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Back in early 2021, I went on a road trip from Riyadh to Al Ula.

Al Ula is easily one of the crown jewels of Saudi tourism and even then it was clearly something special. At the time, it was possible to drive up all the way to Elephant Rock and if you wanted to have a snack or coffee there, you needed to pack your own picnic.

Now days Elephant Rock is still accessible to the public and there are coffee kiosks and places to sit and enjoy the view.

The tombs of Hegra or Mad'in Salih are incredible. Carved from the top down of large rock formations scattered across the wind-swept prarie, they blend in beautifully with the natural landscape while also pointing to a vibrant and intricate network of Nabataean peoples during a pre-islamic time period.

The only way to visit Hegra is on a guided tour booked through the Experience Al Ula website.

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24 Hours in Alhasa

About 3.5 hours from Riyadh by car, it's definitely worth a visit, even just for a day trip. My mom came to visit me in May for the second time and since she had seen most points of interest in Riyadh on her first visit, we decided to venture out to see a bit of life outside the capital.

We decided to leave Riyadh on a Friday late morning, stay the night, and drive back on Saturday morning.

Where to Stay - Al Koot Heritage Hotel

This quaint hotel is an old house renovated into guest rooms with a lovely enclosed center courtyard that houses the restaurant. It was a perfect way to give my mom a taste of what a traditional house would look like structurally and it was centrally located as well. There's only street parking for the property, but it wasn't difficult to find. We ate breakfast in the hotel the morning we left and it was delicious.

What to do - Al-Qarah Mountain, Pottery Shop, Ibrahim Palace, and Qaisariyah Souq

Al-Qarah Mountain is famous for its caves and rock formations. My mom was expecting the style of cave where you descend into the earth. This mountain is different in that you walk straight into the slots and canyons formed in the mountain. It's very beautiful and they have lots of fairy lights, mirrors, and seating areas near the caves of the mountain, so you can expect to spend some time here enjoying the atmosphere.

The Pottery Shop is a traditional pottery place on the other side of the entrance to Al-Qarah Mountain. It closes at 6pm every day, so if you're planning sunset at the mountain, make sure to go to the shop before. Merchants accept cash as well as card and you can wander through several vendors' crafts to find a unique and beautiful hand-crafted souvenir. I went home with a mug and a traditional water jug which are certainly prized posessions.

Ibrahim Palace is an incredible place with a long history, dating back to the Ottoman period in the 1500's. It's located close to Al-Koot Heritage Hotel and we were keen to explore. Unfortunately it was closed for renovations despite the information we found on Google. Hopefully it will re-open to the public in the next year.

If the pottery shop doesn't provide you with enough souvenirs, Qaisariyah Souq is also close to Al-Koot Heritage Hotel. There you can shop to your heart's content.

Regional Food to Try - Hasawi Bread

Stop at this bakery to pick up a red bread that is unique to the Eastern province. It's hearty and made from dates, wheat, saffron, and cardamom. The dates are what give it its color and set it apart in flavor from other breads throughout the country.

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Climbing in Istanbul

I visited Istanbul for the first time right after Christmas and already have made another trip over Eid. It's easy to see why everyone who visits is instantly captivated. It feels like a piece of home no matter where you come from. But where to climb when you visit?

There are three climbing gyms in the city: one on the European side and two on the Asian side. As a plus, there's a beautiful national park less than an hour outside the city on the Asia side where you can sport climb with amazing views. It's worth a visit even for a non-climber.

On the European Side

Boulderhane - Bouldering only

I actually visited this gym during my first trip thanks to my friend who's been a few times before. My climbing guide during my second trip recommended it as his prefered place to climb in all of Istanbul.

The gym consists of several boulder walls, a spray wall, a moonboard, and a small weight area. They have bathrooms, lockers, and sell chalk and shoes behind the counter as well as rentals.

Their routesetting was interesting and they update it regularly.

If you choose to go, know that the entrance is unassuming and a bit sketchy. From the street, you'll enter a side door and go up a couple of flights of stairs with minimal sinage before arriving at the gym on an upper floor.

On the Asian Side

2. Boulder Istanbul - Bouldering only

During my second trip, we stayed on the Aisian side only a block away from this gym. It's smaller than Boulderhane, but they make excellent use of the space.

Downstairs there are toilets/changing rooms and a shower if you'd like it, but generally I wouldn't recommend it.

Upstairs they have a small area for stretching, fingerboarding, and warming up. It's enough space for two friends to occupy at the same time.

Personally, I enjoyed their spray wall and found their routesetting to make good use of the space, often having lots of traversing involved.

3. DuvarX - Bouldering and Top Rope

I haven't had a chance to visit this gym as it's a bit farther out of the city, but it's the only gym in Istanbul to offer top rope climbing, so it could be worth checking out.

4. Ballıkayalar Tabiat Parkı - Outdoor Lead Climbing

Located in a beautiful nature researve, this crag has 141 routes of varying difficulty. Check out its page on theCrag. You can rent a car and drive or it's worth hiring a guide to take you if you're not interested in taking all your gear with you when you travel.

Once you park, follow the path and cross the stream, then it's a quick hike directly up the hillside. We visited in spring, so it was a little overgrown, but not too bad. The first section of about 4 routes will be there immediately when you finish the hike up.

It was already hot in April when we visited, so I recommend going early in the morning as there's not much shade on the crag.

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Spending the perfect day in Bahrain:

In January my best friend Tracy and I took a cruise around the Middle East, probably the last cruise anyone will take for a very long time. But because I’m living in Saudi, I wanted to explore the region and get to know it better. With a one day stop in Bahrain, we had about 12 hours to explore the island and it was absolutely wonderful!! I can’t wait to go back as soon as boarders open up.

Whether you’re planning a trip, day dreaming about traveling again, or just curious about what there is to do in this tiny kingdom, here are my recommendations:

Start the day at Mamma Souq with some shopping:

One of the entrances to the Souq is Bab Al-Bahrain, an archway dating back to olden-times when it was a gateway into the city center.

After spending some time wandering in and out of the shops, make your way to Haji’s Traditional Cafe for lunch. The food is delicious and inexpensive. I think we ate for a total of $8 USD and it was more than we could finish ourselves! The cafe is adorable and has a long wonderful history with kind employees.

If you feel like shopping more, head back out into the souq, if not make your way to Layaly Zaman Cafe. Located on the water, they have a gorgeous outdoor patio with a view of the skyline and ocean all in one. Order some Arabic coffee, dates, and shisha and enjoy a slow afternoon.

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Visiting Riyadh’s Aviation Museum:

As of June 21st Riyadh is officially OPEN and in its new normal. After waiting a few weeks to venture out we decided to combat our cabin fever with a visit to Riyadh’s Aviation Museum [official name: Saqr Aljazeera Aviation Museum]. I’ve been dying to visit since I moved here, but have never made the time.

We decided to go on a Thursday around 4pm and it was empty except for staff, so we had the place to ourselves, which was perfect for social distancing! Our temperatures were taken and everyone was wearing masks. 

We felt so safe and comfortable at the museum. The staff were so kind and even gave us a tour of the museum. They have several flight simulations which are closed due to the virus so we didn't get to play with them but hopefully they'll be able to reopen soon. The staff also opened several airplanes for us and gave us a tour of the insides. 

Inside one of the planes. You can see the employee behind me wearing his mask and keeping a safe distance.

Even if you're not an airplane buff I would highly recommend going as there's lots to learn about Saudi Arabia's history and planes. Upstairs they have an exhibit on Air Force uniforms and on Saturdays in space. I didn't know that a Saudi Prince had been to space so that was really exciting for me to learn.

Outside there are loads of airplanes sitting on made up runways and this is perfect for exploring and getting up close and personal with some planes which you might not get to see in another context. There is a Saudia airplane for passengers which is massive. Even though I've flown in so many planes throughout my life seeing them away from an airport is such a different experience. While the outside of the museum is great for exploring it's also perfect for an insta photo shoot. Here are some of my pictures which will hopefully inspire you. I won't be getting on an international flight anytime soon so this was a fun way to be close to some airplanes.

Exploring the planes outside.

Planning your trip:

Cost:  11 SAR per person

Getting there: you can take a Careem which will drop you off outside of the main gate then a guard will let you in and it is a 2 minute walk to the entrance of the building. If you drive you might be able to find parking on a side street nearby.

Google map location: linked here

Hours: 4pm-9pm Sunday-Saturday

The main entrance to the museum.

 We had such a fun time and I highly recommend visiting the aviation museum the next time you're in Riyadh!

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Joshua Tree Road Trip:

Road trip inspo coming your way! 

These days travel seems to be changing, no longer can we hop on a flight and jet around the world with the ease we once could, with spontaneity, as the wind may carry us, but one American classic that remains strong, is the tried and true road trip. Great for social distancing and combatting our cabin fever, not to mention the drop in gas prices. So I thought I’d kick off this blog with a look back at some great road trips of years past and hopefully inspire your next venture outside.

With a little over 2hrs drive from Los Angeles, Joshua Tree is an ideal weekend getaway from the city and excellent for social distancing. While best time of year to visit is in spring or fall because the temperatures are more mild, the summer heat is quite bearable and you’re more likely to find good prices on accommodation and encounter less travelers. Whenever you go, make sure to bring lots of water, chapstick, and sunscreen because the sun shines year round and the desert is always dry.

My friends and I took a long weekend away to Joshua Tree in January and it was such a refreshing time for us. 

When looking for accommodation, we wanted an airbnb with a hot tub and a fire pit so we could enjoy the outdoors in the evening. We stayed here and it did not disappoint! In addition to the jacuzzi and steel fire pit, we also loved the sound system in the living room (a massive bluetooth speaker) so we could listen to our music while cooking dinner. To cut down on costs, we made our own food, choosing to eat out only once on our way back home, but this would also be a great way to be safe during these covid times. 

Sipping some coffee in the backyard of our Airbnb.

The outdoor couch was perfect for indoor outdoor living.

Enjoying the hot tub with some wine.

During the days we got our blood flowing and enjoyed some vitamin D by hiking. Day 1, we hiked the trail to Ryan Mountain. It was a bit challenging as you’re going uphill the whole way there, with very little flat land. This trail also has almost no shade, so it’s best to go early in the morning before it’s hot, bring lots of sunscreen, water, snacks, and a hat. The views at the top are AMAZING and worth the climb.

There aren’t any bathrooms near the trailhead, so be sure to bring ziplock bags, tissues, and handsanitizer!

En route to the top.

We made it! And look at that viewww! 

Gazing out at the mountains.

On the way out of the park it was golden hour and the scenery was SO beautiful we decided to stop for some pictures and exploring. 

Some tall J-trees at golden hour.

Exploring the park on our way out.

The sunset it well worth it.

Day 2:

The morning began with a trip to the farmer’s market a short walk from our Airbnb. It was so lovely to get some fresh foods and support local businesses all at the same time. Then we set off for another hike. I believe this is the trail we did. It’s a much flatter trail and a long hike with lovely scenery. However, the last two miles of the trail were all sand, so it was very tiring to trudge in and out through. While the views at the end are gorgeous and different from the rest of the trail, if you’re not up to it, it’s still worth it to hike and turn back around before the trail turns sandy.

In general, J Tree is not very shaded, so my advice for the previous hike still stands:

Go early in the morning before it’s hot 

Bring lots of sunscreen, water, snacks, and a hat 

There aren’t any bathrooms near the trailhead or along the way, so be sure to bring ziplock bags, tissues, and hand sanitizer

Off on our next hike!

The trail is getting sandier here...

But the rocks at the end were incredible!

To wrap up the night, we chose to relax and unwind with a fire and and a movie in the hot tub while stargazing. 

I would definitely recommend a trip to Joshua tree as your next socially-distanced getaway!

If you want to feel some vibes check out the videos from our trip:

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Donating Clothes in Riyadh

Corona has left us with our worlds upside down and with many expat communities all over the world suddenly empty. Saudi is no different. One of my close friends was unable to return from the states which tasked me with finding new homes for most of her things. Ultimately I was left with a lot of clothing that I would have given to Savers or Goodwill at home but I had no idea what to do with here.

GOOD NEWS: YOU *CAN* DONATE CLOTHES IN RIYADH!!!

According to my extensive googling, a few years ago, mosques in Riyadh used to have donation boxes outside for clothes and other items, but they were removed.

There do remain a few charities around the city where you can bring your goods.

I’ve listed below the details of the place I found where you can take your things instead of throwing them away! Let’s live more sustainable lives out while we’re away from our countries of birth, as the whole world is our home 😊

How to donate: 

Name: North of Riyadh Alber Charity

Location: King Abdullah Branch Road

Google Maps Location: here

Hours: 8:30am-10pm Sun-Thurs, 3-10pm F, 9am-10pm Sat

Advice: Go into the building and ask the employees for help! I went in the evening as they are open until 10pm but their donation bins were not out. We had to ask a few people where we could give our things, but eventually we found someone who was willing to help. It’s a different experience from donating at home where things are more clearly laid out and obvious.

This is the building from the outside.

The parking lot with donation bins is down this road.

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Riding Quads at the Red Sands outside of Riyadh:

In February a group of friends and I were itching to do something different for the weekend, so we called up our driver, piled into his van and set off on an hour driver outside the city to the Red Sands. (Location linked on Google Maps here).

The views leaving the city are BEAUTIFUL as always. Saudi’s cliffs are stunning, transporting you a true desert.

When we arrived, they had shelters and tables set up, so we could eat some food in the shade before hopping on the quads. We enjoyed our snacks, stopped by their port-a-potties (make sure you bring your own wipes and sanitizer!), then they set us up with our own quads and let us loose for an hour.

~~ 💸💸PRICING 💸💸~~

As with most businesses like this, haggling is the way to go. A good price would be 70 SAR per person, however a REALLY good price is 45 SAR per person.

Be kind, recognize they need to eat and feed their families, but don’t pay more than what it’s worth. 😊

When planning your own trip:

1. Make sure to bring LOTS of water, even in February it was HOT.

2. Bring and wear LOTS of sunscreen. The sun is FIERCE out here.

3. Bring something to cover your face so you don’t breathe in any sand.

4. Have FUN!

We ditched our abayas for the day and couldn’t be happier!

Make sure to bring a mask so you’re not breathing in any sand!

Got stuck and definitely got a quad workout getting un-stuck.

LOOOOOOVING the view of the cliffs behind me.

We finished the day with loads of sand in our shoes and smiles on our faces… can you say cheesy? 😂

If you want to check out my friend’s video about our trip, you can find it here:

For more of my Saudi Adventures: #AbbyIsAbroadInRiyadh

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Riyadh Coffee Culture (My top 5 coffee shops in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia):

Saudi is opening, with tourist visas being issued and their grand 2030 plan to make the Kingdom’s tourism industry as robust as that of the UAE and others, not to mention, 1/3 of the country’s residents are expats. If you’re coming to Saudi for business or pleasure, you’re likely to stop in Riyadh, the capital city which has more than 5 million residents.

With daytime temperatures averaging over 100°F in the summer, Saudis tend to stay up all night when the weather is cool(-er) and sleep during the day. To keep them going all night long, they need a lot of coffee. Coffee culture is very strong in Riyadh, with unique shops all over the city. However there are plenty of your familiar chains available if you’re needing a taste of home, such as Starbucks, Tim Horton’s, Dunkin Doughnuts, Caribou, and Cafe Bene.

But this post is dedicated to my Saudi-exclusive coffee joints. I’ve done my best to link to their instagrams as best I can so you can check out their websites and locations from there. (Links are in the names before the pictures )

1. Wavy Ice

Located in Al Mughrizat Plaza, along with Starbucks, Dunkin, Doughnuts, and Cafe Bene this coffee shop has personality and a great cup of coffee. My go-to drink is a vanilla latte, but be warned: their’s is on the sweeter side, so a plain latte does suffice for me. The booths are wide, plenty of outlets for you to charge your laptop or phone, their walls are covered in local artwork which they swap out regularly, giving it a unique and personal feel. They do play music (not a given in Saudi) and sometimes even host events in the evenings.

Personal ancedote: I thought their stickers were cute and asked if they were for sale. They weren’t, but the barista gave me a handful (literally) for free, taking them off the paper and handing them to me, leaving me with no where to put them. I think we both thought the other was a bit odd 😂

2. 12 Cups

On our way out of the city, driving to the Safari put on by Riyadh Season, we stopped at 12 Cups. (I believe they also have a location in the DQ.)

A sleek, modern, coffee shop with several 20-somethings working on their laptops and the smell of fresh beans, this shop had a lovely atmosphere and I wished we weren’t just popping in for a takeaway. But alas, we had places to go, so we snapped a quick pic with the angle wings on the wall while they whipped up our drinks and we dashed off to our plans.

The coffee was one of the best in terms of quality and the ascetics were on point too. 10/10.

3. Pandemic Coffee

Honestly, I didn’t love their coffee. They had a lot of unique flavors on their menu, but it just wasn’t quite my taste.

HOWEVER, it is a must see purely for the aesthetics and vibe. I mean, what could be more relevant right now?

Stepping through the massive steel door is like entering a night club with the music pounding, low lighting, walls painted black, and cherry blossoms growing. It’s such a stark contrast to life outside and anything else you experience in Riyadh, that it’s worth the other-worldly culture shock.

If I remember correctly, their wifi wasn’t working 😬😬😬

But it seems like enough people like them for locations to open in Tabuk and Dubai, so maybe it might be closer to your palette. 

4. Bearista

A cabin-themed coffee shop, looking like something out of a USA road trip to the mountains, with faux-brick walls and tree-stump tables, BEARISTA is a cozy coffee shop located across the street from the Hayat mall and within walking distance of an Enjaz, so you can transfer some money, pop over for a quick coffee break, and then go off to do some shopping.

We went on a Thursday afternoon and slipped right in before prayer time. It was lovely to relax and sip our coffee while waiting for shops to re-open. The staff was nice and of course, the coffee was delicious. 

(I couldn’t find their instagram, but I did link to their foursquare page).

5. Caffe Bene

Okay, so I know I said this list was dedicated to Saudi-exclusives, but I HAD to include this global chain. I discovered Caffe Bene last summer in Japan and have been a fan of the vibe ever since. While the coffee quality might be a bit watered down for my personal taste, the instrumental music, array of seating, and low prices keep it high on my list of go-tos, especially when looking to pass a few hours in the afternoon or on the weekend with a book or laptop.

In pre-COVID times, my friends and I were regulars at this particular location. Loads of seating, free wifi, tons of natural light, and again low prices! Even with a 15 % VAT, a medium iced vanilla latte is only 18 SAR.

Not to mention their staff is always kind and lovely. Unlike Starbucks, they play music! While they don’t close for prayer, so you can sit inside and enjoy a wonderful respite from the heat when all other shops are closed, their employees do take a break during prayer times. At my favorite location, Caffe Bene also recently removed the divide between men’s and women’s sections (or as they’re know in Saudi “Single” and “Family Sections”). Yay steps toward gender equality!!

In COVID times, employees wear masks and gloves, perform temperature checks at the door, and require social distancing among customers.

Disclaimer: be wary of the baked goods... they can be a bit dried out, but this is Saudi, so I don’t really fault them so much as lack of humidity.

What are some of YOUR favorite coffee shops in Riyadh? Where do I need to go next? 😊☕☕☕