​One of the most amazing things of #KSA is how well kept the #Kaaba and the Prophet's mosque are. These structures are so old and #historical that the number of visitors has grown significantly and maintenance is rightfully needed. How awesome is it to know that you were able to visit the Prophet's mosque or were able to make tawaf? Times are not like before during the pandemic era where an easy #Hajj and #Umrah were possible. There are soo many visitors MashaAllah that getting through the crowds is another mission. Think about it - this is where the actual footprint of Prophet Abraham is. This has has so much history beyond #Makkah and #Madinah. Very well worth the visit!

Did you know that coconut trees actually grow in #Saudi Arabia? In this hot dessert, there are beaches at the coast, one of which is Yanbu in Saudi Arabia. The water was clear green. There were jellyfish and seashells and it was clean with huts. It had everything for a perfect relaxing vacay at the beach. The scenic beauty captures the depth of this vast land. You can also go boating and off to another island and swimming is allowed in the swim zones. Do not swim where it's restricted as it is deep in those areas. The best part is that it is not crowded and you will have your fair share of privacy. Enjoy!

​Limo at Riyadh Front
​
The #RiyadhFront is this new place that opened up with fancy fountains, 20 star restaurants and a dinosaur exhibition. It is one of the coolest places to visit with friends, family or alone. There are many sitting areas, and you can relax to the sounds of the fountain. Of the restaurants, there are Tori Burke, Outback, Steakhouse, and every type of cuisine with a 5-star touch. If you are there with kids, make sure you try the dinosaur exhibition. It is worth it for small kids which takes you back in time and gives some history about dinosaurs with respect to the land here in KSA. So I thought it was pretty cool. You might too! And of course, what better way to enter this fancy place than with a limo! Check it out! Even though the limo was not for me, it was a present for someone special, being in it was a wonderful experience that can happen in Riyadh during #RiyadhSeason. 

The Red Sand Dunes are one of the finest lushest most peaceful places you to escape to. People actually do live near there. imagine waking up to such peaceful beauty to surround every part of your eye! This is a place where you can quad bikes for 30 - 50 rials for 15 min to 30 min. If you are really good at bargaining, then maybe even an hour. they have quad bikes for kids and adults. People picnic and and can camp there over night. Be sure to check it out even if its just a few hours but there are no taxis that you can get from there or bathrooms or restaurants fyi. 

​I was just updating my blog and I saw that I posted about Hajj in May. Now as I read it (scroll down, you will see it) I’m like OMG OMG OMG!!! =)  I got to go and I wanna go every year. I can’t describe how blessed that place is and how one has the opportunity to disconnect with the worldly affairs to focus on their own spiritual path! Check out my YouTube Channel here with videos and my Hajj Story Told =). I went without a mahram and camped with some of the best ladies Riyadh has. 

One of the hardest things about moving to another country where your native language is not common is the language itself. While I now know intermediate Arabic, it was not always the case. I had several barriers in communication because I didn't know the particular lexis of vocabulary needed either in the cab or super market. Those can be one of the challenges. Although, you don't need to know the language of the land to have a good time, its really all about you and what you make of your time. In Saudi Arabia, English is taught at all levels to all age groups. Tele-communications companies teach their employees English. The Saudi Royal Airforce hires teachers from abroad to teach their pilots and soldiers English. So really, you can be an English Language teacher and experience an array of beautiful professional dynamics. If you want to learn another language quickly and in your privacy and time then I would recommend purchasing a language software. Click here for for the Rosetta Stone  ---->>>>  amzn.to/3p48aJ2

We used Rosetta Stone  when I was working in Rafha and I saw it first hand. The university had a massive subscription and it was  honestly breath taking to be able to see students who refuse to learn English because of their strong connection to their culture and tribalism. The Rosetta Stone made these students speak English like in 1 week. If they can do it, you can. The benefits are that there are many languages that you can learn so if you are planning on working, vacationing or studying in France, or Germany than you can also learn those different languages in a short amount of time. It is a good investment in language learning software and should your academic or professional goals change to another region, then this software will be useful for you. When you know the language of the land, you will have a better experience.

​For a good 'ever since the loud speaker has been at KSA masjids' have been there, it was a delight to listen to the full adhan and prayer. You can be at any part of the country and always be reminded of the prayer and listen to some of the most beautiful qirat. But now that has all changed. I think I just heard the very last maghrib prayer first rakat on the loud speaker and  then I couldn't hear anything else. With these new stipulations, the adhan and iqama will be called but not the rest of the prayer. I will be missing that. I feel like a very special part of the world that is truly unique is coming to an end because when it enters the way of the rest of the world in almost every aspect, then there is nothing unique left. 

Eid Eid Eid....Our religion is priceless and so are our memories. If you are looking to get creative, look no further. No matter what country you live or if you are the only Muslim in your household, there are a number of things that you can do to make it spectacular. 

I created 2 homemade piñatas and stuffed them with chips and candy. It is a task worthwhile with kids as an activity especially since their are homeschooled. I used recycled cardboard and anything that I was able to gather from home- hot glue, 1 large chips box, expired edible gold glitter sprinkles. The only thing I bought was garland and gold spray paint - which btw does not work the best on cardboard but I was satisfied with the final look. 
​
I also made Eid cookies with cookie cutters shaped in masjids, camels, and lanterns. You can easily find them on Amazon.com. I packed them in a clear food bag and had the kids make bag toppers and stapled them with Eid stickers. A lot of the prep was done before Ramadan so that we can focus more spiritually not be as tired. 
We had black Eid Mubarak Balloons and like a gender reveal party, we put different amounts of money in the black balloons and when each kid picked their balloon, they popped it to see the amount of money they got. 
Once again, Eid is priceless and so are our memories and identity.