Boats on the Red Sea
From the Help Center we were taken to an art gallery to meet Safeya Binzaqr, a famous Saudi artist. We had a tour of the facility which houses her collection. In this gallery she has collections that are arranged in a manner that allows visitors to see the unfolding of Saudi Arabia—its history and its people. She gives personal tours and so is able to tell the story that goes with the art work. Art classes are provided for both adults and students as well.
A visit to the Saudi Gazette newspaper was followed by a ‘press conference’. There were many official people for a question and answer session. We were seated in a large room with humongous conference tables arranged in a circular fashion; each person had a microphone in front of them. I wish I had pictures of that but it seemed inappropriate to whip out my camera. Many questions that were discussed centered on freedom of the press in Saudi Arabia and women issues.
Saudi Arabia as a united kingdom is really quite young—only 75 years old. They still have many things to work out when it comes to the every day details of living in a country that has, in many ways, grown by leaps and bounds.
This morning began with a tour of the Oun Help Center, a school for disabled children. This beautiful facility is quite new; programs are available for young people aged 0-18.
Here are some of the cuties we saw.
Here are some of the cuties we saw.
From the Help Center we were taken to an art gallery to meet Safeya Binzaqr, a famous Saudi artist. We had a tour of the facility which houses her collection. In this gallery she has collections that are arranged in a manner that allows visitors to see the unfolding of Saudi Arabia—its history and its people. She gives personal tours and so is able to tell the story that goes with the art work. Art classes are provided for both adults and students as well.
A visit to the Saudi Gazette newspaper was followed by a ‘press conference’. There were many official people for a question and answer session. We were seated in a large room with humongous conference tables arranged in a circular fashion; each person had a microphone in front of them. I wish I had pictures of that but it seemed inappropriate to whip out my camera. Many questions that were discussed centered on freedom of the press in Saudi Arabia and women issues.
Saudi Arabia as a united kingdom is really quite young—only 75 years old. They still have many things to work out when it comes to the every day details of living in a country that has, in many ways, grown by leaps and bounds. Here is a picture of old Jeddah; 1500 old buildings are scheduled to be torn down. This is not good news for many; they are being replaced with skyscrapers.
We then visited a book mobile. The country has very few public libraries and as you may be able to see, the book mobile does not have many things from which to choose.
Before going to dinner, we listened to a presentation given by Dr. Ghazi Bin Zagr. He spoke for just about an hour-- no notes, and never once said “um”. We were all awed by his presentation; truly the most eloquent speaker I have ever heard. It was almost poetical. The summary of his lecture/conversation was building bridges through human relationships.
We then visited a book mobile. The country has very few public libraries and as you may be able to see, the book mobile does not have many things from which to choose.
Before going to dinner, we listened to a presentation given by Dr. Ghazi Bin Zagr. He spoke for just about an hour-- no notes, and never once said “um”. We were all awed by his presentation; truly the most eloquent speaker I have ever heard. It was almost poetical. The summary of his lecture/conversation was building bridges through human relationships.
Off to another fabulous meal--downside; it was nearly 10:00 by the time we sat down to eat.
1 comment:
Hi Phyllis,
It sounds like Jeddah was quite an experience.
Today is Friday, April 6, Good Friday, so there is no school. However, I have posted your blog address on schoolnotes and am in hopes the students will follow your messages from home, as I am.
We are sharing in your adventures vicariously--thanks for posting your messages.
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