The Globe Visit

Abot ko ang mundo!!!

Last week, Sundrenched, Mary and I (along with two other Riyadh chums) were treated to a spectacular view of the city from the base of Al-Faisaliyah's "The Globe". We got there at around 5pm and it couldn't have been a more perfect time to visit as the sun was getting ready to set.

To give you an idea of how high up we were, have a look at this:

Photo credits: Third Eye from Kuwait

Al-Faisaliyah is not as high as Kingdom Tower (seen on the background) but I certainly found their observation deck more appealing than the Skybridge (The 99th floor of Kingdom Tower). The entire structure houses 44 floors of commercial, hotel and business spaces with the gold glass sphere itself having a 3-level, luxury restaurant.

A view of "The Globe"

I think this is the exclusive cigar lounge, housed at the topmost level of The Globe. Posh people may enjoy annihilating their healthy lung cells with imported, premium tobaccos (such style!).

Once you get there, you'll find a wide space where you are free to roam around and get a panoramic view of Riyadh city. There are a couple of benches there for visitors to sit and enjoy the sight. Being there at sunset can dab some sentimental value on you. Just check out these three:

Ahem, Anong drama to?

We went ahead just in time for dinner (No, we didn't dine at The Globe. We're not THAT rich). While waiting for the elevator, we viewed some of the memorabilia associated with the making of Al-Faisaliyah at The Globe's lobby.

Prototype designs for the tower. The architects were from a UK company called "Foster and Partners"

If you're in town, this is one must-see place. Just enter through the Al-Faisaliyah Center entrance and look for the express elevators. There are ushers there to guide you, just tell them that you'd like to visit the observation deck, or "R1" as they call it. The ticket to the base costs SAR25 and is paid at the lobby of The Globe.

Happy viewing!


Cheers!
-ec-


PS
Special shoutout to our friend, Mookies who sponsored this visit. :)

City Skyscraper

The Kingdom Center or Al Mamlaka in Arabic is one the best shopping destinations in Riyadh. And yes, it is one of The Pink Tarha Team's favorite shopping spots! Located at the busiest streets of the city in King Fahad Road and Olaya, this beautiful structure houses a three-level shopping center (the third floor exclusive to women), business offices and the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. By day, it resembles a tower of mirrors and is illuminated by colored lights with hues constantly changing at night time. What makes this landmark allthemore interesting is the towering Skybridge located at the 99th floor of this skyscraper. The Skybridge is a public viewing deck suspended at the hallow opening of the tower.

(Photo courtesy of wikipedia)

I was only able to visit the Skybridge two years ago when a friend invited with her family. To think that the tower was built in 2001, the same year I first arrived in Riyadh, it was only six years later that I was able to finally go there. This shot was taken then with my 2mp camera phone...

The view was indeed breathtaking. Like a miniature Riyadh or a shot from google earth, only for real! The triangular tower with a 'ball' on top is the Al-Faisaliah Centre (top center of photo). Sorry for the low res image though. Cameras were not allowed inside, but they allow taking pictures with camera phones only. I'm not sure what the difference is in principle, really. Although they have an 'in-house' photographer who can take your souvenir photo with the view as background for a small charge.

See Riyadh at night here (Photo courtesy of wikipedia):

I think most of the expatriates here, especially our Kababayans do not realize that the Skybridge is worth seeing. I know for one that my dad who's worked here for 25 years has never been there. You think, what's there to see aside from cars and monochrome buildings? See for yourself! For a small fee of SAR 25, the sight is worth every halala. You will surely appreciate Riyadh and its beauty. Not recommended for the acrophobic though!

Roxy Ginger Cracker

I am so happy today because I consider myself as an official Pink Tarha blogger! Wow I’m a blogger now! A member of the community! Gracias to Sundrenched, who came up with this idea and to my two other colleagues [Eyecandy23 and Shoegarfreeruby]. I’m not really into writing and posting. I don’t have any experience on it and I’m not actually sure if my writings can attract millions of readers and bloggers. I must admit that at first I’m afraid to join the team because I’m not sure if I can contribute ideas but I figured out I should give it a try before underestimating my capabilities. Check out my post:

Photo courtesy of hardcloud.com

Roxy Ginger Cracker Bag

This is my sister’s bag and I think this will match to Sundrenched “sassy” tank top. It’s very flexible and has a trendy color, you will love the Roxy logo on it, this is very useful you can use it whenever you are goin’ to the mall wearing the “sassy” tank top and a white short. Also when you go to the beach, because of its big size you can put your Roxy 2 piece, your Havaianas or Ipanema slippers, SPF 30 sun block and other stuff.

*You can find this bag in Localizer Mall in Tahaliyah Street, Riyadh or Al-Faisaliyah Tower.