Sunday 15 February 2009

Al Khobar again!

So off we go to Al Khobar on Friday afternoon arriving at our designated place at about 4 o'clock when the shops all open. I had heard good things about Desert Designs and new that this was one shop I wanted to visit!!
Now, I am sure I have mentioned on previous occasions that driving here is 'interesting' - the Saudi's have no lane control, no speed control, in fact, on a whole... I think they give Saudi driving licences out for collecting 3 tops off your favourite cereal packet! So the hour and half to get to Khobar isn't too bad as it motorway-ish... but once you hit the city limits it is literally each man for himself (women are a lesser species and we aren't allowed to drive) and I swear Chris closes his eyes and puts his foot down in the hope that he will come out the other side. As an example of driving here.... on the traffic lights in Khobar they have countdown timers to tell people just how long they are expected to wait at the lights when red!! I kid you not... I know the rest of the driving world just sits at the red light and waits for it to change... but this does not work here... if it stays red 'too long' they figure its broken and just go for it!!! So the timers are to tell them that the light isn't 'stuck on red' and they only have to wait so many more seconds before it will politely change green for them.... then they are free to cut the other three lanes up, do U-turns, and basically break all the rules of the road till they get to the next traffic light!!

71 seconds to go....

57 seconds to go....

38 seconds to go.... rev engine, release hand brake and start creeping forward.... LOL

Desert Designs, a shop full of all the lovely Arabian furniture and knick knacks!! Yahooooo!
I cam home with 2 pretty little side tables with glass tops, a lovely curved chair/stool, a Persian runner...


Don't you love the stool? I found a tapestry cushion that fits into it perfectly and when I got to the check-out there was a cute camel (who has since been named Humphrey by Chris) added to pile...

My Persian runner... for my long hallway in the house in Scotland.

11 comments:

  1. Lovely purchases Annette. Question: just how are you going to get all these goodies home LOL

    Toni :o)

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  2. Just what I was going to say....when you leave, have a 'guess how many containers' competition! Make the most I say, the furniture is truly lovely.

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  3. Lovely furniture. I loved the traffic light stroy, reminds me a bit of Cyprus.

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  4. LOL!! That is so funny. I would have a whale of a time driving here if I wasn't a woman! The furniture is gorgeous too.

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  5. Your blog is an education! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. Love the new furniture.

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  6. loving your purchases especially Humphrey

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  7. Love the rug and the humphrey is adorable. I thought driving in spain was crazy, but countdown traffic lights is going a bit far :)

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  8. I love that camel!!! I want one!!!! Lol!!! x

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  9. I love your stories VV....and Humphrey is a real cutie! x

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  10. Interesting stuff here and yes I want to know how you will get everything home. Safe trip however you travel. Love Cynthia x

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  11. Thanks for the owl suggestion, fab idea x

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