Ramadan Travel 2013 (July 9-18)

King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh.

Due to the very busy Ramadan season, I really don't have any spare time to write a proper post on my blog and so I'll just post some of the photos I've collected from our travel in Riyadh, Dammam and Al Ahsa 2 weeks ago. We (my co-worker and I), stayed in Riyadh for 5 days to merchandise our 5 shops there which are located in Hayat Mall, Marina Mall, Olaya Mall, Othaim Mall & Khurais Plaza. 

Riyadh Photos:

Riyadh Videos:

Our 5th day in Riyadh was also our 1st day in Dammam. It would only take us about an hour or even less from Riyadh to Dammam had our flight been on time. And finally after four excruciating hours of waiting (due to a couple of hours delay) we got inside the plane. Thank God for allowing their (saudia folks) habitual incompetence already assimilated into my psyche. Nothing's new under the sun, by the way.

When we arrived at Dammam airport it was almost 2 in the morning. We were frantically monitoring every second that passes and praying that we could get a good taxi driver who would not overcharge us and drive fast before that dreaded yet familiar shout reverberates the peninsula signalling the start of dawn-till-dusk rituals. Understandably, the frantics would have been unnecessary had we earlier reserved a room from our 'suki' hotel but did not. Still hopeful that our stomach did not react so as to plunge readily in bed as soon as we checked-in but had to run like Usain Bolt to the nearest kabsa or shawarma before that scary shout overwhelmed our knees. Thankfully for us, we nailed it haha! Thank you Jesus! The next day we had to report for work though it was a Friday.

Dammam Photos:

Dammam Videos:

Bags already packed, we did check out on our second day and headed to Dareen Mall. After we were done, we took a 4 hour SAPTCO bus ride to Al Ahsa/Hofuf - a small town yet a significant business center in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia. It is very near to Qatar. This place has been in the headlines around the world because of MERS - CoV (Corona Virus). Al Ahsa/Hofuf was our last and final destination before heading back to our old routine in Jeddah. We have 2 stores here, in Al Ahsa Mall and Othaim Mall.

Al Ahsa Photos:

Al Ahsa/Hofuf Videos:

Mission accomplished! The 10th day was the final day. It was time to leave for Jeddah. The airport of Al Ahsa was a little bit far from the city, and upon arriving, the gloom and quietness was so obvious. The sceneries to the airport were like out of a movie. Sand dunes dominate the view. So dry, so hot. There's so much sadness in it.  

Day 9 & Al Ahsa Airport Photos:

Al Ahsa Airport Video:

Thank You Lord Jesus for our safe return!

Note:
Photos were originally uploaded on my Instagram account. 

Videos originally uploaded on my Vine account, Pepe Cabrera.
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Trip To Abha

It was my first time to go to the mountain city of Abha, the capital of Asir province last May 26 2013. The flight to Abha from Jeddah was quick, just less than an hour. My co-worker and I went there to oversee the merchandising of one of our shops there ( well actually 2 of our shops there). 

From the airport, we went straight to Oasis Mall where our new shop was located, in fact the mall itself was new, that not a lot of shops are open yet.  It took us around 5 hours to finish everything from the lay-out, merchandising and to the mannequins in the windows.

After we're done with Oasis Mall, we went straight to Aseer Mall, where the other 'It's Mine' shop is located. It was impossible for us to finish 2 shops in a day because we were already tired, and so we didn't do the lay-out/merchandising. We only changed both  window displays. 

It was raining cats and dogs when we went to the airport and we still have 4 hours left before our flight back to Jeddah during that time, so instead of checking-in immediately, we opted to just sit by the bench in front of the airport and enjoy the cool breeze and rain. I missed the rain! 

While waiting outside, we met a Filipino guy who's from Iligan city in the Philippines, his name is Melchor, who turned out to be a born again Christian himself. Instantly we had a fellowship there. We've learned a lot of things from each other, talking about the goodness of God and our testimonies. We talked for about 2 hours and it was amazing. We exchanged phone numbers before we boarded the plane and he promised to call if ever he gets to visit  Jeddah.

Halleluiah! Thank you Lord God for your blessings and protection during our trip in Abha in JESUS name. Amen! Here's some of the photos from our trip in Abha.

At the self check-in machine in Jeddah.

Inside the plane to Abha.

Touch down Abha!

Getting a taxi.

It's Mine shop in Oasis Mall (aka Waha Mall).

Just for laughs.

Posing for the camera.

To It's Mine in Aseer Mall.

The 'It's Mine' shop in Aseer Mall.

Beautiful scenery on our way to the airport.

Camels...!

While sitting outside the airport.

Kuya Melchor.

Waiting to board.

Boarding.

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