November 30, 2007 - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
"If not me, who?
If not now, when?"
~ Modified from Rabbi Hillel
Jeddah temperature high: 91 degrees F
Hood River temperature high: 41 degrees F
While Hood River Middle school is enjoying their second late arrival this week due to snow, in Saudi Arabia, we are once again spending the holy day of Friday at the beach. Unlimited services at the Sunset Beach Resort, including snorkeling, jet skies, and a speed boat were set-up for our group, on the Red Sea.
Some say the Red Sea is named for a red-colored a bacteria that sometimes floats near the water’s surface, while others suggest it refers to the luminous red mountains nearby, called Harei Edom.
According to the Bible, Moses used God’s power to part waters in order to lead Israelites to freedom. The Bible refers to these waters as Y’am Suf. However, it is not known if the Bible refers to the Red Sea or the Reed Sea, a large lake once located on the Suez Canal. It must also be noted, there is no archaeological evidence to support the parting of any waters in the Middle East.
Upon arrival at the Sunset Beach Resort this morning, I was a little hesitant towards tormenting saltwater wildlife by riding jet skis. However, rarely does the opportunity arise to discover such Biblically important waters through the eyes of the fast and furious.
My good friend Eric’s response to the once in a lifetime occasion was, “you haven’t lived until you’ve been thrown off a jet ski.”
Everyday in Saudi Arabia is full of irony. While ripping through the open waters, it quickly became apparent that the armed Coast Guard, stationed on the water outside the resort, was not for maintaining safety or implementing any regulations, instead they were there purely for our protection. This became especially clear as we jumped passing boats wake at speeds exceeding 60 mph.
Of course, in Saudi Arabian fashion, when about to run out of gas, we pulled up to the nearest pump for another unlimited fill-up.
Tonight we fly to the capitol city of Riyadh, where we will stay at the illustrious and romantic Four Season’s Kingdom Center Hotel.
