I was invited over by my dear friend Mohammad Pili, one of the people whom I easily established friendship with in KSA to attend his birthday party in Al Ahsa last Thursday. I was excited seeing him after more than a year and at the same time exploring the place as I've heard a lot of interesting things about it.
A little bit of information: Al Ahsa or Al Ahsa, sometimes El Hasa is part of the Eastern Region. The capital city is Al Hofuf. It has a source of fresh water making it the place for agriculture. It has around 10,000 hectares of agricultural lands producing about 21,000 tons of dates annually making it the largest plantation in the country (major!). As we were driving I’ve seen thousands of Date Palms along the road, which makes it very idyllic. Very different from elsewhere in the Kingdom.
The City is 1.5-2 hours away from Al Khobar/Dammam. Arriving early in the evening obliged us to kill time by taking photos along the road.
We were already exhausted by the time the party started at 12:00 midnight so I wasn't able to take as many photos as planned.
The birthday celebrant Mohammed "Mox".
Yours truly first in line at the food counter hehe! (never fail in this kind of race)
At the party, a guy turned my fashion radar on by his cool sense of style. There are barely people who have admirable courage to stick with their guts and manages to express themselves without compromise.
Fabulosity!!! Luv it Ray!!!
The party went on until dawn. Everyone was already about to leave when Mox awakened us. I couldnt believe we missed the fun. We redeemed our fun spirits the following day by taking an adventure around the place. We headed to the famous tourist attraction and natural site at Al Gara Mountain where Judas Cave can be found. Folklore says that this is where Judas sought refuge after his betrayal to Jesus Christ.
Al Gara Mountain
The place is tourist friendly. There are security personnel, well maintained public comfort rooms, garbage cans in designated areas and fluorescent lights are installed. Trailing made easy with concrete steps as you go to higher grounds.
The place is tourist friendly. There are security personnel, well maintained public comfort rooms, garbage cans in designated areas and fluorescent lights are installed. Trailing made easy with concrete steps as you go to higher grounds.
entrance to Judas Cave
with the rest of the gang wearing the same shirt.
My boots made this experience memorable as I could barely climb the slopes of the mountain and rocks. Feeling little upset for not being able to join my friends take pictures everywhere.
The mountains composed of sedminetary rocks is a beauty. We were astonished as we got closer. The rocks seem strategically placed and sculpted in its shapes.
A short drive away, we explored the sand dunes with ATV trailers which is the most extreme sports I have done so far. I’m not a sports fan, rushing from one store to another is the only sports I know but this one is super cool! I felt sexy riding them so I took off my shirt.
This country is under-appreciated for its beauty and touristic potentials.
Through this experience, I am enlightened that Saudi Arabia is no different from other countries. While it is true that the way of life is incomparable to others, it is how you perceive things and cope up with the changes which come our way that will make all the difference. Wherever you go, with great optimism you'll always survive.
It doesnt always take a lot of bucks to enjoy life. Appreciate life!
Beso!
