GAZING at the waves of the sea never fails to amaze me or encourage me. It is the trigger for inner spirits to imagine and create.
My favorite vacation destinations are located near the sea. My experience with travel has taught me that major bustling cities are fine for business or shopping, but if you are looking for a real relaxing vacation go to the sea.
I have discovered the best shores and I have my own categories and preferences — from white sand to rocky wild reefs to mixtures of sand and grass. My favorite of all of these is the open seas with huge waves.
The Netherlands — not considered a seaside tourist destination — to many is beyond wild and cold. Yet to me it is exhilarating and soul reviving just to watch the angry, powerful waves roar from beyond dark clouds.
Marina, at the north shores of Egypt almost to the Libyan border, is another destination for clear, whitewashed shores and foamy Mediterranean waves. The thrill you get walking barefoot is compared to no other.
The Seychelles and Mauritius are heaven to reef divers and matched only to Hurgada and Sharm on the Red Sea.
Waves after waves will hit your body and wash all the bad experiences and memories of earthly pains.
***
Dear Nadia
I am a regular reader of your column and since I have been here in the Kingdom for less than a month. It occurred to me to ask you about the best manners to behave when meeting friends and good business contacts.
— Jay,
Manila
Dear Jay,
Saudi Arabia is no different from any other country in the world when it comes to hospitality, and best practiced good and friendly manners.
The formal attitude is almost the same like in the Western world with a small difference: men here tend to be more intimate by pecking each other on the cheeks and when the man is older in age or status, you can kiss him over the nose or head.
Head bowing is not necessary since Saudis are Muslims and they only bow to God. Shaking a woman’s hand is not allowed.
A gift (does not have to be expensive) like chocolate or flowers is a nice gesture.
