This trip was memorable for so many reasons not the least because of the warm welcome the group received from our local Saudi guides and by the families that we encountered. The landscape was much more varied than I expected; desert, mountains, oceans, camels, ancient rocks and caves revealing historic art as well as culture in the form of mosques, museums and sculptures in the cities. The temperature (in early May) was not oppressive, as humidity is low and there is ample opportunity to seek shade. We were the first Exodus group to embark on this trip. The visit changed many of my preconceptions of life in Saudi Arabia and, because of the genuinely warm welcome and an increasing understanding of the culture, it felt natural to dress modestly and enjoy fruit juices instead of wine. I left the country feeling that I had been among friends and would therefore not hesitate to recommend it to others.