 Dinner at the Castle in Dammam: Photos 21 to 40 |
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Dinner at the Castle in Dammam: Photos 21 to 40
Middle East » Saudi Arabia » Dammam
May 31st 2009 by TedTravel
Last night I ate at a place called Heritage Village in Dammam, which looks like an Arabian castle. Keep in mind that there aren't tourists in Saudi, so this place survives on the locals; most were traditionally dressed. (Just what makes a building qualify as a “village” is another Saudi mystery I cannot solve.)
The building is privately owned, which is pretty amazing in itself. It looks like an Arabian castle, complete with turrets and rooftop lookouts. You come in the door and there is a large three-story entry that includes a lake, swans (fake), and parrots (real). We were led into a waiting room and instructed to remove our shoes.
The purpose of this room is to welcome people with Arabic coffee and dates. There are carpets on the floor and many Arabic artifacts around the room. A man with a dagger (naturally) serves each person a cup of Arabic coffee which is laced with cardamom and served in the traditional style. This includes pouring the coffee in a long stream into a tiny cup. The cup is traditionally refilled until you shake the empty cup three times, which means you don’t want any more. (Believe me; this
Full Text Entry: Dinner at the Castle in Dammam
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June 1st 2009 - Jim Podlich: Fun
Looks like you are learning a lot and enjoying yourself. When do you head home?
Hi Jim. Yes, it's been another good trip, but I'm looking forward to getting back to Minneapolis. I leave on Wednesday of this week and get back on Thursday afternoon.
June 1st 2009 - ellen and ruth: Food, food, food
Ted this is the best foodie report of the three trips. Great pixs. I am sure you will miss good middle eastern food when you get home, but not the weather. We are jealous. We are sharing a chicken salad sandwich from Ben's.
June 1st 2009 - ruth: PS
I just wanted to add that I want to wish you a safe trip home. We miss you!
Love mom
June 1st 2009 - ellen: Puffy Bread
In India they call the puffy bread Puri, but they deep fry it instead of putting it in a hot oven. As soon as you bite into it, it collapses, but is very good.
This didn't collapse when you bite into it. It still tasted like pita bread.
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Pouring the after-dinner coffee
You have to have a long stream of coffee to do it the right way. Those cups are tiny and hard to hit!
Note the dagger.
I want to wear one of those daggers to work. People tend to agree with you more when you are wearing a dagger.
The Perfumary
Yes, they have a perfumary where you can buy incense, special wood to burn, and amazingly -- perfume. Andrej gives it a sniff.
6 Comments - Add Public Comment or Send Private Message
June 1st 2009 - Jim Podlich: Fun
Looks like you are learning a lot and enjoying yourself. When do you head home?
Hi Jim. Yes, it's been another good trip, but I'm looking forward to getting back to Minneapolis. I leave on Wednesday of this week and get back on Thursday afternoon.
June 1st 2009 - ellen and ruth: Food, food, food
Ted this is the best foodie report of the three trips. Great pixs. I am sure you will miss good middle eastern food when you get home, but not the weather. We are jealous. We are sharing a chicken salad sandwich from Ben's.
June 1st 2009 - ruth: PS
I just wanted to add that I want to wish you a safe trip home. We miss you!
Love mom
June 1st 2009 - ellen: Puffy Bread
In India they call the puffy bread Puri, but they deep fry it instead of putting it in a hot oven. As soon as you bite into it, it collapses, but is very good.
This didn't collapse when you bite into it. It still tasted like pita bread.
All Comments
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