The Sand Blushes under the Sun’s Kiss

Visiting the Sand dunes in Saudi Arabia, during the middle of April is definitely not a good idea. Yet, our time in the Kingdom is limited. We are not sure to experience the good climate of the holy land again! Therefore we planned our trip to the ‘Red Sand’ along with the members in our NOMA family.

The so called Red sand is a location situated 40 Kms away from the city of Riyadh. It’s a well known place for weekend hangout among Saudi residents. The place is famous for desert walks, bike riding and the sheer joy of a picnic.

Considering the climate of Riyadh in the month of April, we scheduled our trip for early morning hours on a Friday. Our cars started in line from Hara around 5.30 am, when the sun was shining bright above us. My family got into the Appuetan’s car. The choice was worth! Appuetan (Real name-Thrivikraman) who lives in Riyadh for the past 25 years updated us about the desert valleys, hanging bridge, forts and other destinations in Riyadh.

Roadside Mountains

The interesting ride was made more enjoyable with the view of rock walls on both sides of the road. The steepest roads were earlier covered with mountains. Later the government gave contract to the Bin Laden group to construct the wide roads. The construction firm has done a remarkable work by breaking the roads amidst the dry mountains with dynamites and high tech machineries.

Riyadh Check Post

The sun was shining golden across the natural forts and mountains as we drove further. We crossed the Riyadh check post adorned with Arabic sculptures.  We couldn’t decipher the meaning of the art form and ourselves gave the conclusion that it is somehow related with valor and war.

Stalls of desert bikes started to appear in view as we neared the Red Sand area. The landscape looked so different from those we have seen inside the city or at the Edge of the world. The steep cliffs succeeded by dark mud grounds and later by the red sand! After one hour of drive, we reached our destination.

We were the first ones to reach our destination. We took a short desert safari while waiting for the others. Interestingly, this short safari was more fun that the one we had in Dubai.

As we parked our car, the men from the bike stalls started swarming around. Appuetan, who has got a knack for bargaining, started his attempts. He reduced the charge considerably. There were many types of desert bikes. The highly priced big bikes were meant to go up the sand dunes. Sreejith and Sudeep took the lowest priced bikes and started riding. They tried to get their bikes up the hill and had a tough time to get out of the sinking sands.

I started walking and soon found that it’s not easy to wade with my drowning feet in the sand.  Though it was early morning, the plain sand was already tampered with footprints and ride marks. The sand blushed with the first kiss of sun rays. The vibration of life was pulsing underneath the sand layers. The sand remained untouched away from the trodden paths. Among the red sand lonely bushes glowed proudly for their power to stand amidst the trying ambience. 

Continues in Wroom Wroom... It’s Desert Bikes

Welcome to Riyadh

 Continues from Water, Water, Everywhere...

We didn’t have enough of our time in Fujairah. The morning sky was so clear against the beautiful mountains, when we started our return journey. The travel was uninterrupted until we reached the outskirts of Dubai. Here, we started to watch out for speed checkers and our speed reduced to 120km/hr at these points.

We crossed Abu Dhabi and caught up with our travel companions at Al Sila. All must be so hungry since we couldn’t find a single piece of breakfast left out in the food carrier. We continued our speed since we were anxious of the delay at the border.

The border seemed to be crowded as we approached. Religious Saudi women, who didn’t wish to show their faces, were waiting outside the ‘Women Inspection Area’ with their Iqama. Curiously, that was the only crowd out there. We passed the border with ease. However as we had got back into ‘Abhaya’ I started missing something. I didn’t find the Saudi officer’s cheerful ‘Welcome’ welcoming also.

Sunset at the desert

Soon, it was noon and we had our lunch. Next few hours went in a rhythm. That’s when the scene I had most wished to view started happening-the sunset in the desert. The sky started changing its colors. The silver fire turned into an orange fire. Soon, it started to burn the clouds and turn them into a dark blue color of Lord Krishna. The sand around the desert became golden in color and started vibrating. Finally, the red orb started to roll down. As its tip finally sank down, I realized- one more vacation is over...

There are many things that we missed to visit during this vacation. But...

                                 Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard
                                 Are sweeter;

                                                     (Ode on a Grecian Urn: John Keats)

                               The End

Fujairah-The Land of Mountains and Beaches

Continues from Sahasra Nam

Fujairah, the land of mountains and beaches is like a smart homemaker. The small town, lies on the Gulf of Oman is free from the hustle and bustle of its contemporary emirates. However there are some special features that make this place unique. 

Fujairah was our last destination during the Dubai vacation. The travel from Dubai to Fujairah usually takes one to two hours. However as soon as we left the picturesque squares of Sharjah, our pace started to slow down. The speedometer showed 3km/hr for the next two hours. 

Fujairah Mountains

We were exhausted after the previous day’s desert safari and late night party. The sun beams started burning through the car windows. Hunger started gnawing our stomachs. In between we rarely paid attention to the Desert Mountains and the winding roads of Fujairah. After the tiring slow drive we finally spotted the sign post of Friday market from where our speed picked up.

Finally, we reached Fujairah after a tiring journey of four hours. However the peaceful streets of the city and the availability of ample parking space cajoled us.  Our tiredness left us after a delightful lunch with our cousin’s family. By the time, it was evening and we planned to get out for snorkeling. However, the crowd at the beach of Khorfkhan made us to move ahead towards Dibba beach. Again, Eid holidays have made the road so blocked and we took a turn and entered to a small beach.

The wind was very chilly as we got out. The beach wasn’t kept neatly and we gave up the ideas of getting into the water. However I and Jayada gave in to the excitement of little Anirudh and Shreya to wet the feet. 

The flashy car on Fujairah road

After half an hour we returned! Though crowded, the roads looked comfortable as in a small town. All of a sudden, it gave me the feeling of Pondicherry ambience. Then, in that small crowd, we located a sports car. The three wheeler car in flashy red color started showing off next to our car. That time traffic block became a blessing in disguise and we started taking photos of the smart vehicle. The boys in the car must have felt happy and as they sped up they waved to the babies in our gang.

Before I slept, I just peered out through my window. The night light reflected at the mountains on one side and the sea on the other side. I never expected a gulf country to be this much a nature beauty. I made a note in mind to view the next day’s sunrise.

Continues in Water, Water Everywhere...

Sahasra Nam

Continues from Desert Safari

Some people make an impression on us from the very first meeting itself. For us (I and Sreejith), Mr. Sahasra Nam is someone like that.  Before I start writing about him, let me tell you! I don’t know anything about him apart from the glimpses of our short meeting.

We’d heard so much about Sahasra Nam and his wife from our family friends Kunjanietan and family. We went to meet Kunjanietan in the morning before desert safari. So, when he told us about meeting Nam, we were absolutely fine with the idea. Even I, who usually hesitate to get introduced to strangers, agreed to it.

We were left alone in the living room before meeting Nam. The living room decorated with a mixture of modern and traditional taste made an impression on me before meeting its owner. Nam soon greeted us with a wide smile and I felt so comfortable.

As Nam drove us for lunch, I started to feel that I’ve met this person somewhere before! It was only an intuition. That’s because he talked subjects very familiar to me and I was at ease. Soon, I realized that if he meets some other person, he might talk topics familiar to them also. I got convinced that indeed talking is an art itself!

After the desert safari, we directly went to Nam’s house. I felt like going to a friend’s house that is familiar for years. At Nam’s home, I and Sreejith had our own fun time to pursue. Shreya lapsed into a good sleep after the tiring day. It was around 2am that we’d decided to have our dinner. The dinner comprised of hot rice, dosa and Sambar in the background of Indian classic music was very much unlike any other dinner I had during late night parties. 

I don’t remember when I hit the bed and woke up! As I finished mine & Shreya’s bath, Nam was ready in the kitchen. As we sat in the kitchen as he prepared the breakfast, we actually felt like sitting in the kitchen of a close relative. 

After breakfast, it was time for us to leave. Nam introduced us to his neighbors. Soon we got dressed up and Nam helped us with our luggage. He presented Shreya with a handy tiger toy and asked her to take care of him well.

As we bid good bye to him, I made a note in mind that if ever we come to Dubai again, we’ll visit him for sure.

                                                           ***************

The second leg of Nam’s story happened after we reached Fujairah. As soon as we got our luggage out, we realized that the laptop bag is missing! I must have misplaced it in the visitor’s lobby when we came out. What more? Our passport and multiple exit entry passes are inside it! 

We were lost. We were not in India, not in Saudi Arabia but in a third country! We won’t get entry to Saudi Arabia without entry passes!!All the fun we had out of the trip drained out from us. As we called Nam, there was no hope in getting back the laptop. Nam called back within two hours. His security had retained the bag and kept it safely. I had nothing else to believe than that all people associated with him must be extraordinary.

As I called him to say thanks, he laughed again with his natural humour. I, who always find it difficult to express my feelings through talks, felt so easy with him. As I kept the phone, I just remembered-I, who photograph each special occasion, hadn’t photographed our time with Nam.  But some special moments have to be cherished in memory, right?

Continues in Fujairah-The Land of Mountains and Beaches 

The City Of Skyscrapers

 Continues from A Drive through the Heart of the Desert

The sun was so bright when we woke up in the first morning at Dubai. It was as if we just closed the eyes and opened again into daylight. Here, our host had planned the day ahead for us.

In front of Burj Al Arab

Our first visit was to the extravagant architecture of Burj al Arab. Located on a sea reclaimed island out from Jumeirah beach, the fourth tallest hotel in the world is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. Its iconic structure is in the shape of a sailing ship, attributing the names “Arab Tower” and Arab Sail” for it. The book shaped projection from the building constitutes the dining area for its guests. However, in my opinion, the landing for helipad at the front of the hotel might save the grandeur from the evil eyes.More

The purse constrained us from entering the hotel.  So, we decided to take our next stroll to the beach near Burj Al Arab. We hadn’t planned to get into the sea. However the green and clean water was so enticing. Sayan and Shreya, the kids in our company, started getting uncontrollable with the sight of the water.

Shreya at the beach near Burj Al Arab

The beach was crowded with foreigners. The security guards were patrolling every now and then. It seems, sightseeing for bachelors is not allowed in this area. Also, most of the visitors to this beach are families who abide to the rules of swimming. It was very much unlike any of the beaches I’ve seen so far. The only thorn in this beach is the attack from Jelly fishes that can be mortal.

The afternoon sun was getting hot as we returned from the beach. During our drive back home I could see women driving, shopping and getting out together for shopping etc. All of a sudden I started craving for this freedom. I missed my friends at Bangalore, our shopping spree, my working hours and much more.

 Well, before igniting my aspirations further we reached back home and after a delicious lunch, I lapsed into a nap.

Continues in Palm Jumeirah Island

A Drive through the Heart of the Desserts

Dubai, the city of –skyscrapers, vivid cultures, shopping malls, clubs, pubs, wonderful nightlife, beautiful sandy beaches, relaxing walks, historical locations, exclusive souks and many more- had never fascinated me as a destination.  Therefore, I started my journey from Riyadh to Dubai, only as a way to pass out the sleepy Hajj holidays. I had never imagined the wonders that the place would hold for me.

The early winter morning breeze of Riyadh was getting cooler as we started our journey. The familiar roads of Riyadh and Al-Kharj started to pass out from our map within two hours of our journey. The road from Al Kharj to Batha border is a two liner one and mostly covered with long trucks. However, it was really a good drive as the truck drivers moved us ahead with signal lights and hand signals in the narrow road. Though there were many trucks, they never lowered our speed. The annoyance for trucks, inflicted in mind by the Bangalore truck drivers, ameliorated considerably during this journey.

The landscape was changing as each kilometer passed. Soon we were getting the signal posts of ‘Sand Dunes’ and ‘Camel Crossing.’ The desert on each side looked like untouched layers of butter. As I looked closely, I could spot large pits also among these sands. We were not tormented much by the scorching sun of the desert, since we were mesmerized by these beautiful scenes witnessing for the first time.

A wave of golden sand danced in the road before us. The mirage of a vibrating and silvery lake started to stretch before us at a constant distance. As the car sped up through these desert roads, I remembered Marina Nemat’s description of deserts in Prisoner Of Tehran

A view of desert

“I realized how the quiet the desert was without the constant hum of the car. B y the sea, even on a calmer day, one could always hear the murmur of the water, and in a forest, even if all the animals had chosen not to make the sound, one could hear the leaves brushing against each other.”(p.263)

Ever since I read this description, I had a longing to feel this silence in a desert. I can’t feel the silence, now since we are on a busy road.  It is then that Sreejith told me about the empty sockets. These are tricky places in the desserts, where even the natives can get lost. However, in the present day of technology, people explore the places with compass and direction maps. He also told about his colleague who had camped in the dessert last year and had a fabulous experience.

I was just expressing my desire to camp like that. As if to prompt me for that, two-three GMCs passed us with full of camping tents, water cans and other camping equipments on its top. (They must have passed earlier also. But I noticed them only then.) Sreejith got tensed a little.

         “We are going to make it late. I can see that there is a long queue at the border.”

Yes, we were reaching the border of K.S.A (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and U.A.E (United Arab Emirates). Shreya who was fast asleep with motion sickness woke up as the car sped down. 

The border between K.S.A and U.A.E is called Batha. This is where we take the ‘visa on arrival.’ Most of the Saudis like us stop at the petrol station before the border to fill the fuel.  After a few kilometres, the price of petrol will be thrice than that in the holy land of Muslims. 

When men in our gang waited with the cars in the long queue, we paid a visit to the restrooms. East or West, North or south, public toilets in Asian countries seem to be a nightmare as always!

It is after getting out of the Petrol station that we hit on to the first stone in our travel. The traffic block! It was a time just after the Salah and we are caught in the tiring queue to reach the border. The car started to take a slow pace here. As we entered the visa office, I actually felt like going back. It seemed that the whole Saudi is planning to visit U.A.E during these Hajj holidays.

The visa processing took almost an hour to complete. Though there were not any accurate instructions, we somehow managed to get into the queue after filling the applications and retina scanning! As we waited patiently for the sleepy officers to check our documents, I couldn’t help thinking-We, who rush and complain for even small procedures in India, can actually be patient and accommodating under circumstances

Sand Dunes signal before Batha

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We were at such a relief while getting the visa after a long process of five hours. The sunset in the desert that I had wished to watch was over! It was getting dark and the scenes were fading. By 6p.m darkness enveloped the desert and started to make the journey monotonous.

By that time, hunger started to nag our stomachs. We stopped at a truck station on the way and gulped our lunch and dinner. All were having the same thought in mind-to reach Dubai as early as possible! Moreover, from now onwards we have to rely entirely on the GPS.

Now, it was time to drive according to the directions of the GPS. We reached Abu Dhabi and soon realized that we are heading to the heart of the city than to Dubai. The GPS was constantly giving us instructions to take ‘Roundabouts’ and soon we started to drive according to sign posts and our instincts. Though this was confusing, we could also find time to enjoy a glimpse of the city decked up for the upcoming F1.

After passing a magnificent building at Abu Dhabi that looked like a palace, we finally got into the straight road to Dubai. Now, all of us were so relieved. After a drive of one hour, we started to reach the outskirts of exuberant Dubai. The first view was so rejuvenating. All of a sudden I felt that I am back at Bangalore. The truth is that a glimpse of Dubai is as much of Bangalore. I’d seen just the tip of an iceberg.

We corrected our watches ahead for an hour. Here we separated from our travel partners. Even in the late hours of night, our hosts were waiting for us. After a hot shower and hearty chat, we hit the bed.

Continues in The City of Skyscrapers