The Senescent Arabian Wonder that is “Al Balad” and its True Owners

Two years before the launch of Saudi Vision 2030 in 2016, Al Balad Town was already declared a heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It was one of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s proactive efforts in realizing the first of the vision’s theme: A Vibrant Society. Diving into the…

Enchanted and Revived by the Red Sea in Jeddah Corniche

Visiting the second largest city in the Kingdom, Jeddah, has already crossed my mind a few years ago since I saw pictures of that UNESCO Word Heritage Site in Al Balad and the Corniche nestling in city. The site is a reminiscent of the “Ushaiger Heritage Village” in Najd region of Riyadh Province and “Calle…

The Doors, Windows, Lamps, and Mud-Built Structures Of Ushaiger Heritage Village

Facts of the past were my academic energizers back in the day. Memorizing names, dates, events, and anything akin to history interest me—still. When I was invited by a good friend to join his squad’s trip to Ushaiger Heritage Village, the wandering feet’s engine automatically zoomed off to say, “Yes!” A grant-in-aid for The Stories…

Beyond the Claddings of King Fahad National Library

It was a random winter day in 2012 when my optical organs got magnetized by those claddings that surround the King Fahad National Library while cruising over King Fahad Road in Olaya District. I’ve always been fascinated by the unique architectural design of the building. There wasn’t a time that I didn’t take a gander at…

20 of the Most Beautiful Sunsets in Riyadh from 2019

I have always claimed that sunset is the most reliable fuel to my muse. I pride myself for being able to articulate the fleeting experience it gives me each time I stand in awe or sit for pleasure during an encounter with this nature wonder. Today is yet another special day because it is a…

Healing with Nature at the Cove and in the Mountains of Siruma in Camarines Sur

I always regard hitting the beach or hiking in the mountains as a form of pilgrimage. This is the reason why a short stay at the beach or hiking in the mountains is an essential part of my vacation. Most of the time, I am on the lookout for the less visited places. Beach and/or…

Reinforcement Hike on the Camel Trails in Riyadh’s The Back of Beyond

The Hiker’s Maxim: “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time (J.K.).” View this post on Instagram Going on a solo hike, which I did last week, was a rejuvenating and spiritual experience, but sharing this endeavor with friends two days ago was more fun. And, got someone to take photos…

Into the Poetic, Barren Landscapes of Al Qiddiya in Riyadh

The Hiker’s Maxim: “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time (J.K.).” Exactly ten years ago, I hiked the fairly challenging trails of Mt. Batulao—my first ever “concubine”.   View this post on Instagram Out of the couch to work out for tweiqs and plateaus in Al Qiddiya… #unveilsaudi #iblogksa #riyadhsunset…