Discover the unexpected joys and thrills of Shallal Park situated in Jeddah – Saudi Arabia, where a day of serene boat rides, heart-pounding rollercoasters, and cherished family moments await. Join me as I recount an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, fear, excitement, and the profound bond between siblings.
Syeda Juveria Afreen | SJA
Al Shallal Theme Park, it’s on the Jeddah Corniche, covering 60,000 square meters and drawing in around 1 million visitors every year. The park has had some major upgrades and is now considerably the best amusement park in Saudi Arabia. It’s got all sorts of cool stuff like exciting rides, an ice rink, boat rides, and even some themed Chinese and Lebanese restaurants.
An Unexpected Journey
My journey to Shallal Park on January 3rd, 2024, was truly an incredible experience, one that left a lasting impression on me. When the day arrived I wasn’t expecting much from it assuming it wouldn’t have many interesting attractions, for some reason.
However, as soon as I stepped inside, my perspective shifted dramatically. The atmosphere of Shallal Park was nothing short of enchanting. The views were breathtaking, with lush greenery and vibrant colors, creating a serene and joyful environment.
The Enchanting Water Boat Ride
The first thing that captured our attention was the water boat ride. Sumfarha, my sister, suggested we take the boat ride as it was less dangerous. She is a very tender-hearted person and prefers less adventurous rides.
It was love at first sight for her—the sight of the boat gliding gracefully on the sparkling water instantly captivated her. The gentle sound of the water lapping against the boat was music to my ears, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me.
As we boarded the boat, a mix of nervousness and excitement bubbled up inside me. The boat started to move, and at first, my heart raced with a bit of fear. However, that initial apprehension quickly gave way to exhilaration. The boat picked up speed, moving swiftly like a storm across the water.
The thrill of the ride was electrifying, doubling my excitement and eagerness to explore more attractions. I rested my arms in the cool water for a few moments, feeling a profound connection with nature, which added to the overall delight of the experience.
Facing Fears on the Rollercoaster
After the exhilarating boat ride, I decided to take on a new challenge: the rollercoaster. It was my first time experiencing such a thrill, and I had mixed feelings of excitement and apprehension.
I went with my two younger sisters. The youngest one, whom I call Baby, was with me on the rollercoaster ride, while the other, Sumfarha, who is three years younger than me, was too scared to join us. However, we all forced her to get on it with us, as it was supposed to be a sister’s experience.
I sat beside Baby, feeling confident at first. As the ride began, it moved backwards and climbed higher and higher until I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. The sudden drop that followed was terrifying. Baby screamed, clutching the safety bar, even though, remarkably, she never closed her eyes.
Baby’s cries for our mom filled me with guilt and worry. When she finally calmed down, she confessed that she thought we were already doomed, so calling for help seemed pointless to her. As if the situation wasn’t stressful enough, she developed a sudden back pain that added to my distress. Baby, now composed, stopped shouting, and I started to question my decision. Why had I brought her on this ride? The thought of something happening to her made me feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility and dread. Astonishingly, all of this drama unfolded in just 30 seconds. It’s incredible how humans can experience such a wide range of emotions and irrational thoughts in such a brief period.
When the rollercoaster finally came to a stop, I was filled with relief and concern, immediately checking to ensure Baby was okay. Despite the fright, I couldn’t deny that I enjoyed the ride. This first rollercoaster was an experience I would never forget. We left the ride and took a moment to recover, drinking some water and sitting down to regain our composure. Even though I was still shaken, something inside me craved more excitement.
The Columbus Ride: A New Challenge
For some reason, I was drawn to another ride, even though it seemed even more daunting than the rollercoaster. This time, I chose the Columbus ride. It began smoothly, and soon I was enjoying the swinging motion. I checked on Baby, worried that she might still be feeling unwell, but she reassured me with a smile and saying she was having fun. Sumfarha didn’t struggle to join us on this ride, finding it less intimidating. However, as it started swinging, I began to feel something weird in my stomach. The swinging motion made me uneasy, and I could see that Baby was also starting to feel unwell. Despite trying to enjoy the ride, both Baby and I were relieved when it finally ended.
The Aftermath: A Mix of Emotions
However, about half an hour into our drive home, I began to feel unwell. A wave of nausea and dizziness hit me, and I had to pull over at a convenience store to get some juice for both of us. The drive back was harder than expected, and the excitement from the day had worn me out. Thankfully, the drink helped, and we managed to continue our journey. Despite feeling a bit under the weather, my sisters and I shared a sense of accomplishment and closeness from the day’s experiences.
Reflections on an Unforgettable Day
Reflecting on the day, I realized that despite the moments of fear and anxiety, the experiences and memories we created were priceless. The thrill of the rollercoaster, the joy of the boat ride, and the fun of the Columbus ride all contributed to an unforgettable day. The mix of emotions, from terror to joy, made me appreciate the fullness of the experience.
By the time we reached home, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the time spent with my sisters and for the adventures we had shared. It was a day that would stay with me for a lifetime, a reminder of the thrill of adventure and the bond of family.
About the Author
Hi, I’m SJA, Co-founder & CTO at Apex Games, Lead Software Engineer at Khepri Service, and Content Writer at Life Lovers Magazine. Join me on LinkedIn (@sja-thedude) to explore more about my journey and discover motivational content.
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