Next part of trip was to Taif which is in the mountains. 2000 meters above sea level with temperatures in the 70’s.
Wild Baboons are common in this region. These pictures were taken at a roadside stop. I was a few feet away. These baboons were used to being fed by people.
Other animal encounters included a camel ride. This camel is reserved for VIP’s.
Next stop was a bird sanctuary. This random stop had nothing to do with the region except that Saudis like birds especially as pets. It was fun being able to hold the different birds.
Taif actually has frequent rain and is known for growing fruit. We sampled figs, mangoes, 2 types of cactus fruit, grapes and cherries. This was the best mango we have ever had. Cactus fruit was full of seeds and not good.
Other highlight was climbing the minaret of a really old mosque. The safety and upkeep of historic sites is lacking as seen by the moat we had to cross.
Days in Taif ended with dinner with our guide who told us the story of how he got married and mentioned his father has three wives. A teaser for the next post. Charlotte got to meet the wives.
Matthew of Arabia 