Masmak Citadel, Riyadh

Advantages: Shopping, low prices.
Disadvantages: Lack of night life!

...I lived in Riyadh for 9 years, as the son of a member of the RAF. So I have quite a developed opinion of the place! The first thing that hits you if you visit anytime other than winter, is the temperature. 50+ degrees Celsius in the shade. Luckily every house and shop has air conditioning meaning you won’t spend too much time in the searing sun. I am not sure if in the year I’ve been away from Riyadh rules have become more slack, but it was impossible to simply go and visit Riyadh. You needed to have blood relatives living in Riyadh to pull the relevant strings. When you land at the international airport (the largest in the world, believe it or not) don’t hang about! Get to customs as quickly as you can, because it is possible to be waiting in the queue for upwards of two hours. The best way to get around... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Listed buiding. Magnificent views and walks.
Disadvantages: Expensive

...Earlier this year, my eldest daughter and her husband asked us if they could move back in with us for three to four months in-between houses. We agreed and he date for the move was set. Dave and I decided we would go away for a few days prior to the due date aware of just how much work would be involved in the move. We didn’t want to go too far and our main aim for the few days was that of relaxation. The Lighthouse in Llandudno had been recommended to us and we were signposted to the website, http://www.distinctlydifferent.co.uk/ddgift.htm. Unfortunately, The Lighthouse was fully booked for the time we wanted but listed on the site was The Citadel in Shrewsbury. Described as “a dower house in the form of a miniature castle”, The Citadel was located just outside Hawkstone Park (famous for its follies) and just half an hour’s drive... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Really hot climate
Disadvantages: Not the same as western life, Feel uncomfartable in the country

...The land of sun, sun and more sun. Saudi Arabia's climate as well you may know is extremely hot and the land is desert. Having been here for 6 mothsn on a work contract, settling down has been hard, rule rules rules is all there is. Being a male was not so bad, but you women out there, be prepared for it to be tough. Women are secondary people here, you have to be covered up and not show any flesh, you canot handle money, you cannot drive, you cannot even sit in the ftront of a car unless you are married to the driver. Harsh penalties for driving offences, and crime, hands get chopped off, Riyadh city is not exactly Las vegas, very dirty, very hot, there are lots and lots of shops for souveniers, trinkets and the like, all at cheap prices. Western women do live here, and most do show there faces, and wear the 'Abbaya' wich makes... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful