medina: dust, prayers, and a serious case of jet lag

okay, so i’m back. like, really back. and i’m pretty sure my brain is still trying to process everything that happened in medina. it’s… intense. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. honestly, the weather was surprisingly pleasant - a hot desert climate, they said. like, seriously hot. but not unbearable. it’s a dry heat, which is… something. i’m not entirely sure what it is, but it’s a thing.

seriously, look at that map. it’s just… a lot of sand. and mountains. and a really important city. it’s kind of overwhelming, if i’m being honest. it’s the second holiest city in islam, you know? Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) established the first muslim community there after migrating from mecca. it’s a big deal. like, really big. i felt a little silly wandering around, trying to be respectful, but also just… existing.

someone told me that the sheer number of pilgrims is what really gets to you. it’s not just a city; it’s a pilgrimage. and it’s packed. i saw people from everywhere - different languages, different clothes, all heading towards the mosque. it was… a lot. the mosque itself, the masjid al-nabawi, is incredible. it’s where prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is buried, and it’s just… overwhelming in its history and significance. i didn’t go inside, to be honest. i felt a bit like an intruder.

and the geology! it’s a volcanic desert oasis, surrounded by the hejaz mountains. there are these crazy lava fields - like, ancient lava fields - and these wadis (valleys) that are surprisingly green. it’s a really strange combination. it’s like, you’re walking through a desert, and then suddenly you’re in this little pocket of lushness. it’s beautiful, but also a little unsettling. i read that they have basalt soils and paleozoic volcanic ash. i don’t even know what that means, but it sounded impressive.

if you get bored, yanbu, badr, taif, riyadh, hail, and al ula are just a short drive away. i didn’t have time to explore much beyond medina itself, but i heard good things about taif. apparently, it’s got some nice mountains and cooler weather. i’m not sure i’m ready for cooler weather, though. i’m still adjusting to the heat.

and the food! or lack thereof, really. the search results didn’t give me much on local dishes. someone told me that they have some amazing dates, but i didn’t really try any. i mostly stuck to bottled water and trying not to sweat too much. it’s a conservative place, too. non-muslims aren’t allowed in the core of the prophet’s mosque, and you have to dress modestly - especially women. it’s a bit of a hassle, but i tried to be respectful. and don’t even think about public displays of religion outside of islam. seriously.

there’s a lot to be aware of when visiting or living there. extreme heat, planning for the crowds (especially during hajj and umrah), using official transport (the mountains are a thing), and just generally being mindful of the local customs. it’s a place that demands respect, and it’s definitely not a place to just wander around aimlessly.

overall, it was… a lot. a profoundly moving, slightly exhausting, and definitely unforgettable experience. i’m not sure i’m ready to go back anytime soon, but i’m glad i went. it’s a place that stays with you, you know? a place of history, faith, and a whole lot of sand.

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