I don’t know what to tell you.
We needed a break. Maybe
We didn’t want to deal with the “overhead” of visiting Saudi Arabia (wear long pants and long sleeves). True
During Ramadan (when almost everything is closed until evening). Also true
The weather looked to be brutal (95 degrees). Oh Yah
So we decided that we would take a “vacation day” and not go ashore.
As it turned out, we weren’t far wrong.
Many of the people we talked to reported that the weather was brutally hot.
The only excursion offered was a city tour that included a 2 hour walking component and, with the advice “Since it’s Ramadan we ask that you not eat or drink in public”, more than a few people had to drop out of the walking component because of heat exhaustion.
In fairness, that advice was given by Viking and was correct from a “good visitor” perspective. However at least one tour guide told her charges ,”I’m observing Ramadan, but you don’t have to. Stay hydrated.”
So it was a bit confusing and uneven and we benefitted from our decision to stay on board and relax.
Since it was a port day there was no on-board programming.
We slept in, exercised, lingered over waffles in Mamsen’s, and retired to our respective chosen spots to read and tinker.
Coming into port we passed the port control tower.
We met for lunch.
Note the iced tea. No alcoholic beverages were allowed to be served while we were docked in Saudi Arabia.
After lunch we napped and read some more. Since it was so hot, the swimming pool water was finally warm enough for Cheryl to go for a swim!
With the “Back on Board” time of 4:00 pm, The Interdenominational Easter service was at 4:30. It was moved to the Star Theatre today in anticipation of a crowd which turned out to be larger than expected.
Then it was time to say good bye to Jeddah
Following a light supper we scored 10/23 in BBB. Bruce just keeps asking the wrong questions.
So that’s our vacation day.
We’ll remember it fondly after tomorrow’s sea day and then 2 days trompin’ across the desert in Jordan and Egypt.
Nite all, R
I wouldn’t have suggested taking the tour guide’s advice about drinking in public even though she was observing Ramadan. They are pretty exacting about what is done in public. I wonder if ‘ham/pork’ was not permitted for meals onboard when docked at Jeddah. That’s as big a no-no as alcohol. FYI, Saudia Airlines is a dry carrier going from or coming to the KSA.
Hoping you are both well and having a great time. We are missing your posts since Easter.
Billie
Sorry about that.
We didn’t get the post for Day 109 up before Day 110 (Petra) which was quickly followed by Day 111 (Luxor/Valley of the Kings) – 2 very long (and amazing) days. Those posts will be coming. It may take a bit of time to sift thru photos from Petra (214 photos/9 videos) and Luxor (355 photos/10 videos) but we’ll see what we can get done before we get to Israel on Saturday.