Our trip to Al Ula and Mada'in Saleh

Our friends, who have a car, invited us and two other couples to go with them to Al Ula and Mada'in Saleh for the weekend.  It is about a 4 hour drive away.
Al Ula is on the historical trade route from Syria to southern Saudi Arabia.  It used to have trade caravans from southeastern Africa, southeastern Asia and the southern Arabian peninsula.  The people were known for their trustworthiness.  Travelers would leave some of their possessions with residents of Al Ula, with the intent of picking them up upon their return.  It was also a convenient stop because of its supply of water and fruits. 

I will blog about this trip in two segments because it was so awesome, I took a lot of pictures!  If I had not done this trip, I would have a completely inaccurate picture of what Saudi Arabia and its people are like.  We saw the most incredible rock formations, pretty date orchards, interesting ruins and all the people that we met were very welcoming and friendly.  Kids were interested in saying "Hi!" and a Saudi woman came up to us saying "Welcome" and asking my friend to hold her baby for a picture.  We met a group of Saudi boys/young men who seemed to be travelling the same route that we were.  Our friend and driver danced with them and Ken taught them how to say "Whasssupppp!"  all with lots of laughter.

Here is a picture of our friends and us packing up to leave.

 

 

One of the rock formations that we saw on our way:

 

Our caravan of 4 cars:

 

Rock formations with date orchards in front:

 

A shy black camel, we saw on the way:

 

Curious camels:

 

Curious camels retreating from me:

On top of the high point, Shafa Hurrat Oyed, where you can see Al Ula City, Heritage village and palm orchards:

Picnic tables on top of the mountain:

Ken making new friends:

 

Ken teaching a group of young Saudis how to do "Whassuppp!