2023-07-25 07:35:43
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) — American photographer and travel blogger Paris Vera had no intention of living in Saudi Arabia, but since setting foot in the country, she has felt at home.
Vera told CNN in Arabic that the main reason that prompted her to go to Saudi Arabia 6 years ago was to visit her mother, who was working as a teacher there.
“This was before the country opened its doors to tourism, and Saudi Arabia was very different from what it is today,” she added.
Verra on a visit to the Asir regionCredit: Paris Verra
Although she has traveled to many countries around the world, Vera confirmed that Saudi Arabia is “unlike any destination she has traveled to before,” as she put it, describing it as “unique in every aspect.”
Safety and hospitality are two characteristics that distinguish Saudi Arabia and its people, according to VerraCredit: Paris Verra
And she continued, “There is something very prominent regarding it, from the moment you enter, such as the hospitality of the residents, and the general sense of safety and security,” explaining: “This is what made me return once more and once more, until it finally became my official home.”
Saudi Arabia has proven to be a welcoming, safe and culturally rich destination, Verra reportedCredit: Paris Verra
Her first impression of Saudi Arabia might not have been more inconsistent with the reality she actually experienced following visiting the country. “6 years ago, when I entered the country for the first time, I imagined visiting a place where tourism was not available, so everything I knew regarding Saudi Arabia was through the media, and it turned out to be completely different from what I expected,” said Vera.
The Khyber volcanoes are among Verra’s recommended destinations. Credit: Paris Verra
As a photographer and travel blogger, Vera did not expect to use her lens to document “only the desert,” but she noted that Saudi Arabia was “a rich tourist and cultural destination, filled with endless horizons and endless depth.”
Photo of Verra in Wadi DisaCredit: Paris Verra
And following going through many trips inside the country, the American photographer and travel blogger has a long and varied list of experiences and prominent destinations, which she hopes, through her sharing, through social media platforms, to encourage people to visit Saudi Arabia and experience it for themselves.
Elephant Mountain is one of the most famous rock formations in AlUlaCredit: Paris Verra
Vera mentioned that the city of Al-Ula is one of the most prominent destinations in Saudi Arabia, due to its special charm, saying: “I visited it (Al-Ula) over the years, so I saw it in its original state before it became one of the most famous attractions in the country.”
Verra documented Saudi Arabia’s destinations and rich terrainCredit: Paris Verra
Vera recalls one of the summer seasons, when she and her mother spent 3 nights camping in Al-Ula during a road trip, and their tent was located directly in front of the famous Elephant Mountain, an experience that she says is difficult to do now.
Verra sits on the balcony of one of the brightest men’s homes. Credit: Paris Verra
The American photographer and travel blogger mentioned that the locals gathered in the area in the evening, to light a campfire and cook dinner, as she said: “Of course, they welcomed us and anyone in the area.”
Vera visited the Farasan Islands in Jazan Governorate, Wadi Al-Disah, the sectarian rose harvest season, the Khaybar volcanoes, the Red Sea coast, and the “Neum” region.
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