Around the World in 80 Days
Day 14: 8 October

At last Achmed, with neat beard and fresh white thobe (as the Saudis call the jellaba), enters the lobby of the Red Sea Palace waving our travel permission like a latter-day Neville Chamberlain. Profuse thanks, then into Nick's Toyota Cressida and we head for the hills.
Not far from Jeddah the road divides on creedal grounds. A huge gantry straddles the motorway, indicating two lanes for 'Moslems Only' and a slip road for 'Non-Moslems'. Only Moslems may look upon the Holy City, so we must take the Christian exit.
Here also we must leave Ron, Nigel, Julian and Angela Passepartout. They will fly on to Dubai and try and fix up a dhow to take us to India. It's a sad moment, as we were enjoying seeing the world together, and regard going on aeroplanes as a cheat.
Choose another day from Around the World in 80 Days
PALIN'S GUIDES
- Series: Around the World in 80 Days
- Day: 14
- Date: 8 October
- Country/sea: Saudi Arabia
- Place: Jeddah
- Book page no: 56
Bookmarks will keep your place in one or more series. But you'll need to register and/or log in.
RELATED LINKS
- All vehicles
- Day 5
- Full Circle
- Day 3
- Pole to Pole
- Day 3: South to Darra Adam Khel
- Himalaya