All of us during our childhood dreamed to be Aladdin, to be a part of the fabulous 1001 Arabian Nights tales, wishing to be there when it happened. The closest place one can get is "Balad"- Literally translated as "The city", a part of Old Jeddah. Balad attracted me the very first time I saw it, it was evening, the sun slowly slipping into the Red sea and as night tries to spread darkness, Balad, with its narrow stone topped lanes, treaded by travelers and traders for centuries, come to life showcasing a vibrant market place teaming with traders and street hawkers shouting to get the attention of bystanders, which reminded me of market streets back in India, giving me a feeling of being at home. To any new visitor it is confusing as you are just pushed along by the teaming crowd, if you are not sure of where you are going.
Balad is one big market place that contains many specialized market such as Souq Al Nada showcasing glittering and eye catching Arabian, African and Asian design Gold And Silver ornaments; Textile market, Souq Al Jamia, named after the Bedouin tribes Who used to sell textiles, spices, grains at this place; the Souq Al Alawi, that cuts through Balad from East to West and Gabel Street Souq, selling an assorted variety of wares including spices, electronics, perfumes, dates, honey and household articles. The smell of the various spices and eateries sold in the market combine together to produce an exotic aroma that changes as you along through various markets in this area.