Dates

Dates, one of the essential, no perhaps the most important of thing to bring back home and distribute to you kin and kind from the holy land. This time around I got to go to the outlet on the farm itself instead of the date market in town. Prices were more or less the same except for the Najwa or prophet's dates which were slightly cheaper at 60 Riyal per kilo. However, as in any capitalist venture, we were told that it could be had for 5 Riyal cheaper per kilo if it was ordered from the guides friend who happens to work at the farm. Pay in advance and it will be delivered to your hotel room.

It was a nice outing though I was a bit disappointed as I was hoping to actually see, touch and feel the trees themselves, you know, like pick your own strawberry kind of outing. We did not even get to touch the tree, only the dates for sale in the outlet. The do give free coffee and a comfy place to enjoy it. That's our driver in the first photo taking full advantages of the free services. The other plus point is that you can taste/sample as much as you want in the outlet, take even one piece out and you will have to pay for it. I had a ball with fresh dates, dried dates, dried fruits, pistachios and my favourite cashews. The outlet made a killing too as everyone bought at least two kilos each not to mention other dried fruits and nuts.

Camel Farm

Camels, amazing creatures. At the farm, the farmer and young camels (kid ?) jostle for milk. One for growth and sustenance while the other for commercial gain. A small bottle of fresh camel's milk direct from source into the bottle is only 5 riyal. Was told that it has loads of health benefits like containing more protein and less fat than either cow's or goat's milk. Everyone was offered a free taste of the fresh milk but I did not take up the offer for fear of throwing up - it is warm milk... Should have been more adventurous.

Saudi Air

OK, first and foremost, there are no peanuts served on board ;(

There was a slight delay departing from KLIA.

There are no individual LCD screen to while away the time - bad after being pampered by MAS services.

There was a choice of meals - chicken or chicken. This however, gets better on the way back with a choice of either fish, chicken or beef.

Briefing or scheduling or information relayed to passengers were seriously lacking. On the way to Madinah from KLIA, we were told by the agent that the plane will make a stop over in Jeddah first. This was misleading as it stopped in Madinah first and matters were made worse by the unintelligible on board announcements. It was only after someone realised that the surrounding hills looked more like Madinah then Jeddah that our group start to frantically leave the plane - after the locals have all taken their time to get off. On the way back, all of us were under the impression that it was a direct flight to KLIA, yet another misinformation as the plane was bound for Riyadh first. The billboard thus only shows the ETD and Riyadh as destination. No mention of Kuala Lumpur, causing some concerns especially to those not used to air travel. To make matters worse, at both ends, passengers were herded like cows into the plane. No calls whatsoever for the elderly or women and children to board first or even the courtesy to board by row numbers. It was one of the larger planes and it was full. Real mayhem.

The saving grace for me at least came in the form of Anne - on the way out and Amal - on the way in. Sweet stewardess tirelessly smiling at our whims and fancies. They certainly made it bearable... heh heh heh.

Taking a Break

Am taking a short break until the end of the month. Perhaps will do a short comparison review of blue tooth mouse between Logitech and Microsoft once I am back - unless some food got in the way. Take care and have fun.

Beach

Just some shots by the beach.