We did our Taif sightseeing this morning. We saw the Shubra Palace (from outside), it was built in 1905 and is being converted into a museum.
We had a lovely walk around the souk, the vendors were very helpful showing us their wares. It is a big area for honey and they gave us samples to try. Also, rose water and rose oil is made here. We also saw frankincense, which looks like a piece of pink rock, they break small pieces off and burn it, it gives a nice aroma (a bit like incense).
We then went to a really good private collector’s museum, everything from coffee pots, daggers, rifles and a few cars.
After Taif we drove on the non-Muslim road to skirt the holy city of Mecca until we reach Jeddah. We stopped and took a very quick photo of the sign.
Jeddah is the principal gateway to Mecca, and is the commercial capital. It has been a port for Muslim pilgrims making the hajj to Mecca since at least 647 AD.
We arrived at our hotel (The Crowne Plaza) about 3:15 and had some free time before we met for dinner at 7 pm. We decided to go for a walk along the Corniche (promenade, Red Sea coast). It seems warmer and for the first time, humid here. We went to a local fish restaurant and stopped at Baskin Robbins for ice cream on the way back.
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