Taif and Jeddah: The Coast Calls

Living in landlocked Riyadh wasn’t ideal; most days, we yearned to be closer to the water. Luckily, Jeddah is just a short 2-hour flight away, although we opted to see more than just Jeddah. We flew into the Taif airport, a small mountain town renowned for its roses, the Hada highway, and baboons. While in Taif make a quick stop at the old Jabra Palace. The two-story building still exudes grandeur, even from the outside. The house was completely locked up except for the back ,which had a small opening revealing the floors, beautiful archways, and the palace walls.

Although it wasn't rose season during our visit, and the scorching heat deterred us from riding a cable car, we enjoyed our brief stop before embarking on the famous Al Hada Ring Road. The journey from Taif to Jeddah takes about 2 hours. As you leave Taif, you'll encounter fruit and flower stands; make sure to stop and grab some bananas or

pomegranates for yourself and the baboons you'll encounter along the way. These stands are clustered near the outskirts of Taif, so don't miss them, as the opportunity vanishes quickly. Further down the road, you'll find viewpoints where you can pull over and feed these charismatic creatures. We made the mistake of not stopping earlier and had only Doritos to offer, but to our surprise, the monkeys loved them! However, the number of monkeys diminishes as you progress, so make sure to stop sooner rather than later.

Follow your GPS carefully as you approach Makkah; signs will indicate separate routes for Muslims and non-Muslims. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Makkah and will bypass the city for Jeddah.

Jeddah boasts a distinct atmosphere compared to other Saudi cities, likely due to its coastal location, which lends a cleaner feel to the air. However, the summer humidity, coupled with the Saudi heat, can be challenging. We planned our trip to Jeddah meticulously, eager to make the most of our time near the Red Sea. We were excited about lounging on the beach, but we soon learned that it wouldn't be an option unless we found a private beach resort. Fortunately, our stay at The Sheraton, www.marriott.com, included access to their private beach resort, located about 45 minutes away from the

hotel. Is it any wonder why we only stay at Marriotts? The Private Beach resorts are a unique experience; most women arrived completely covered in traditional clothing and

emerged from the restroom in bikinis, a sight that left Crystal slightly taken

aback. While it didn't bother me, it made me wonder when Jeddah might undergo

change. For now, if you plan to enjoy the water, ensure you have a beach resort

booked or opt for a boat excursion, as public beaches typically cater to women

wearing burkinis. Due to Saudi Arabia's conservative nature, you'll likely only see fully covered women on public beaches.

During your stay in Jeddah, be sure to explore its historic old town, Al-Balad. Although guided tours are available, we preferred an early morning stroll, admiring the architecture and capturing photos without the crowds. Don't miss the Gate to Makkah, an UNESCO World Heritage site, while exploring this historic district. For more specific activities, check out www.tripadvisor.com.

Additionally, if you haven't ventured into the desert yet, consider taking a

trip from Jeddah. While we opted to drive ourselves, taxis are readily

available in the area. Close to our hotel, we found a pier, coffee shops,

and restaurants, making it an ideal spot to unwind in the cooler evening hours.

November is our favorite month in Saudi and would be an excellent time to visit.