Mercure Grand Golden Jeddah

... breakfast at the beach, so we stopped at a small restaurant that specializes in Indian omlette parathas and picked up a sack taking along our own carafes of hot chai. The beaches in Saudi are generally quite dirty with trash, although they were better this year than they have been in the past. There were quite a few people -- families -- there even though it was about 6 am. And I actually did get to drive in Saudi, as there were a couple of guys ...

Arrived at last on UK don't care if its freezing cold, if its snowing, if there are gales, even 5ft of snow I don't care.......I'm just happy that I am safe...didn't really want to say how much I was frightened the last few days and didn't want people to worry but the tears of relief when that plane took off I have never felt before ...

... But hey her loss!!!!! Also found out from the guard that she has had my ticket and passport since Wednesday!!! So not a clue why she kept telling Jana that she didnt have it!!!! Apart from her showing her authority!! But all she has done is shown me how Saudi Royals treat Wester people!! Im just so so glad Im out of it as if this is what she can be like then who knows what would have happened in March!!!!

... had a call from a guy that interviewed me for a job in November they live between Saudi and Jordan wants to speak again to me when I get back to the UK but I just don't know this has been such a terrible and frightening experience I just don't know what to do. Ive taken a few photos today well I had to didn't I just to prove that you can be a westerner out here. OH and Ive got loads of souvenirs on my legs, neck, arms, back etc etc

... But another good thing came out of yesterday, I was talking to the girl I was out with and she said why don't I apply for a job in a school out here as a Teaching Assistant. Wages are about £500/£550 a week, you get a furnished villa in a compound, you get help with return airfares, you get 10 days off at Easter, 10 at Christmas, 7 at Eid and nearly 3 months in the summer and you get paid for those as, also you are off Thursday and Friday and every evening. So that would mean I ...

Sorry I have not done much on my Travel Pod but not really got the heart or mind to do it maybe after a week or so I might!! Need to get a leats a few photos before the end of March. At least I can say it was an experience and it will make me stronger as a person.

... time to come home about every 3/4 months but don't think I could handle longer. As they are nothing like English people (think thats because they are Arabic!!!!) but they just have a different way about people and that may be also because of who they are ie royals.....Oh and the Kings Palace is just up then road from me!!! Yes I would have been happier if I had had a larger room or at least a room where it was like a bed sitting room. They travel a lot ie Dubai for 10 ...

... lol) and of course my all time favorite for the flavor of old Yemen, Souk Al Yeman, and Souk al Yumama - for gold... Had some terrific meals, and met with many friends, and can only note that the ongoing urban development, the quality of the new construction and the concerted effort at creating a solid IT infrastructure for all residents of Jeddah is commendable. The new buildings are the dream of great architects, a must see.

well my time here in jeddah is coming to an end. started the count down 17days to go. its been an experience - one I'm not likely to forget. I've enjoyed my time here but life is so different. a bit too different for my tastes. I've tried it and to be honest i didn't enjoy it all that much. I've made some good friends here and will hopefully keep in touch. I'm looking forward to getting home to see my family (the new baby!!!!) and all my friends. it will be ...

... Mecca. Immediately after our show a huge fireworks display began on the other side of the lake. It was enormous and went on forever, and because of all the news I was catching of the current situation I was fearfully expecting a short-range missile to appear at any moment, aimed toward the royal family in front of the stage. We survived, but not without buying perfume in Egypt...see my next blog for details. ... Phoenix Productions ∼ www.phoenixfiredancers.com