Black Girl Fly: LaKeysha Lands In Saudi Arabia

MadameNoire has teamed up with Black Girl Fly to bring you profiles of Black girls taking travel to new heights. Each week we’ll profile a new lady, giving you the details on her latest adventure and everything you should know about being a fly Black girl abroad. 

Black Girl Fly: LaKeysha Lewis

City: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Home city: Washington, DC

Why Saudi Arabia?  I travel there for work.

Had you been to an Arab country before your first trip?

Yes, Dubai/Abu Dhabi, UAE

Travel companion

Work associates

Length of Stay

2 -3 weeks at a time bi-monthly

How much was your flight?

Flight was $3,000 (government rate)

How much was boarding?

I’ve stayed on the Diplomatic Quarters and at the Ritz Carlton ($359 per diem rate)

First thing you felt when you stepped out of the airport

A tad nervous because of all of the stories that I’d heard about being a woman in the country.

Best moment of the trip

Hiking at the Edge of the World

One thing anyone who goes to Saudi Arabia must see

The Edge of the World and the fabulous Ritz Carlton

One food/drink travelers must try

Lemon/Mint drink and Saudi Champagne…due to alcohol being illegal, you can get any type of fresh fruit juice you can imagine.

What should you know about being a Black girl in Saudi Arabia?

We are well received within the country. It’s always a great idea to try immersing yourself within the culture and wearing the abaya. They have really cute ones, although mostly black, you can find some with cute accents, jewels, etc.

Would you go back?

Yes, I’ve traveled there Every month from October – March; my last trip was in June.

Next destination on your list

Colombia in Nov; Thailand/China in February, and Iceland in April.