As usual, I needed a break — a very long one from my daily hectic and busy routine. But at the same time I could not afford to go far away from it all, just in case.
My favorite destination in spring break is usually Dubai, particularly Jumaira Beach. But since I did that last month, the only second and near choice was Sharm El-Shaikh in Egypt’s east coast. The well-embedded coral reef with its hundreds of species is a haven to professional divers from all around the world.
I, myself, am not at all a sea diver — or by any means a sea person. To me, the deep sea is only a frame to the scenery that attracts my vision while indulging my gourmet breakfast at the hotel terrace. My swimming activities revolve around the huge swimming pool.
During my 10 vacation days in Sharm I developed a weird kinship with a white and orange stray she cat, and I have to admit that I grew very fond of her by the end of my stay. For every morning the lazy cat would follow me from my bungalow to the reception and backward, never complaining of my meticulous strolls or indeed the heat in the middle of the day after my swimming routine. Her only reward is the three pieces of meat sausages that I share with her since I do not eat them.
If you happen to travel to Sharm this year make sure to check the coral reefs, Nema Bay with its hubble-bubble cafés that clatter around the main street, and especially don’t forget to say hello to my dear friend the white and orange stray cat.
Dear Nadia,
I have a hobby of collecting old antique wooden chests from all around the world. I like the handmade ones since they show the human labor of art and love. I am visiting Saudi Arabia next winter for business. It is indeed a very short trip. Can you please advise me where to find such chests, and how much they cost, if possible? I will really appreciate it since you will be saving me time and energy looking around. Mark, Manila
Dear Mark,
When I was in college I wrote an article about the old wooden chests and my research led me to many places in the Kingdom, but the original and most authentic are the ones made in Al-Hassa (in the Eastern Province), Hejaz (in the Western Region), and finally, the very old ones in Najran (at the southern border). You have to be extra careful and not be fooled by the replicas made in China that clutters the markets.
Sadly, I cannot define a certain price for such items since they vary according to age and origin, but you can always haggle in the Middle East.
Good luck,
Nadia
