Going to Mekah for the first time in 1966 to do the Haj was an experienced never to forget. As with most first timer, the first thing that strike me was the Grand mosque. The mosque is so big you can get lost inside it. You enter through one door and when you want to exit, you just couldn't find it anymore. It takes quite a while before you can find your bearing.
Then there's the Kaabah. Seeing it for the first time makes you feel just in awe of it. I don't know how to feel or think. It was there right in front of me. I have read about it, seen it in pictures and now I'm seeing it for real. Just unbelievable!
As usual, during the Haj, the holy city will be crowded with people so much so that most of the time I can hardly walk the streets because they were jam packed with people. After a few times, I found out that it was best to wait in the mosque for about an hour or so after prayers before leaving. By then, the streets would be less crowded.
As we were not provided with food then, I had a great time wandering around the holy city looking for food during meal times. The restaurants may be crowded but then, that's an experienced in itself.
I experienced many interesting things while performing the Haj the first time. It might take a whole book to write about them all. Who knows, some day I might just do that.
Then there's the Kaabah. Seeing it for the first time makes you feel just in awe of it. I don't know how to feel or think. It was there right in front of me. I have read about it, seen it in pictures and now I'm seeing it for real. Just unbelievable!
As usual, during the Haj, the holy city will be crowded with people so much so that most of the time I can hardly walk the streets because they were jam packed with people. After a few times, I found out that it was best to wait in the mosque for about an hour or so after prayers before leaving. By then, the streets would be less crowded.
As we were not provided with food then, I had a great time wandering around the holy city looking for food during meal times. The restaurants may be crowded but then, that's an experienced in itself.
I experienced many interesting things while performing the Haj the first time. It might take a whole book to write about them all. Who knows, some day I might just do that.
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