so best hang around here.
My companions started getting soppy about how much I, we do for them and how grateful they are to the man upstairs. Feeling uncomfortable, I did what any true Englishman would do and changed the subject.
You should try some of this holy water - zamzam. It tastes like nothing you would have drunk before unless you've tasted cold water of course!
Seriously, it tastes nicer than water when you know what it is and the history behind it. Don't ask me to do a blind test though, it'd go horribly wrong.
[Category saudi arabia][tags saudi arabia, umrah, pilgrim, photography, photo, al-haram, ka'aba, mecca, medina, people, old, infirm, wheelchair, courtesy, religion]
