Blogs from Empty Quarter, Saudi Arabia, Middle East

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Middle East » Saudi Arabia » Empty Quarter May 3rd 2012

Sunday evening, April 29, 2012. Nautica is now due south of the border between Pakistan and Iran in the Arabian Sea. The ship is headed due west toward Oman and the port of Salalah. I was up at dawn as usual for my hour’s walk on deck nine. The sun rose into a light blue sky over the Arabian Sea. The air is warm but the humidity is much lower than it was in India. It looks to be a beautiful day on calm seas. We are not due in Salalah until tomorrow morning. I love the days spent at sea. There are enrichment lectures to attend, books to read, interesting conversations over lunch and dinner and time to just sit and contemplate the good fortune to be where I am. We attended a cocktail reception ... read more
M/S Nautica

Middle East » Saudi Arabia » Empty Quarter June 15th 2010

Monday, 14th June, Dubai. This was one port that I had many expectations of and looked forward to seeing this ‘most modern city on earth’. Historians tell us that prior to the advent of Oil and natural gas in the region, Dubai was no more than a fishing village belonging to the Bani Yas tribe who made their living from fishing and pearling as well as camel breeding but was now the shining star of 21st century success. It’s other claims to fame are the tallest building in the world, the only 7 star Hotel in the world (Burj Al Arab) and The Gold souk. It was also the home of Sinbad the sailor. The city is split into two parts, the old part Bur Dubai retains many of it’s ancient buildings and old Souks then ... read more

Middle East » Saudi Arabia » Empty Quarter November 19th 2008

Well... we are now about 500km south of Jeddah. Had a great time in the city.... and surely could have used another day there (but without the group). It is the only city in the Kingdom that has somehow managed to retain some of the old architecture. Everywhere else in Arabia they knock the old down to build new. But Jeddah has kept a few gems. The heat and humidity were high there... being on the Red Sea. But not overwhelming at this time of year. Nothing killer like southeast Asia. Had a couple of great meals out ... and the women enjoyed the fact that Jeddah is more liberal than anywhere else in Saudi... and they could actually take their headscarves off at dinner!!!! WOW!!! Took a cruise in a large bay near the Red ... read more




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