Things that cost just 1 Riyal....

Here in Saudi we have come to expect the odd, the unusual and the unexpected. Notwithstanding that I never cease to be amazed and amused at weird and wonderful things that one can observe and get. Even better there are some great things that can be had for just 1 Riyal. This is just 29 cents Aussie.

Here is just a small sample of these.

Feeling thirsty? Need a Bebsi? No problems. It will cost you 1 Riyal and you'll find one on the street corner. Litteraly!

I they are onto something here. It will actually stop you from walking along the footpaths and breaking every leg that you have.

How about catching a bus? Get the one from the local public transport company and it will cost you only 1 Riyal to go anywhere. Here is a fine example of one of these fully air-conditioned, well maintained vehicles plying the streets of Riyadh:

The most fascinating thing about them is that they usually have a single gear and an indestructible engine that sounds as if it is revving close to the Formula 1 limit of 18,000 rpm. The suspension is usually in a fairly advanced state of collapse, but hey! Its only a Riyal.

Driving in Saudi is a fairly chaotic affair with many a bingle on display. The cars here often drive around with missing bits of bodywork such as doors, windows, fenders, bonnets, front or back ends, wheels, tyres etc. etc. But never fear. Had a bingle? No worries. The auto repairers here are all manufacturer certified tradesmen using only finest of tools and original components that will restore your vehicle to a showroom condition. And all for just 1 Riyal. An example below:

Note the careful paint matching, with a great deal of effort that has gone into masking parts such as lights, windows, badges, wheels etc. A particularly nice touch is customising the registration plate in the same colour as the two tone (flame??) bodywork. It's worth a Riyal don't you think? Pete please take note that this is the minimum quality that we will expect from your workshops from now on.