A rest stop at the end of the Universe | "So long and thanks for all the fish" – HHGTTG
The outskirts of Riyadh is home to one of the largest camel markets in the Middle East. Spread out over several acres there are camels in every color and size, hay and stalls as far as the eye can see. They are available for purchase as food, as assets or as pets. The next few days posts will feature different pictures taken at the camel souk.
Camel herders today are connected to the modern world with their cell phones!
The outskirts of Riyadh is home to one of the largest camel markets in the Middle East. Spread out over several acres there are camels in every color and size, hay and stalls as far as the eye can see. They are available for purchase as food, as assets or as pets. The next few days posts will feature different pictures taken at the camel souk.
Camels often wear shiny harnesses and have elaborate seating equipment. This merchant sells everything that is needed.
The outskirts of Riyadh is home to one of the largest camel markets in the Middle East. Spread out over several acres there are camels in every color and size, hay and stalls as far as the eye can see. They are available for purchase as food, as assets or as pets. The next few days posts will feature different pictures taken at the camel souk.
There is a warren of camel pens on one side of the road and it is fairly common to see camels run off and being chased by the herders.
Come back! Come back! The camel shepherd left in the dust…literally
The outskirts of Riyadh is home to one of the largest camel markets in the Middle East. Spread out over several acres there are camels in every color and size, hay and stalls as far as the eye can see. They are available for purchase as food, as assets or as pets. The next few days posts will feature different pictures taken at the camel souk.
Want to purchase a camel? The big yellow sign says “for sale” and has the contact numbers of the seller listed. If you look carefully at the neck of the animal you will see the identifying mark of the owner in white.
The outskirts of Riyadh is home to one of the largest camel markets in the Middle East. Spread out over several acres there are camels in every color and size, hay and stalls as far as the eye can see. They are available for purchase as food, as assets or as pets. The next few days posts will feature different pictures taken at the camel souk.
This baby camel looks a lot like a llama or a sheep!
This baby camel is being checked out for sale.
The outskirts of Riyadh is home to one of the largest camel markets in the Middle East. Spread out over several acres there are camels in every color and size, hay and stalls as far as the eye can see. They are available for purchase as food, as assets or as pets. The next few days posts will feature different pictures taken at the camel souk.
The region between Makkah and Madinah has many wild baboons along the highways. No longer scared of people, they wait to be fed by cars and trucks that stop for them. It’s fascinating to watch them- no matter how many times you see them you still want to stop and watch again.
Look closely at the left hand corner- the baboon is chasing the other over food
There are some great pictures at NidalM’s blog
Janadriyah is a two week long cultural heritage festival held every spring on the outskirts of Riyadh. The opening ceremony includes a camel race and the participation of the King in the local “Arda” dance. Every region of the country is represented through industry, geography, architecture and culture displays. There are artisans and merchants from the various regions around the country displaying their crafts and selling everything ranging from handmade ceremonial daggers to honey. Additionally, most Saudi ministries have their tents to provide information and raise awareness of their respective missions. The Human Rights Commission tent and an anti-smoking campaign tent were excellent additions to the mix. The Fire department tent provided good information however it was not child-friendly as their displays included graphic photos of scarred/burned people who had died in fires.
An interesting fashion visible everywhere were cowboy hats and sun hats- in leather, suede and straw! Everything goes when you’re wearing basic black…
