Hot springs, lot of disappointments

Together with some colleagues, we decided on a camping trip for the Eid break — the destination was the hot springs just inland from the town of Al-Lith, south of Jeddah.

The booklet we consulted painted a serene picture of natural beauty, unspoiled by man. My daughter sounded what was to be a prophetic note of warning: “Careful Dad, travel pictures are often much better than the real thing”.

We were excited — keen to sample and drink in the scenery. The road trip on the well-maintained southerly highway passed without incident. We turned onto the secondary route to the hot springs. We were impressed — a smooth, tarred road wound through the rugged hills. Everyone was excited. Soon we would be relaxing in a pristine campsite, fully appreciating and marveling at the nature around us.

But the hot water springs spot was disgusting. The place has been cemented and tarred over so people could drive their cars right up to the spring, sit there and throw rubbish into the water as they looked at the steaming bubbles. The spring was no longer natural but had been forced into a permanent canal. The canal was not fenced off so access to the springs was easy, and pollution of the resource even easier. The place was a steaming rubbish dump. There were mounds of litter in the actual spring and graffiti was prominent. So we drove away shocked and horrified — a long journey for that unpleasant and disappointing experience.

Fortunately about a kilometer away, tucked into the desert bush in a nearby wadi, we found a great camping spot — water, trees and lovely shelter — a little oasis in the middle of nowhere. Really, one of the prettiest we’ve encountered in Saudi Arabia. We were able to salvage something from our trip.

However, the lack of care and management of what could have been such a wonderful natural resource left a very unpleasant taste in our mouths. Surely, if the authorities want to encourage tourists to visit Saudi Arabia and enjoy what the country has to offer, then a huge effort must be made to protect, maintain and manage natural resources properly in line with civilized world standards.

Rupert de Smidt, By e-mail published 29 November 2009

Rains in Jeddah

This is in response to Tariq Al-Maeena’s piece, “Questions in the wake of rains in Jeddah” (Nov. 28).

What he raises is an extremely serious issue. Rains lasting just two hours causing the death of 106 people and the disappearance of over 350 others and rendering roads unusable? Riyadh has witnessed many a downpour over the years since the drainage system was introduced a long time ago. But we never saw such devastating scenes. We think that there is something wrong somewhere and the contractors should be taken to task for such a shabby job.

That this is happening at a time when Makkah is hosting millions of pilgrims from all over the world makes it all the more serious. The supply of food and other essential items from Jeddah will be seriously affected due to badly damaged roads. Al-Maeena’s article should serve as an eye-opener for the authorities who supervised the drainage projects in Jeddah.

S.H. Moulana, Riyadh published 29 November 2009

Qur’an commentary

This refers to the article, “Away from extreme views” (Nov. 27). This is the type of articles extolling the good deeds of our Prophet (peace be upon him) that I like to read, not the ones giving unnecessary details of his marriages.

I also enjoyed reading the commentary, “To do all in one’s power” in the same issue.

This was beautifully written and explained the Surah Al-Zumar very well.

Zubeda Haque, By e-mail published 29 November 2009

Deviant ideology

This refers to the article, “Al-Asheikh warns Muslims against deviant ideology” (Nov. 27).

The Prophet (peace be upon him) has taught us how to follow Islam to the minutest detail. Then where do all these ideologies come from?

Many scholars, especially from India and Pakistan, have been drawing people toward them with different ideologies — all for political purposes.

As long as Muslim countries are seen allowing Europeans and Americans to shape their policies such scholars will find it easy to attract misguided youngsters.

Ahmad Rafick, By e-mail published 29 November 2009

Haj reflections

Amjad Parkar’s “Haj Reflections Day Two” (Nov. 27) made me nostalgic. This was a very refreshing account of Haj. After 10 years in the Kingdom during which we were regular readers of Arab News, we’re in the UAE now. In the UAE we had occasion to read various newspapers during the last two years and I can say with confidence that Arab News is simply peerless. We miss holding the dear green sheets every day.

Salma Ahmad, By e-mail published 29 November 2009

This is misinformation

This is a rejoinder to Linda Heard’s piece, “Football fanaticism” (Nov. 24).

Some questions: Why no words on the Egyptian media and journalists reporting false bloodbath against Egyptian fans in Khartoum?

Why no word about the fact Egyptians not only never apologized for the shameful attack on Algerian players but accused them of faking it? Peace can only be restored by acknowledging rights and wrongs and not by saying all is the same. It is not. One party is clearly more to blame than the other. Your article does not show that. Journalism, you say? Misinformation, I say.

Omar, By e-mail published 29 November 2009

Basketball court

The recently opened basketball/football court, just adjacent to Baglaf building in Alkhobar is causing much annoyance and distress to the people living in the Baglaf building and neighboring areas.

Though nobody is against the court its misuse needs to be stopped. Youngsters in large groups come to the court to play till 4 a.m. or sometimes even beyond and create a lot of noise at odd hours. This has been going on since about two weeks.

Authorities may consider closing the court at night so that people in the area can sleep in peace.

Ramiz, Alkhobar published 29 November 2009