Yanbu Flower Festival 2013

Its that time of year again.  The lovely flower festival was in Yanbu.  Just as beautiful as last year and we really had a great time.
I went first with my students as a class field trip along with the other second grade, first grade and third grade classes.  They had a blast (of course they'd have fun anywhere that wasn't in school, right?)  We went early in the morning and had the place to ourselves...for a bit.  Then a bunch of Saudi boys schools showed up, and well, we didn't stay much longer.  All the students got a flower to take home with them...talk about a bunch of grinning faces!  
Next, I went with my family.  We went in the early evening and stayed just long enough to see the lights come on.  I had promised the girls we would buy them something...little did I know it would be two more chickens!!  (we now have a grand total of 7)  These little dyed baby chicks just stole my heart.  I couldn't help it...just too cute!  
I really loved the huge flower festival sign they had out front this year.  Really cool looking.  We just had fun wandering around looking at all the booths.  We weren't hassled at all this year (though I did have a hat on)  Had a bite to eat, bought a couple of plants, and well, that was that.  Still I'm always glad when we attend these things.  Its fun to be out and part of the community.  :)

One of the other classes from the field trip

aerial shots courtesy of the landscape department of the Royal Commission

the girls with a mosaic photo of the King.

a mix of fresh flower and real flowers were used.  

not only were there baby chicks, but also ducks, rabbits, fish, birds, mice and hamsters!  

Our new additions....Rosie and Paddy  :)

Yanbu Flower Show 2012

March 1, 2012 marked the first day of the sixth Yanbu Flower Festival.  The festival was host to over 100 merchants offering gardening supplies, nursery equipment, flowers, and plants.  Approximately half a million people from all over the Kingdom visited the festival during it's ten day run.  
The main attraction was the 7,000 sq. meter carpet of flowers..  It was truly stunning.

photo courtesy of the landscape department

After viewing the carpet of flowers, we headed into the main area of the festival.  There were flowers everywhere (duh) along with all the merchant stalls.  The girls were so excited to see the flower "people."  :)  We met up with some friends and wandered around, checking out what we else we could find to add to our ever growing garden.

I was pretty stoked when we found a bunch of herbs that I didn't think I could get here (not fresh at least)  So now my garden includes fresh rosemary, sage, mint, and (we think) tarragon.  Yea!  

It was a lot of fun to see all the people and kids...the only downside were certain men (who I won't outright name) that kept asking ladies of our group to cover their heads.  (I've got my own method now...I just wear one of my many hats..I love hats and this seems to placate the men doing the asking) Everyone has different ways to deal with these situations and since there really isn't a set law (some say you absolutely don't have to cover, some just do to keep the peace, some say in certain parts of town you should) it's all up to the situation I guess.  Once we got them to let us be, we relaxed and enjoyed the rest of the night.  The kids played on the playground for a bit and then mommy and daddy bought a purple rose for each girl.  (they were very happy about that)  

We just couldn't understand one thing...this was a garden show right??  Where the hell did they hide the Beer Garden???  ;)

The festival had a small town USA feel to it and I'm glad we got the chance to check it out.  Looking forward to next years!

- click on the collage to make it bigger if you need to -

(the photos in this last collage were taken by the landscape department)