Jack and I took an early morning walk to the shopping center nearby. I rarely get a chance to take pictures in public places because Saudis are fairly private and modest people (understatement...). But at 7am no one was out (and nothing but Starbucks was open) so I took some photos.
The main grocery store is called Hyperpanda and has a giant shopping cart in front. These pictures are in the food court. I don't know if I've explained the seating arrangements in public places before or not. Every place is separated into "singles"and "family" sections. The "singles" section is for men only. The "family" section is for women, children, and men who are accompanied by their wives. So if Rob goes out by himself he has to go to the singles' side, and if he's with me he goes to the family side.
For example, the Starbucks is essentially two identical Starbucks divided by a wall, with separate entrances, and the one guy working there goes back and forth between the two sides. The family side has frosted glass on the windows, and the singles side has clear glass and an outside seating area. All restaurants with seating are like this, or at least have dividers that they set up between tables to provide privacy for women. Some places, like the banks, are separated strictly into "men" and "ladies" sections rather than the "family" section.
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| Grill Xpress which has Lebanese food like hommus, tabbouli, kabobs -- and Shawarma Inn |
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| Dhow Restaurant with fried fish and chicken, and a Chinese restaurant |
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| "Singles section" |
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| "Family section" - notice the barriers put up for privacy |
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| "Singles" seating -- by Mongolian Grill, something I don't know, Popeyes, Baskin Robins |
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