Economics in Action

One thing that I've noticed time and again is that no shop stands alone here in the Kingdom. For every new store opened, another similar store opens right next door. What you end up with is five shoe stores in a row, three curtain stores right next to each other, and mall upon mall on every street corner in Riyadh.

My micro economics Professor would explain this phenomenon as a general rule of thumb. Whenever a particular industry is proven profitable more vendors will flood the market until the industry once again reaches equilibrium. And what you're left with is shoppers paradise.

A majority of the markets that I have seen specialize in a small number of items. One market I visited right near downtown only carried shoes, thobes, and incense, with a couple of sporadic antique stalls along the way.

My favorite market by far though-- the camel market. The only thing you can get there is Camels and camel accessories such as saddles. My Dad and I drove to the outskirts of the capital, past all the weekend amusement parks (of which there are many) to explore. What we found were hundreds of camels in all kinds of colors and sizes. I have included some pictures for your viewing pleasure, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Wedding Update!!!

Can I just say- wow!

I had a lot of expectations running through my head as I walked into the Riyadh Four Seasons hotel in a borrowed $2,000 dress but nothing could have prepared me for this. Everywhere I looked were the most beautiful women I have ever seen, in over the top, extravagant dresses and dripping in jewels. I stood there, mouth agape, in awe watching as these women who had clearly spent hours getting ready strutted around the room like peacocks. I felt as if I had found my way onto a movie set and couldn't wait to see the show.

For a majority of the time I just sat observing the way in which the women interacted with one another. Some were definitely making appraisals on one another but for the most part they were just enjoying the chance to get gussied up, dance, and enjoy one another's company.

There was a live band performing the typical Arabic wedding songs (which are awesome :) ) as everyone lined up to dance. The Arabic style of dancing is more like a two lined snazzy walk, definitely different from the booty shaking I'm used to!

I attended the wedding with four of my aunts and a handful of cousins so I had plenty of company and people to explain the whole extravaganza. I also ran into some lovely ladies I met at a dinner last week who are adamant that I visit with them and teach them English (or at least I think that's what they were saying!).

I am happy to say that after all of the stress about the wedding I actually had a really nice time :) Oh and only two comments were made about my arm hair, all in all I'd say it was a great success!

Oh and I'm going to try and post some pictures in the next day or two so be sure to check back!!!