Yes once again I have a blog entry about shopping. But today's experience was a little unique. I went to The Rashid Mall which as the regular readers would be aware is the largest Shopping Mall on the Arabian Peninsula. Tens of thousands of people everyday bustling through looking for the bargain of a life time. Women looking for that perfect outfit to where under their black Abaya were it will not be seen. Children scrambling for more lollies from the pick n mix counter so they can develop early diabetes just like dear old dad. The chaotic dash by the Saudi men to the nearest place of worship during 'Call to Costa' to sit out the prayer time with a latte.

But as I said today was different. At this point it is best to have a look at the photo album title Rashid Mall. All the photos were taken at lunch time on the first working day of the week. Can you spot what is wrong? Go and have a look and come back for the answer..........................................yes now.................................no cheating......................................................................

Did you spot the problem? This is the biggest Mall in Saudi and I am the only customer. I spent about half an hour roaming around the Mall on my own. It is actually the Ramadan effect. During the fasting all meal outlets are closed all day, many of the shops close until 9pm because it is too difficult to work and fast at the same time. Westerners are not allowed to eat in public. This happens only in Saudi. Ramadan fasting happens around the world, but only in Saudi are the work hours reduced, shops closed to everyone etc. Stay home relax and don't stress during the fast.

The lesser effect could be from the 'Orde of the Fenicks' which I spotted in a computer games shop. What is a Fenicks? Perhaps it is a type of small fox with large ears used as the model for Dobby.

Anyway Trudy and I have booked Hamja for tonight as we are seeking out a guitar shop in Khobar and then to the mall for some real shopping and buying of air tickets. One from Sydney to London, we all know what that means, and one from Dammam to Abu Dhabi........guess where the stopover is?

Must go, shopping to do, challenges to meet, brain cells to fry