The scorching sun beams on my face, the dry, sandy wind blows by, causing me to squint my eyes, and the sizzling terrain burns my feet. Saudi Arabia is one of the hottest places in the world; it’s almost unbearable. Yet the flash floods, moist air, and thriving jungles during monsoon season, was another environment in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is the 8th most populated country, despite being slightly smaller than Iowa. This summer I was fortunate enough to travel to Saudi Arabia and to my native country Bangladesh.
â–º QUARTER FINALIST 2012 TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
After landing in Saudi Arabia I felt my clothes stick to my skin, but eventually even my perspiration evaporated. It didn’t help that women must be covered up from head to feet in public. My mother, sisters and I wore burkas—a black gown that covered you from the neck down—and scarves to cover our hair. Women have very different rights in Saudi Arabia, and anyone who travels there must respect those laws.
Completing the Muslim Pilgrimage (Umra) was the purpose of our trip to Saudi Arabia. For me, it was a very special spiritual journey. Umra is a once in a lifetime chance for many Muslims. I finally was able to see the holy house of God, or Kaba (as Muslims know it to be). The Kaba was the most amazing sight I’ve ever seen. Once my eyes found the gigantic, black cube they were glued. Hundreds of Muslims from every corner of the world gather here to revolve seven times around the Kaba, thus completing the first step of Umra.
Every day in the glorious city of Mecca, not one minute was wasted. Awaking before the sun rose and sleeping long after the sunset, we saw countless deserts, date trees, and camels. In fact, my sisters and I were able to ride a camel! It was as if I were on a mechanical bull, clinging to the heavily decorated saddle.
As a child, I’d heard stories centered on the Mecca and Medina of millennia ago. Gazing upon the cities that marked the wonders of my childhood shocked me. I’d never thought that thousands of years later, I’d be seeing the same sanctities as were mentioned in the stories. Besides air conditioning, indoor plumbing, and gas stations, the locations have been relatively untouched.
I learned lots about the history of Saudi Arabia in the short week we were there. I was sad to leave the beautiful country, however getting away from the heat was one thing I was anticipating. We boarded our flight consumed by stress due to the language barrier, from Arabic to English. However, we made it and were off to our next destination.
Bangladesh was an eye opener to a different culture that I was unfamiliar with. I got to see the world my parents grew up in. I was able to improve on my native language, spend time with my family, and live in a completely different atmosphere. We traveled from the heart of the city all the way to the country side; to see my 98 year old Grandpa, my Nana. We spent much of our time with him, and listened to his childhood stores. What I respect the most about my Nana is his ability to pursue extraordinary goals. For example, he is currently in the process of establishing a mosque that provides a semblance of the Taj Mahal. He also founded a college, high school and numerous primary schools to benefit the needy.
Being in a third world country makes me question my wardrobe. In both Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh seeing homeless people inhabiting every bend is a norm. It’s humbling to compare my fortune to their suffering. Watching the harsh lives of the poor, and the struggles of my family have inspired me to help better the lives of the underprivileged. I hope to one day return and check this off my bucket list.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
1 Reply to “A Tale of Two Countries”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Take care!
Thanks for finally talking about >Family Travel Insurance <Loved it!
Family volunteering opportunities are a great way to give back with your teenager at your side.
May I simply say what a comfort to discover someone that actually knows what they’re discussing over the internet.
Wow, this list is amazing! I’ve always wanted to experience Mardi Gras beyond New Orleans. Thanks for sharing these incredible locations. Can’t wait to start planning my next adventure!
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome weblog!
excellent post, very informative. I’m wondering wwhy the other experts oof this secto do not notice this. You should proceed your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ baee already!
Hello.This post was extremely remarkable, especially because I was browsing for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.
You completed several good points there. I did a search on the matter and found mainly folks will agree with your blog.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for
T Thomas Group offers bespoke travel planning.Luxury Travel Specialist that specializes in customized itineraries, luxury cruises, small group tours, solo travel and all aspects of LGBTQ+ travel. We ensure a seamless and luxurious travel experience, designed exclusively for you.
Thank you, I have just been searching for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I have found out so far. However, what concerning the bottom line?
Are you certain in regards to the supply?
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Thanks
Very interesting subject, thanks for posting. blog
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
Great post and straight to the point.
Interesting post. I’m glad I came across this page. I’m going to bookmark it so I can read any future posts.
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this subject here on your website.
Hi! Im originally from Cambiaso and
I do mission trips to the village every year. I have read your article and I am so grateful for what you have done with my people. I would love to connect with you.
Wow, this article really resonated with me! Traveling in Europe with family can be such an incredible adventure, but it definitely comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating unfamiliar streets to finding activities that everyone enjoys, it’s a whirlwind of excitement and sometimes chaos. But hey, isn’t that what makes the best memories? Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips, they’re super helpful for planning our own European family escapade! ???
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people in this
particular topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Greetings! I’ve been following your website for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give
you a shout out from Atascocita Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the great work!
Your writing has a way of making even the mundane sound interesting. Kudos!
They are very very similar to the key facet all of us keep hidden from the world, the part of us that dares to dream impossible issues, where all our hopes and fantasies are born.
This article is impressive for me as mine east coast of usa
Howdy! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this
article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching
about this. I will send this article to him.
Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Absolutely love this list of Mardi Gras celebrations outside New Orleans! Each destination seems to offer its own unique blend of culture, music, and vibrant festivities. While I’m tempted to explore them all, I can’t help but dream of experiencing the colorful chaos of Mardi Gras in Goa, India. Exploring India’s rich cultural tapestry during this festive season would undoubtedly be an unforgettable adventure. Thanks for inspiring wanderlust with these fantastic recommendations!
Thanks verfy interesting blog!
I was able to find good info from your blog posts.
“MyFamilyTravels provides a wonderful platform for families to share their travel experiences and glean inspiration for their own adventures. The diverse array of destinations and insightful tips make it a valuable resource for planning memorable trips. Kudos to the team for fostering a community that celebrates the joys of family travel!”
Your site is great and I plan on exploring it even more in the future. It is well written, comprehensive in it’s suggestions, It was a great article, thanks for sharing!
nice
There is certainly a lot to learn about this subject.
I really like all the points you made.
Nice Blog, Thanks for sharing this informative blog. We provide a Nepal Tour Package from Musafircab.
Yes. This is exactly what you should know to have a comfortable and cost-effective trip.
bookmarked!!, I love your site!