Saudi Arabia and Islam

Saudi Arabia were formed in conjunction with the Islamic rules and regulations. For years, the government has been criticized by some politicians and scholars due to the fact that its citizens have little nationalism, a connection to the land or the government, rather they take pride of the Islamic heritage expressed in hosting Hajj on a yearly bases, which has been done for 1432 years after Prophet Mohammed's death.


Nonetheless, for the past two decades Islam has been mentioned in the media excessively, especially after 9/11 tragedy and Iraq war. This presumably suggest that many could answer a simple question such as what is Islam?

The below funny and informative video was conducted in Australia by a young Muslim in English. Enjoy!

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?client=mv-google&v=ZWxI704RNuI&rdm=mf1edg60z

Mexican holidays and traditions

If you are traveling to Mexico, you will be amazed by the culture and by the different festivities we have. Is important that you have the following events in mind in case you are around for the following dates so that you better understand these Mexican Traditions.

Jan 6th:  Dia de los Reyes Magos (The Day of the Kings, we celebrate the day when the Magic Kings brought gifts to baby Jesus, families and friends usually get together and eat a traditional bread prepared especially for this day "Rosca de Reyes".

   

Not only is this bread unique for this day, but it also, inside it has mini baby Jesus, that if you get them the slice of bread you get, it represents blessings for all your coming year. Whoever gets the baby Jesus inside must make a dinner with tamales on Feb 2nd, explained below.

Feb 2nd: Dia de la Candelaria (The holiday marks the end of the Christmas season in Mexico. Families and friends get together to eat Tamales, provided by the people who got the baby Jesus on Jan 6th.)

Tamales

Feb 24th: Dia de la Bandera (Feb. 24th is Mexican Flag Day, this is a National holiday to celebrate the institution of the Mexican Flag.)  

First Sunday of March : Dia de la Familia (Family Day - This is a new holiday that is becoming very popular in Mexico, establish in 2005 by president Vicente Fox, this day is to reflect and value the importance of family and family values in our life)

Mar 21th: Natalicio de Benito Juarez (Benito Juarez Birthday - Often hailed as the Abraham Lincoln of Mexico and the first Indio president, this is National Holiday in Mexico)

May 1st: Dia del Trabajo (Labor Day - Very similar celebration to the one in the US)

May 5th: Patalla de Puebla (Puebla's War - Mexico celebrates the victory against the French and the beginning of Mexican liberation. This is more like an American Holiday, in Mexico is not an actual Holiday day)

May 10th: Dia de las Madres (Mother's Day - This day is dedicated to all the mothers, it's always May the 10th, whichever day of the week it is. Women who are mother's usually get the day off at work)

Sep 15th (night): Dia del Grito ("The Cry" for freedom of more than 200 years ago Sept 15, brought independence, this is a big Mexican Celebration, as families and friends get together to celebrate every Sept 15th at night)

Sep 16th: Dia de la Independencia (Independence Day)

Nov 2nd: Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead - this day is celebrate to remember all loved ones that have passed away, and you usually go to the cemetery with all your family to pray for those who have died. As an old Mexican traditions some people make an altar to remember their loved ones. There's a typical bread for this day too)



Altar de Muertos



Pan de Muertos





Nov 20th: Dia de la Revolucion (Revolution Day - Celebrating the Revolution of 1917, that brought Mexico the current edition of government)

Dec 12th: Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe (Virgen Guadalupe's Day - This is the celebration for the day of the appearance of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico.)

Dec 12th-24th Las Posadas: (Commemorates the Biblical New Testament story of Joseph and Mary's search for shelter in Bethlehem. Consists of candlelight processions as well as stops at various nativity scenes. Family and friends get together to pray and this is a preparation for Christmas. It usually has tamales and pinata)

Dec 24th: Nochebuena y Navidad (Christmas Eve and Christmas)

Low Cost Mexican Airlines

In case you want to plan a trip to Mexico and visit several places in a short period of time, you should consider using the convenient airlines that Mexico has, with very accessible prices that will allow you travel to more cities in a short period of time.

Airlines such as Vivaaerobus, Volaris, InterJet, can help you to visit more places in Mexico, without spending so much time in transportation and with a very reasonable price.

Try the following websites:

http://www.volaris.mx/en

http://www.vivaaerobus.com

http://www.interjet.com.mx

All of them can be visited in English, so language shouldn't be a problem.

Soccer in Mexico

One of the most important things you don't want to miss in Mexico is going to a soccer game.

Soccer is one of the most important sports in Mexico, and going to the stadium to watch a game is must do in Mexico. Wherever you travel in Mexico, most of the main places have a soccer team, or you can easily travel to a nearby city.

Why is it a such important thing to do? Well, people in Mexico get really passionate with soccer, they honor and represent their team at the maximum level. In the stadium you will see people cheering and standing up the whole game. They have songs that they sing all the time during the game. They also have the famous "Ola" (Wave) where all the stadium stand up and raise their hands representing a wave.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsUMVNWh9fU

If you are traveling in Mexico, you don't want to miss this experience. It will be worth it.

If you are in Mexico City, you need to go to a game of "America". If you are in Guadalajara, you will see the "Chivas" playing, and if you are in Monterrey, you can watch the "Rayados".

Monterrey, the city of the mountains

Another nice place to go and visit in Mexico is Monterrey, Nuevo Leon.

Monterrey is the third largest city in Mexico, and one of the most important in terms of Industry, culture, and food. 

If you are planning a trip to the north of Mexico, Monterrey is a city you don't want to miss. 

It's most unique characteristic is that is a city surrounded by mountains, the Cerro de la Silla, or "Saddle Mountain", dominates the landscape.

You cannot miss the Grutas de Garcia (Garcia Caves) and Cola de Caballo (The Cascade Cola de Caballo)

Monterrey is also well-known for its good food, such as Carne Asada, Cabrito, and Machacado.

Soccer is also very important in Monterrey, and one of the most important Universities in Mexico, ITESM is located in this city too.

Exhibition About Saudi In the USA

Instead of buying an expensive ticket to visit the Saudi Arabian historical culture, now it has came to you.

Starting in November 17, 2012, different locations of the US museums will show collection of parts of the culture. Locations such as Washington D.C., Houston, TX, Chicago, IL, and San Fransisco, CA. if you reside any of the locations do not miss the chance to pay a visit, it is worth while.

This exhibition will host the recently discovered archaeological material that were never seen in North America.

 

The Website covers precious information and multi-media that will stimulate your need to visit the actual thing. there is also a book that contains historical information that you may not only to keep at your library shelves, but also to place it on your coffee table for your visitors to read and enjoy.

Here is a link to buy the book:
http://www.smithsonianstore.com/books-media/freersackler-publications/roads-of-arabia-10605.html

The exhibit is sponsored and organized by well known companies and organizations like Exxon Mobile, Saudi Aramco, Freer Sackler, Smithsonian, and Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities.

If you are still interested, please visit the website:
http://www.roadsofarabia.com/

Is Lionel Messi going to Die?

Of course not! It was just a news propaganda!

Just started minutes ago, a friendly match between the national football team of Saudi Arabia and the national team of Argentina.
 
In fact, this game has been globally discussed and grabbed huge publicity due to the picture captured for Lionel Messi, the best football player in the recent three consecutive years, showing a Kalashnikov pointed at him.
 

Interestingly, the well renowned sport news paper in Spain, Marca, has placed this picture in its first page.
 

On his facebook page 2 hours ago, the player wrote, "On the way to the stadium with my teammates from the Argentine National Team to play against Saudi Arabia, a beautiful and interesting country because of its culture and traditions! I hope that it's a great game!! — at King Fahad stadium .
"
The game is taking place at the mentioned staduim, which is a multi-purpose stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is currently used mostly for football matches and it also has athletics facilities.The stadium was built in 1987 and holds 67,000. It also has one of the largest stadium roofs in the world. It was a venue for matches of the FIFA World Youth Championship in 1989 including the final match. The stadium is included on the football video game FIFA 13.

The cost of construction is about (650 million s.r) equivalent to $175M. The stadium's roof shades over 75,000 seats and covering an area of 47,000 square metres. The 24 columns are arranged on a circle with a 247-metre diameter. The huge umbrella keeps the sun off the seats and concourse slabs, providing shade and comfort in the hot desert climate.

Keep tuned for future interesting posts, god bless you all. 

Carne Asada - The typical food you can't miss in Mexico

If you are exploring any city in Mexico, especially any city in the north part, "Carne Asada" (grilled steak) is a dish you cannot miss.

Is similar to a BBQ in a USA but with different ingredients. 

You will basically have: your favorite steak to grill in the barbeque, quesadillas (tortillas with cheese), guacamole (avocado) & salsa.

You can also find, papa asada (baked potato), salchichas(sausages) and cebolla asada (grilled onions).

In Monterrey, one of the most important cities in the north part of Mexico, we have Carne Asada for many different occasions. Birthday party, watch a soccer/football game, or simply get together and enjoy the good weather and friends.

A good beer is the best way to drink in a Carne Asada. 

This is a most to do if you are in Mexico in order to live the true Mexican experience. 

Riviera Maya - dream vacation in Mexico

If you have a week for vacation and you want to spend it in an incredible paradise of sun, beach and Mexican culture, the Riviera Maya is your best option in Mexico. 

 

There are several options of places you could visit in one same trip.

Cancun

 

Considered by many to be the best beach-resort  in Mexico (and perhaps the world), Cancun is a tourist paradise.  It is known for its impressive white-sand beach and clear temperate waters, the area offers a variety of activities for those who want to do more than just enjoy the sun. It has one of the best night life parties in Mexico.

Chichén Itzá

 

Chichén Itzá is the best preserved and most famous of the Mayan ruins in Mexico. It is considered one of the greatest Mayan-Toltec centers in the Yucatan Peninsula and is only 90 miles from Cancun, it is a popular day trip, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This place is a must go if you are in the area, as is one of the treasures of the Mayan civilization.  Be sure to see the Great Pyramid, the Warriors Temple, the ball fields (for sports) and the astronomical observatory. You will enjoy it!

Playa del Carmen

 

Playa del Carmen, or just "Playa" it is at the center of the Riviera Maya and offers a more relaxed atmosphere, smaller boutique lodgings, nice bars by the ocean and a distinct European flavor. The ocean water is crystal blue and white sand, similar to Cancun.

If you are looking for a quite place, where to relax and lose stress, this is your best option!

Food Recipe: The Famous Saudi "Kabsa" with Lamb

It has been mentioned in most if not all my earlier posts. it is known and LOVED by Saudis and non-Saudis. I would like to take the privilege to introduce you the famous dish ever, The Kabsa!

It is ironic that rice cannot be grown within Saudi Arabian due to its climate conditions, yet the famous traditional main course constitutes of rice.The Kabsa is very traditional in most parts of Saudi, specifically the central region. Depending on the region, it can be made with many variations - this is just one of them - I hope to post more! Use lamb for this recipe, others have chicken instead.

Ingredients:

2 table spoons of oil

0.5 tea spoon of tomato paste

0.5-1 lbs lamb, cut into 8-10 pieces

1 large onion, finely chopped

6 garlic cloves, minced

3 Roma tomatoes chopped tomatoes

1 pinch ground coriander salt & freshly ground black pepper

2 1/2 cups basmati rice (rinsed gently for 10 seconds), preferably "India Gate"

4 cups boiled water (to be used later)


Directions:

1 pour oil in a large stock pot, casserole or dutch oven. Add onion & garlic & sauté until onion is near golden.

2 Add tomatoes then stir in tomato paste with 2 table spoon of water & simmer over a low heat for a couple of minutes, or until tomato is very tender.

It would look something like this:

2 Add Lamb pieces, & salt and pepper as fit. Cook for a couple of minutes (generally until lamb is half cocked.

3 Add the water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.

Add rice to the pot.

Stir carefully,

Ensure that the water in no more than 1' above the rice, adjust as needed.

4 Re-Cover & simmer for 35 - 40 minutes - adding the raisins for the last 10 minutes - or until rice is tender.

5 Place the rice on a large serving dish, topped with the lamb & garnished with almonds. Serve with a fresh mixed salad - preferably with a little lime vinaigrette. Saudis like their Kabsa with a hot sauce called 'Shattah'.

Keep follow our blog for new posts, you wont be disappointed. If you like this post, please share it with your friends and family.

God Bless you all,

Mexico overview

MEXICO TODAY

Area: 1,964,375 sq km, of which 1,959,248 sq km are continental and 5,127 sq km are islands.

Population: 112million (census 2011)

Capital City: Mexico City (Metropolitan area 22.1million est. 2012)

People: The people of Mexico today are a mixture of descendants from Spanish and other immigrants, mainly Europeans, who settled in Mexico from the 16th century onwards, and mestizos (mixed European and indigenous ancestry), as well as the many indigenous groups.

Languages: The official language is Spanish. There are at least 62 indigenous languages.

Religion(s): Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 6%, other denominations 5%.

Currency: Mexican Peso, divided into 100 centavos

Major Political Parties: Partido Acción Nacional (PAN), Partido de la Revolución Democrática (PRD), Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI).

Government: Mexico has a Federal republic system of government covering the 31 states and the Federal District of Mexico with powers separated into 3 branches: independent executive (President), legislative (Congress) and judicial (Supreme Court of Justice, federal and local systems). The President is elected for a 6-year term and may not hold office a second time.

Hot News: Riyadh Fuel Truck Blast

(Reuters) - At least 23 people were killed when a fuel truck crashed into a flyover in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Thursday, triggering an explosion that brought down an industrial building and set fire to nearby vehicles.

State-owned Ekhbariya television news channel reported on that the death toll had risen to 23 and emergency workers were still searching the collapsed building for more victims or survivors. Health ministry spokesman Saad al-Qahtani said 135 people were injured, mostly men and including some foreigners.

Although the incident took place near the headquarters of the Saudi Arabian National Guard and the Prince Nayef Arab University for Security Studies, officials speaking on state television said it was an accident.

Neither the guards' complex nor the security university appeared to be damaged in the blast, which flattened a showroom for tractors, bulldozers and other industrial vehicles as well as damaging a busy flyover.

U.S. ally Saudi Arabia is seen as a prime target for the al Qaeda branch based in neighboring Yemen but the last successful attack inside the conservative Islamic kingdom was in 2006. Riyadh has cracked down on Islamist militants over the past decade, detaining thousands of suspects.

The civil defense department said a gas tanker had hit the Khureis Road flyover in eastern Riyadh, causing a gas leak and an explosion in the Zahid Tractor company's showroom and warehouse, according to the state news agency SPA.

"The truck driver was surprised by a road accident on its route, causing it to crash into one of the pillars of the bridge," spokesman Captain Mohamed Hubail Hammadi said.

DRIVER BLAMED

The civil defense chief, Saed al-Tweijri, said the fire had been brought under control. He blamed the tanker driver for the accident.

The warehouse, several storeys high, was leveled by the blast, which also caused severe damage to neighboring buildings. Rubble, twisted metal and shattered glass littered a wide stretch of the surrounding area.

"I was inside the building when the blast came. Then boom, the building collapsed. Furniture, chairs and cabinets blasted into the room I was in," said survivor Kushnoo Akhtar, a 55-year-old Pakistani worker, who was covered in dirt and bleeding from multiple cuts on his face and hands.

"My brother is still inside under the rubble. There are lots of people in there," he said.

The blast at around 7:20 a.m. local time occurred on one of the capital's busiest roads but because Saudi Arabia is still observing the Eid al-Adha holiday, traffic was lighter than normal.

An hour after the explosion, fires still raged in cars and trucks nearby and a column of black smoke billowed over the area.

By Thursday evening state television was still showing a large emergency operation at the site as workers picked through the flattened building with the aid of digging machinery.

Dozens of burnt-out vehicles surrounded the scene of the blast, including a small bus and other cars on top of the flyover, which was left buckled by the explosion.

Television footage and pictures posted on social media showed a body lying beside smoking vehicles and at least two charred bodies seated in a car. Another blackened corpse was visible in the remains of a truck.

More than 100 emergency personnel were combing through the wreckage on the flyover and searching for victims in the rubble of the building, one of two Riyadh outlets listed on the website of Zahid Tractor, a distributor of heavy machinery.

(Reporting by Angus McDowall in Riyadh and Mirna Sleiman in Dubai, Editing by Andrew Torchia and Michael Roddy)

Riyadh: The Capital city of Saudi Arabia

Living in Riyadh is very challenging. This because of several factors such as the weather, culture, and language barriers. This is a statement that is normally sounds reasonable to many non-Saudis. In fact, in contrast, during the time I was working at a multinational company, specifically at the welfare of the United States managing partner then, he announced that after living 16 years in Riyadh it is very difficult for him and his family to go back to Texas. He claims that his wife blended so well within the culture that she might not be able to get used to the US culture. I realized that it is depending on people's personalities, perceptions and capacities, that enable them to enjoy different places. below is an overview video about living in Riyadh.
 

Although being the capital of an Islamic country, where liquor and nightclubs are not sold publicly, people enjoy visiting Riyadh because its abnormal culture, rich infrastructure, job opportunities, and shopping malls. A panoramic view of Riyadh with the capacity of zooming captures it all at the website http://www.arriyadh.com/ar/cgi-bin/localuser/eprojects/Giga/03.html . Also, here are some useful information and things to do with respect to Riyadh.

Hotels:

Ritz Carlton: Enjoying a pre-eminent address in the capital Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA.) and situated within 213,500 square meters (52 acres) of luxuriantly landscaped gardens The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh will position itself amongst the grand palace hotels in the world. Originally envisioned as a royal guest palace for visiting dignitaries and heads of state, the hotel’s stately architecture is modeled on traditional palaces and elegant Arabian residences. Native palms, 600-year old olive trees from Lebanon, and water fountains abound on the property, providing an oasis of serenity amidst the city centre. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Riyadh/PhotoGallery.htm
 
Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre:
http://www.fourseasons.com/riyadh/

Al Faisaliah Hotel a Rosewood Hotel
Located at Al Faisaliah's 875-foot office tower that is the tallest building in Saudi Arabia. It is slightly higher than Canary Wharf, the tallest building in Britain. http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/alfaisaliahhotel/

Places to visit:

Almasmak cital:

The heart of old Riyadh, this was the fortress stormed by King Abdul Aziz and his men in their daring reconquest of Riyadh in 1902. Renovated in 2008 to an inch of its life, the mud brick structure now looks like it was built yesterday, but the museum inside does a pretty good job of recounting the story of the raid and has some fascinating photos of old Riyadh as well. Alas, the second half is devoted to extolling the greatness of the Sauds in everything from agriculture to education.
 
The Reem International Circuit is a motorsport venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, located 76 kilometres (47 mi) west of the city on Hejaz road Exit 11.
This track sits on a sandy patch in a desert. It was originally named after the Khubayb Al Reem dunes, the natural habitat of a rare type of deer called Al Reem.
http://www.reemracing.com/reem/en/
 
Kingdom Centre:
Undoubtedly Riyadh's most stunning piece of modern architecture, at 305m the Kingdom Centre is the second tallest building in Saudi Arabia and quite a sight, especially when lit up at night. The centre hosts an (expensive) three-story shopping mall, with one floor reserved for women, but the main reason to visit is the 99th-floor Skybridge connecting the two peaks at a height of 300m. Best visited at dusk or after dark, from here you'll get great views over the vast and flat but well-lit expanse of the city. SR35 (Skybridge). 
http://www.kingdomcentre.com.sa/
 
First Paintball.
The 1st entertainment company is run by a highly dedicated group of Saudi Arabian young professionals. They strive to provide fun based activities and centers for the nation’s youth. The company intends to mesmerize the youth by offering exciting entertainment facilities, 1^st Paintball being the first in line.
http://www.1stpaintball.com/about/
 
Al-Khalediah Arabian Horse Festival:

The staging of an Arabian Horse Festival has been a vision of His Royal Highness, Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin AbdulAziz Al Saud for some years and now, with its inaugural event taking place in January 2008 and thereafter, the dream will come to fruition.
http://alkhalediah-festival.com/en/Home.aspx

Al Janadriya Festival:
A 10-day heritage and cultural festival that takes place every winter (dates vary) in the desert outside of Riyadh. Activities include traditional Najdi sword dances and poetry readings, the sale of local handicrafts and the world's largest camel races, with over 2,500 camels from throughout the Middle East.

Others:

Al Faisaliah Tower - Experience Observation Desk

National Museum

Al Batha area with Masmak Fort, Dirah Square and Riyadh’s oldest Souk

Riyadh Zoo

Al Faisaliah Mall

Centria Mall

Kingdom Mall - Mamlaka Mall

Dirab Golf Course

Wadi Hanifa

Al Dir’iya Old Walled City

Desert Safari

 

Restaurants: This website supports you with all your needs. the page severs similar functions that of yelps.com, with relatively fewer reviews and pictures http://www.sufrati.com/sa/ Thus, i would like to present my favorites
 
Najd Village:

Serving Saudi food in a Saudi setting (designed like a central-region village), this place is almost unique in the Kingdom. It's the perfect place to sample kasba (meat withrice), or the Najd region speciality, hashi (baby camel). The set menu includes 14 different mains, coffee, dates and even bachoor (incense). Prices are reasonable and it's much loved by locals.

Phone	+966 1 464 6530

Al-Nakheel @ Al-Khozama:

Widely regarded as Riyadh’s premier Arabic restaurant, Al Nakheel features Middle Eastern and North African specialties in an authentic atmosphere. The ambiance and spectacular views of Riyadh from the top floor of the Al Khozama Center, combined with sophisticated service, make an evening here a truly memorable experience. From April to November, Al Nakheel’s panoramic terrace is also open for an amazing al fresco dinner.http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/hotelalkhozama/dining/restaurants/
 
Piatto:
an exciting new chain of Italian restaurants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that offers the best of “Fresh Italian Dining” in a relaxing atmosphere with a delightful Italian menu to share with friends and family. http://www.piatto.com.sa/aboutus/Default.aspx
 
Cigar Lounge:

A badly kept secret among well-heeled 20- to 30-something Saudis as the place to take a date, it's all low-light...and discretion here. Set in the highest point of the Al-Faisaliah Tower, the views by day and night are spectacular. Snacks range from Beluga caviar to hot mezze. Drinks include coffee and non-alcoholic cocktails
http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/alfaisaliahhotel/dining/the_globe/



More information is provided by the High Commission of the Development of Al-Riaydh at their website http://www.arriyadh.com/eng/index.aspx/?1=1&menuId=36
 
Although the below site has it bias toward Riyadh, it contains some valuable information that may enrich you  http://wikitravel.org/en/Riyadh