The Greener Side of Riyadh

Riyadh is a very sandy-colored city with little to offer for greenery or outside leisure. The cure for this is going to public parks. During our November break, we finally had the time to visit a few. After our first trip to Salam Park ("salam" means "peace"), we were so impressed that we came back again a few days later. Like the zoo, it's green and shady, plus it features walking paths, a big lake, and playgrounds. Just what we wanted! We took Misha's new rollerblades and Sebby's new ride-on car and just enjoyed the weather.


Sebby cruising and exploring.

The only downside to these beautiful public parks is the fact that you have to drive to reach them, which makes women and children dependent on husbands and drivers to take them there. I find myself desperately missing how easy it was in Brookings to jump on my bike with Misha in the buggy and ride out to various parks in town or out on the bike trail to the frog pond. That whole scenario is so impossible here, from the bike (which I would not be allowed to ride here) to the excessive traffic to the lack of sidewalks to the climate. Nevertheless, we still thoroughly enjoyed the park. We just can't go as often as we'd like.

Misha and I pose by the serene lake. See those paddle boats? If you're a man or a child, you're welcome to venture out on the lake. If you're me, however, you're out of luck.


Father and sons on the path.

So green and beautiful!


Lots of Arab families come to the parks to grill and picnic. We brought some snacks and had a little picnic of our own. By evening, the park was getting considerably more crowded.


Sebby enjoys the picnic.

So does Misha.


The second time around, we bought one of these convenient picnic blankets available at the park's entrance. Sebby made a new friend.


Several playgrounds are scattered around inside the large park. We wandered from playground to playground.


Misha climbs the ladder while Sebby in the background rides the rocking horse contentedly.



We also discovered that the park offers horse and pony rides for kids! Misha rode this adorable pony around the loop.


Sebby didn't ride, but he got to sit on it briefly. :)


This palm tree acts as a hat rack for one Saudi man's red-and-white-checked shumagh and black agal.


We have long been curious about how difficult it would be to climb a palm tree. Judging by Misha's progress, not difficult at all!


Up the tree...

Wow! Coming down is slightly trickier.


Beautiful palm leaves frame the moon.


Night falls on Salam Park.