Insider Information [Jeddah Updates]
Jeddah is fantastic for many reasons. Life is easy, it's relatively safe, you don't pay taxes, many people speak English if you don't speak Arabic, and there are so many interesting people to meet. Make the most out of your stay with these tips and tricks.
DISCLAIMER: Jeddah is just as horrible as it is fantastic. There is no such thing as "normal" over here.
1) Know how to get a feel of your surroundings. There are peak hay2a seasons. You'll know when this is because people don't shut up about it. It's usually during the spring break, Ramadan and Hajj breaks, and, actually any random time, when the religious police are on the prowl. Actually, there's no way of knowing when this happens. Sorry, I can't actually help you here.
2) Customer service sucks so much ass here. Asking to speak with the manager is not always effective; and sometimes, you're ALREADY speaking to the manager and he treats you like shit. I've found that if you're face-to-face with the manager, asking him for his full name makes him stand up straighter, and pay attention. Ask for his full name in an authoritative voice and in a very rhetorical manner. The trick is to make him understand that whether or not he gives you his full name, you have ways of acquiring it. Which implies power. This also doesn't always work, so good luck.
Waiters are different. They can still spit in your food. You want to be kind to them, but you also want to check for comprehension. Don't be aggressive, just ask them to repeat your order, and pretend it's because YOU'RE dumb. They will feel motherly towards you, and you will get good service. Don't do it if you're ugly, though, it will just annoy them, and they will spit on your food. Pretty faces get better treatment everywhere in the world, even here. Sorry, I cant help you here either, actually.
3) Make friends with the movers and shakers of Jeddah. There's a thriving underground community of people who do normal things. And they all know each other. I have compiled a directory of these people on my tumblr. Check it out here.
4) If you're single, don't be a creep. This applies to everywhere in the world, really. If you find yourself openly ogling women (and men), you're a creep. If you ask for someone's number when you first meet them, you're a creep. If you live in Jeddah, and you don't know anyone, you're a creep by default. Sorry, good luck doing #3 above. I can't help you.
5) Shut up about politics. No, seriously. No one gives a shit about your politics. Jeddawis tend to only discuss the heavy stuff amongst each other. If you're new in town, no one will indulge you. Instead, talk about traveling. Jeddawis love to travel, they love culture. Almost every Jeddawi you meet will have traveled at least once in their lives.
6) This is the most difficult trick of all, so good luck trying. To survive Jeddah, BE ME. I survived Jeddah. If you are me, you probably will too.
DISCLAIMER: Jeddah is just as horrible as it is fantastic. There is no such thing as "normal" over here.
1) Know how to get a feel of your surroundings. There are peak hay2a seasons. You'll know when this is because people don't shut up about it. It's usually during the spring break, Ramadan and Hajj breaks, and, actually any random time, when the religious police are on the prowl. Actually, there's no way of knowing when this happens. Sorry, I can't actually help you here.
2) Customer service sucks so much ass here. Asking to speak with the manager is not always effective; and sometimes, you're ALREADY speaking to the manager and he treats you like shit. I've found that if you're face-to-face with the manager, asking him for his full name makes him stand up straighter, and pay attention. Ask for his full name in an authoritative voice and in a very rhetorical manner. The trick is to make him understand that whether or not he gives you his full name, you have ways of acquiring it. Which implies power. This also doesn't always work, so good luck.
Waiters are different. They can still spit in your food. You want to be kind to them, but you also want to check for comprehension. Don't be aggressive, just ask them to repeat your order, and pretend it's because YOU'RE dumb. They will feel motherly towards you, and you will get good service. Don't do it if you're ugly, though, it will just annoy them, and they will spit on your food. Pretty faces get better treatment everywhere in the world, even here. Sorry, I cant help you here either, actually.
3) Make friends with the movers and shakers of Jeddah. There's a thriving underground community of people who do normal things. And they all know each other. I have compiled a directory of these people on my tumblr. Check it out here.
For example, you don't get this view of Jeddah
and get spoiled senseless if you're not friends with Tamim.
4) If you're single, don't be a creep. This applies to everywhere in the world, really. If you find yourself openly ogling women (and men), you're a creep. If you ask for someone's number when you first meet them, you're a creep. If you live in Jeddah, and you don't know anyone, you're a creep by default. Sorry, good luck doing #3 above. I can't help you.
5) Shut up about politics. No, seriously. No one gives a shit about your politics. Jeddawis tend to only discuss the heavy stuff amongst each other. If you're new in town, no one will indulge you. Instead, talk about traveling. Jeddawis love to travel, they love culture. Almost every Jeddawi you meet will have traveled at least once in their lives.
6) This is the most difficult trick of all, so good luck trying. To survive Jeddah, BE ME. I survived Jeddah. If you are me, you probably will too.
Living in Jeddah for the past 5 months or so I would have to add one thing on the very top of the list: TAKE UP SCUBA DIVING. The reef is stunning, absolutely teeming with aquatic life, and going to private beaches is generally a great weekend passtime. You are also sure to meet some very fascinating fellow divers. :)
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