Ye Olde Bling Bling (Antique Jewelry and Coffee Pots)

I love Bedouin jewelry. The intricate designs, and multiple dangles making each movement a musical endeavor. This particular piece is a base metal, rather than silver, rendering it's value to be primarily sentimental.

This is a pair of mukhala, or holders for "kohl", the powdered eyeliner worn even today by many Arab women. What makes this set special is that they are made of bone as opposed to the more common brass ones.

Dillahs. Arabic coffee pots. An Arab host, or hostess, would have a pot of coffee in front of a guest almost immediately upon arrival, along with a plate of dates. This is still true today, but the coffee is more likely to be served in a thermal pot to keep it piping hot, and along with the dates you will find a variety of chocolate or some other sweets.

This veil is ornamental, not actually meant to be worn. It is found in many of the souvenir shops around Riyadh.


Another view of the makhala, along with a brass one for comparison, and the bracelets.

Desert Flowers

It's amazing the variety of flowers and plants one finds in the desert.

I don't know the names. I just know they are beautiful.

Purple, lavender, red, white, yellow......

In the most inhospitable of landscapes, they grow and thrive.

Many are protected by thorns.

Some are subtle and delicate, while others are so eye poppingly bright that they attract attention from quite a distance.

This one looks as though it was just stuck down into the sand, but no, it was really growing just like that.

These grow in clusters on a bush that grows quite tall, and then develop into some type of fruit, but it is inedible.

Look at the size of these thorns! Simply Amazing!

Can't You Read the Signs?

I am preparing for a trip to Khobar for just a few days, but I didn't want to leave without leaving you with a few signs that I see every day around Riyadh. It's funny how logos play with our minds...... because even if you don't read Arabic, "can't you read the signs?"


Any kid in the world will recognize the Golden Arches!
If you drive, you had better know this sign!


Ok, not quite as known as the Golden Arches, I guess, but still an easy sign to recognize.

Hmmmmmm, can you guess this one? The colors should help.


Really, this one is a giveaway, since I left the original logo in English. : )

Hope you enjoy! Have a great week!