shoes and souks

Oh ya hoo..today we got to sleep in a bit. Then after another huge breakfast we headed to the historic district. I loved it...we were in the middle of Jeddah and heard an interesting lecture by a professor and archaeologist. This town has grown from only 6,000 30 years ago to almost 4 million. The souk or market was the real deal. We all spread out and began to shop in earnest. I bought a thobe and head piece for my sheik, Tom. A few scarves for pals, lots of prayer beads and the face covers too. I can't wait to share all of this with the students back home. The picture above is of the closing of the market for prayers. The call to prayer is broadcast all over town..5 times a day beginning at dawn.

I bought some Mecca key chains (a must) and haj candy. My favorite is the prayer rug complete with a compass. I have some treasures for my pal Sal's shrine too.

Then, guess what we did...?? Another HUGE banquet. Four courses and again I feel stuffed a go go! We first heard an interesting talk by a famous person..can't remember his name but he spoke of American/Saudi relationships post 9-11. He also threw in the Israel conflict too.

I am learning so much and still am humbled by all there is to know. There are many sides to each story.

The shoe continues to rule the news. When we toured the newspaper the reporters wanted our opinions on the shoe incident. In the news today it is reported that the maker of his shoes, an Iraq person, says his shoes are so soft and fine that they would not have hurt Bush if he was hit! Many conflicting reactions in our group..but the news has made this guy a hero.

Ok..now to pack again and head for the beach resort. We get to swim in the red sea tomorrow.