I have blogged about the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and wanted to write the second part of my experiences in the Middle East last year but was not able to do so. Few weeks ago, I received my visa for another possible work assignment in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This would be my second visit, in case. It was Ramadan when I first went to KSA and did not have time to go around the city. My daily routine was hotel to workplace to hotel. During the daily commute, I managed to have few snaps. But liked only one photo (see below).
hot, unfiltered breeze
powered through mountains of sand
I long for winter
/totomai
The temperature reached 40+ deg C during my stay. I thought it wouldn’t be a problem since I grew up from a tropical country, I was wrong. I struggled and it took me few days to adjust. I easily got tired and thirsty. Or maybe because I was overweight at that time, thus the difficulties. On my next work assignment, I think I will be fine as long as the temperature will not skyrocket to 50 deg C or higher.
/totomai
2016/06/15
Photo taken with Nikon P310
I think no matter our weight that is a difficult temperature for all to navigate!
ReplyDeleteHaha, agree Jae. But my business trip in KSA was the turninh point of living healthy 👍
DeleteComing back for a second visit it also seems to reflect the spirit of Ramadam- a focus on the essential elements of life
DeleteI agree with you Jae.
DeleteThe hot desert air takes getting used to, but then you start appreciating the timeless beauty of the desert and its all worth it!
ReplyDeleteYes Thot. Hopefully I have day offs to explore the country.
DeleteNo doubt the hot desert wind is packed with extreme power! Brilliant write.
ReplyDeleteAnd we can't escape it, Sanaa
DeleteTropic heat and desert heat are different. I am used to the desert and the humid heat wears me out. Keep lots of water handy and enjoy. We wait for lots of pictures.
ReplyDeleteThanks Leslie. Japan summer is a different story lol
Deletemore pictures plz...& how i love "I long for winter", this is my soul song all through the year thanks to the humid heat we have to endure in this part of my world :(
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks Sumana. Not a fan of winter but sometimes I long for it
DeleteI love your poem. I, too, have difficulty when the temperatures reach that high. Living in a valley, our summers are unbearably hot.
ReplyDeleteI can picture your summers Sherry. Take care during summer season
DeleteAs a desert dweller in the United States, I am very familiar with that longing for winter---especially now in our hot, hot season!
ReplyDeleteHope it's fine over there, MMT
DeleteThe images used in this poem are fascinating!The first stanza sets the scene..beautiful piece, Totomai!
ReplyDeleteThanks Panchali :-)
DeleteYou see, that is power indeed! Nothing stops the wind--neither fire nor ice.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Susan, The wind can escape anything
DeleteI have lived all my life in the city where it's normal for temperatures to rise up to 50 C in summers and recede down to 0 C in winters. The extreme climatic conditions are hard to tackle with but in the end, one just gets habitual to it like everything else.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photograph. And a well-penned post. :-)
-HA
Hopefully I can enjoy the scenery next time and not get worried with the temperature. Thanks HA
DeleteWhew, 40 C is hot!!! But....the more recent photos of you I have seen have not seen you overweight at all. I do think whatever weight a person is 40 C would NOT be easy.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary, I think my weight is back to normal now after 7 years of being overweight haha
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