Our visit to Abdulaziz's Grandfather's Farm
The farm was about a 1.5 hour drive north of Riyadh. We made two stops along the way. The first was at this restored lookout tower. Back when traders and marauders roamed the Arabian peninsula, lookout towers helped protect a village. We climbed to the top on a windy staircase that became narrower and narrower as it went up.
KK, Chris, and Abdulaziz at the top of the tower.
Looking southwest (I think) from the top of the tower.
The next stop was down a very muddy road to a salt mine.
The rock and ground water in this area contain a lot of salt. The process involves digging numerous rectangular holding ponds, each roughly the size of two football fields side by side and 5-6 feet deep. The ponds are filled with water and left for the water to evaporate off. The filling/evaporating process is repeated multiple times until there is about a foot of salt across the bottom of the pond. Then, an excavator tractor scoops up the salt and places it in large piles.
The house at the farm is beautiful. The front porch has a big carpet with couches on two sides. Abdulaziz's grandfather and uncle were there to welcome us. We sat on the porch and drank Saudi coffee and ate dates, fresh figs (from the farm), mixed nuts, and fruit. Chris and I were so thrilled to meet more of Abdulaziz's family and visit this beautiful place.
On the farm, they grow lemons...
...and dates. The ground water used for irrigation contains some salt which stresses the plants although their harvests have been good. The figs were the best we've ever had!
After the farm tour, we drove to the town of Shaqra. Along the way we past a camel farm.
Shakra is similar to a county seat and it has a beautiful historical or heritage section that has been restored and is open to anyone who wants to walk through it.
After Shakra, we drove about 20 minutes to Ushaiqer which also has a restored historical section. When you walk through the restored parts, you also see parts that haven't been restored. It's an interesting contrast.
Abdulaziz in a restored mosque
Just as we left the mosque, a man entered to begin the call to prayers.
The ceiling in the mosque!
Most of the buildings we went into had ceilings like this.
Returning to the house, a feast awaited us! This is a traditional Saudi meal with rice, chicken, a thin bread, and vegetables. It was delicious!
Shakra is similar to a county seat and it has a beautiful historical or heritage section that has been restored and is open to anyone who wants to walk through it. 
wow!! so amazing to see the various landscapes and foods you are both exploring!! ✨
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