Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Dec 20, 2023
Boarding the Egypt Air plane at JFK, I had expected it to be crammed as it usually is this time of the year. But transiting at Cairo for the leg into Jeddah, I realized that almost all on the plane were also headed to Jeddah and they were all pilgrims on Umrah. The shuttle took us to the cavernous warehouse-like building and here I saw something new. All the men it seemed bathed and emerged sporting towels.
One wrapped around the waist and another around the shoulders, they might have been heading for the beach, but were instead heading to Mecca via a flight to Jeddah or Medina. I gaped at the beachwear but most seemed to think it entirely normal. The babble of tongues span the globe. From Africa, Asia and Central Asia – I heard bits and snippets of languages I recognized but understood very little. What I did understand was the sense of excitement. They were looking forward to their trip as much as I was to mine.
I also realized that just about every second person in Saudi Arabia is from elsewhere. The bus drivers, the taxi drivers, the touts were largely from Pakistan or India or Bangladesh. Not needing to brandish any Arabic, I happily jabbered away and found a bus that would drop enroute. I could hoof it the remaining block or so. What an excellent start to the trip!
Shops line the excellent roads crowded with masses of cars. Digital signboards flash overhead. There is nary a passenger on the bus except myself. All either drive their own cars or hire cabs. I was to learn later that public transit simply doesn’t exist here. It is either taxis or personal cars. Hold the applause.
ITCHY FEET TRAVELS 