The View from the Top

This weekend, I took Misha with me to Kingdom Tower, and of course, we had to take the elevator to the 99th floor to experience the view. Misha thought it was great! The elevator itself was half the fun - a high speed, darkened contraption lit up like the night sky. As it wooshes upwards, it flashes the floor numbers digitally. At the 77th floor, you have to switch to another elevator to take you the rest of the way. (You have to pay 25 SR a person, about $6.)

This poster shows the Kingdom Tower. We were up in the very top walkway that runs across the top of the building.

Looking down, you can see rows and rows of sand-colored buildings, with only small pockets of green.

Misha and I enjoy the view.

Misha on top of the world. Well, on top of Riyadh anyway.

Kingdom Mall is famous for its women-only third floor, so I had to take advantage of that. I joined some friends and walked around the floor, window shopped, and sat at a restaurant. We were free to take off our abayas, although we noticed that many shoppers kept their full attire on while shopping, which seemed odd to us. We shopped at Debenhams, the only store I have found here with actual changing rooms to try on outfits. Standard procedure is usually to buy your items, then take them to the bathroom to try them on. At that point, if you don't like it, you can take the items back.

Here I am, abaya slipping from my shoulders, in front of the latest styles in swim wear. Yes, swim wear. Those are Muslim swimming suits.

A closer look. However, Debenhams featured Western-style swim wear as well - everything from modest one-piece suits to bikinis and variations in between.

Pics of the kids:

Misha loves his new Jerry costume (as in Tom and Jerry). He often scampers around the house in it!

Misha entertains Sebastian with his dancing.

Cuddle time with Daddy.

A moment of peace with the Legos.