Oh man, it's good to be back! I just returned from Medina, and my head is still spinning from the whirlwind of experiences I had there. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much—I mean, I knew it was a significant place in Islam, but beyond that, I didn't have a long list of what to do. Turns out, the best things to do in Medina aren't always the ones you plan for.
This Spot? Total Surprise.
Let's start with one of the best things that completely blindsided me: Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet's Mosque. I knew I had to see it; that was a given. But nothing prepared me for the moment I walked into that massive courtyard. The sheer size of the place was overwhelming! The way it's lit up at night—the gold and white walls glisten like a million stars pooled together. I'd arrived during Ramadan, so the vibe was electric, and the place was packed—I could literally feel the energy in my bones.
At one point, I found myself just sitting on a ledge, absorbing the atmosphere. Families were breaking their fasts with dates, kids were racing around giggling, and older folks were deep in conversation. For a brief moment, I thought, “Is this what belonging feels like?” Pretty deep for a guy like me, right?
But right before the call to prayer, I had this moment of doubt. I felt a little out of place, you know? It's one thing to be a tourist, but when you're surrounded by people who have such a profound connection to the place—well, it can feel a bit like an intruder. But then the call rang out, and everything shifted. I felt like I was part of something larger than myself, even if I didn't quite fit in.
The Afternoon that Changed My Whole Mood
Okay, let's not skip the part where things took an unexpected turn—remember how I said I wasn't really expecting much? Well, one afternoon, I wandered into a small café tucked away behind the mosque. Honestly, I don't know why I ended up there. I took the wrong turn, and instead of getting frustrated, I thought, “Why not?”
So, I plopped down at this tiny table and ordered this thing called “Harees.” I had no clue what to expect. When it arrived, it was this creamy porridge-like dish with tender meat mixed in and topped with spices that just tickled my tastebuds. I was shocked—this was hands-down the best meal I had in Medina! It felt like comfort food but elevated somehow. The café owner was an older gentleman who started chatting with me, asking where I was from and somehow turning the conversation into an impromptu history lesson about the region.
By the time I left, I was so filled not just with food but with warmth from the stories he shared. I learned things I wouldn't have known had I stuck to the usual tourist spots. It was a simple meal, but it changed my mood completely. You know those moments when you feel like you just stumbled into something magical? This was one of those.
I Almost Missed This, No Thanks to My Bad Sense of Direction
You'd think after all that, I'd be on a roll, right? Well, the next day proved otherwise. I wanted to check out the Uhud Mountain, which I thought would be straightforward, but let me tell you—my sense of direction is atrocious. I thought I knew where I was going, but somehow I ended up, of all places, in a local market.
Now typically, this would be a nightmare for me—my patience runs thin when I'm trying to find a specific place. But walking through that market turned out to be one of the most meaningful detours of my trip. There were vendors shouting, different spices wafting through the air, and people bargaining in a way that made me feel like I'd stepped into some sort of time capsule.
There was this lady selling beautiful scarves, and I couldn't help but stop and talk to her. She was so bubbly and friendly, and before I knew it, I was trying on scarves and laughing with her. I ended up buying a couple—not because I needed them, but because I felt connected to the moment. It felt like a little piece of Medina to take back with me.
After that detour—and some seriously ugly map-checking—I finally made it to Uhud Mountain. But here's the thing: when I got there, I appreciated the hike so much more. The views were breathtaking, and I felt like I earned them, you know? Every wrong turn somehow led me to a moment I would cherish forever.
The Meal I Can’t Stop Thinking About
So, back to food—did I mention I was obsessed with Medina's cuisine? I had one last meal at this little restaurant near my hotel. They had something called “Mandi,” which is rice and meat that's cooked to perfection. It was spicy in a way that made you taste every individual spice. I remember thinking, “How can something so simple be so heavenly?" It just wrapped me in warmth, kind of like the people I met there.
As I savored each bite, I felt that lovely twinge of how sometimes the simplest meals make the best memories. That was it! I had fully embraced Medina, every twist and turn, every mishap.
The best things to do in Medina, as I learned, aren't always the ones on the brochures. It's those unplanned moments—the conversations over Harees, the colorful chaos of a market, and the spontaneous warmth of the locals—each contributing to that somber yet vibrant tapestry that is Medina.
As I sit here sipping my coffee, I can't help but smile at all the pieces I collected during my journey. It's all a bit messy and chaotic, just like my trip, but that's what makes it real, right? There's something special about letting go of expectations and just letting life unfold. And the best part? I still taste that Mandi every time I close my eyes.
Cheers to more adventures!
