Escape room escapades!

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“A man can die but once.”
— Henry IV Part 2

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Imagine embarking on a mind-bending journey that will challenge your wits, teamwork, your relationships, and possibly your sanity. Get ready to escape reality and dive headfirst into a world of riddles, mysteries, and if you’re lucky a few hints and a whole lot of laughter. This, my fellow swagsters, is exactly what happened to yours truly.

The SETTING: The lobby (in particular, the escape hotel I visited) was filled with eager adventurers, all ready to tackle the mind-boggling challenges that await. The employees, from the moment you step foot into the hotel, are fully immersed into their character, leaving no room for doubt that you're about to embark on an extraordinary adventure. Our particular concierge greeted his guests with a theatrical flair, speaking in riddles and cryptic clues, setting the stage for the mind-bending challenges that lie ahead.

The TASK: You're spoiled for choice with a variety of themed rooms that will test your critical thinking and your problem-solving skills. Pro-tip:  If you are no good at either, choose your partner wisely (smile). From ancient Egyptian tombs complete with mummies and ill-gotten treasure to be had, to antiquated elevators that should have been put out of commission eons ago, each room offers a one of a kind escape experience. Another Pro-tip: Read the waiver you have to sign carefully just so you know what you’re signing up for.

TICK TOCK:  Time is your worst enemy in an escape room, and the pressure is on! As the minutes tick away, you'll find yourself frantically searching for clues, deciphering cryptic messages and occasionally arguing with your teammates over who pulled the wrong lever. You'll quickly ascertain who the natural-born leaders are, who gets easily distracted by shiny objects, and who has a knack for finding hidden compartments. Just remember, it's all part of the fun, and the more chaotic, the better. 

To sum it all up, escaping the room is just the cherry on top….the icing on the cake, so to speak. Don’t forget to savor the chaos and the madness of it all, because that’s the best part.

Happy escaping!!

PRO TIP #112

Exploring the juxtaposition of the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

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“Travelers never did lie, though fools at home condemn them.”

-The Tempest

Welcome, fellow swagsters, to a captivating journey through the vibrant city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. I know my title was a tad bit cheesy, but stay with me. ;-)

Often overshadowed and overlooked because of stereotypes about what this country might be like, Jeddah is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. I actually made an Instagram reel that juxtaposes the two sides of this city. Join me as I recount my unforgettable visit to this city, where ancient history meets contemporary charm.

A tapestry of Culture and Tradition

Jeddah is a city that embraces its cultural heritage with open arms. Visiting the old, historical district will transport you back in time. The old buildings with their ornately carved shutters and wooden balconies tell a tale of this city’s past.

I found myself lost in the labyrinthine streets, discovering hidden gems like the Nasseef House, a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion that now serves as a museum, and also in the bustling atmosphere of Souq Al Alawi, a traditional market where shopkeepers enticed me with their colorful displays of spices, textiles, and traditional handicrafts. I actually bought some beautiful traditional Saudi shoes from a shopkeeper who inherited the shoe shop from his father.

A Gastronomic Delight:

No visit to Jeddah is complete without indulging in its expansive selection of cuisine.

Now, you can choose from traditional Saudi Arabian dishes like Kabsa (spiced rice with meat) and Mandi (slow-cooked meat and rice) to international flavors. Let me tell you, Jeddah's culinary scene is a true melting pot. I was SHOCKED to see a bevy of American restaurants there. It ranged from the Cheesecake Factory, to IHOP, to the Olive Garden, to P.F. Changs! To say I was flabbergasted, is an understatement. I actually even saw multiple Krispy Kreme doughnut stands!. Now, the above mentioned restaurants were just the tip of the iceberg. There were also the usual suspects ranging from McDonalds, Subway, KFC, and even Arby’s. Yes, you read that correctly! Arby’s. And many, many more! Now, I must say, that as a vegan, my pickings were slim. When I mentioned vegan dishes, I was often met with a lot of blank stares, flat out “NOs” with looks of confusion, and I even got offered chicken twice when I mentioned vegan. So, it was a bit of a struggle for me. However, if you aren’t vegan, then you’ll be in food paradise.

Really, Jeddah?

I found some vegan food at Paul’s Restaurant at the Red Sea Mall. The lentil soup was delicious.

A Shopper's Paradise.

No one is surprised when I say Jeddah is renowned for its vibrant souks, but when you type in “What to see and do in Jeddah” in your preferred search engine, various shopping malls appear. Since it was extremely hot during the day when I was there (temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius), people often only ventured out beginning at around 4:00 pm. (If I didn’t mention it earlier, I will mention it now, Jeddah comes alive at night. )Ok, back to the malls. For a more contemporary shopping experience, I explored the upscale malls like Red Sea Mall and Mall of Arabia, where international brands coexist with local boutiques. You can also by exclusive Saudi perfume and oils which will have you smelling aromatically unique.

CAUTION: If you choose to drive to the mall in the evening, be prepared to NOT find a parking spot. Also be prepared to wait for a VERY LONG time and possibly still not get a spot. Parking in malls in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia takes patience and more patience. (Sidebar: Driving, in general, in Jeddah may be dangerous for your health. I’ll leave it at that.)

Conclusion

My visit to Jeddah left me with unforgettable memories, as I discovered a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. From the Red Sea to the Red Sea Mall, Jeddah offers a unique experience that is sure to captivate everyone. So, don’t hesitate to pack your bags and book your flight to go on your own adventure to experience the juxtaposition awaiting you Jeddah.

Thank you so much for your time. Join me on all my socials to see more. XOXO