Medina, Saudi Arabia
Dec 25. 2023
Mecca, the holiest of all places in Saudi Arabia is strictly off limits to non muslims. While Medina, the second holy city is accessible, the shrine itself can be approached only up to a boundary, supposedly a fence. This is unlike Iran or Iraq where one is permitted to go inside as long as one is appropriately garbed. Information is spotty on the exact location of the fence and no two bits of advice are the same.
But I had to come anyway because the hotel I had found would not take credit cards, my ATM card had decided not to work and my only option was to change money. And this was the only place in the city where the money exchangers were open. The headscarf and abaya bought in Iraq this summer did double duty as I trussed myself up.
Lined with hotels and rows of shops, the plaza in front teems with people. The area is lit up like day as I shuffle through the sea of humanity. I find the money changers and exchange what I need. From afar I see the tall minarets and the domes. Green and gold glitters and it seems to be a scene straight out of an Arabian Nights fairytale.
ITCHY FEET TRAVELS 