Eyecandy, her brother, and I went yesterday. The camel race, which we're supposed to watch first before going to the Janadriyah village, was canceled. Maybe because it drizzled a bit? We were disappointed because we were really excited to see camels run like the wind (do they?). However, we just considered the happening's silver lining --- we'll have more time for the Janadriyah village! Turns out 5 hours is not even enough. We only managed to see half of the place.
Hay. But the 5 hours are
sulit!
We haven't had any trips for the past few months (thus the lack of travel entries) and we're raring to go! Janadriyah proved to be the perfect place to jump start our wanderlust. We love this event because we get to know more about the Saudi people. We're used to dealing with them in the city proper and somehow, we get the image that they're really conservative and formal. The festival sheds a different light. We see the Saudis have fun and enjoy their day with their families and friends and somehow, that make them a lot like us Filipinos, who thrive in the presence of our families and friends too, especially during festivals, fiestas, and reunions. We share more in common with them than we'd ever think about.
The
Janadriyah Festival is one of the biggest event of the Kingdom and we're glad to be there again this year (
our first time was last year). We were the only Filipinos in the huge Saudi crowd but we blended right in! Some Saudis might probably be curious on what we're doing there but they didn't really pry and stare. We entered a lot of exhibits, but not as many as the ones we went to last year because we got sidetracked in the sword dances and musical performances.
Japan is the featured country ("guest of honor") this year and they did an amazing job in their stage performances and pavilion. We won't pre-empt those who are going by giving you a full account of what we experienced in the event. Instead, here's a teaser of sights, textures, and colors to encourage you to visit the Janadriyah Festival:
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| The sky is starting to clear after a brief drizzle. |
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| Getting ready for some action. Sword action, that is! |
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| The Saudi Hawks. |
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| Find all the huge plates in the festival. |
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| Bright blooms. |
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| Saudi mangoes are like our apple mangoes. |
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| Can you guess what this is? |
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| Pottery. |
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| E says these look like amoebas! |
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| Love the colors. |
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| Love the colors + pattern! |
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| Design 101. |
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| Ang lampara, bow! |
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| Open sesame... oil! |
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| The hustle and bustle of men in thobes. |
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| Made for the Pink Tarha! :P |
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| Woot, a concert in Saudi Arabia! |
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| We found our sashimis! Plastic nga lang! |
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| Free Japanese postcard! |
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| Up, up, and away! |
If you go, tell us if you were able to locate the photos above. :)
And because it's a once in a year event, Eyecandy and I seized a lot of opportunities and did a lot of crazy stuff
(Pink Tarha style). E, our spokeswoman for the evening, was courageous enough to approach strangers (ie. men in white thobes) and ask if we can have our pictures with them. Also with the Japanese exhibitors and the Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia(!). We wanted to have a photo with the military band, and even the Saudi Boy Scouts, but they're busy and shy. Lol. We're not really sure why we do this picture-taking stuff with them. I guess we just realize how rare these moments can be. Hello, having a photo with an officer of the... Royal Saudi Air Force?!
Seize the day, people! Priceless moments are just waiting to be captured (no pun intended).
While hanging out near the stage where the Japanese band will be performing, E rambled sentences in what seems like the Japanese language (strings of words sounding like Japanese) for fun and caught the attention of Saudi ladies wearing cowboy hats and shades (the sun has already set). They said
"Konichiwa!" and
"Sayonara!" back at us. So cute! We even saw Saudis making the "kawaii" pose when taking photos. E said the theme of the night was "fedora" because a lot of Saudis were wearing fedora hats in various designs. The hats are being sold inside. We also dodged Saudis as we rushed to the West gate to catch our service bus. And yes, the bus left without us... but came back for us too. Thank you, good Faris! :D
Okay, I'll stop the story-telling right here. I'm not supposed to share our experience now. Not until you go and see Janadriyah. We urge you to go because this year, we didn't expect the event to be
so alive, upbeat, and hyper. But it is. The people are friendly and happy. They didn't get uncomfortable when we were taking photos too. There are more food kiosks (we ate
shawarma, of course!) and information booths (yes, we asked questions too). The drizzle that welcomed us on the way to Janadriyah provided a cool breeze that lasted well into the night. The event is more organized and the place is cleaner this year. And there are a lot of displays and stalls that are good for photography enthusiasts out there. So what are you waiting for?
Goooooo!
Hep, it's ladies and family days only until the end of the event so gentlemen, bring your family with you. The Janadriyah site is 30km North East of Riyadh. Take the Dammam highway and take the left fork (there's a huge Janadriyah sigh so you won't get lost). The site is located beside the Horse Racing Club and across Selwa compound. It's a 1-hour ride so sit back, relax and enjoy the sights (of sand and a few camels) along the way. The festival is open from 4 in the afternoon until 12 midnight. :)
A full account of our experience and more photos will be posted soon.
§undrenched
4 had something to say:
It seems that this festival is something to look forward while visiting SA during summer time. I like the costume design of the dancers, esp the color combination as blue the dominant one. I wish that someday I will be able to capture the Arabic culture and heritage. Thanks for sharing!
Ang ganda!~
Hello. May alam ba kyo n room for rent malapit sa RMH? for couple. Thanks
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