isaifan

Thank you kingarthur for reading and for your questions. I think SMART51 has answered them perfectly.

Thank you very much SMART51. Eid Mubarak.

Thank you mrx900. I read your Umrah report. Very well done. Eid Mubarak to you as well.

Thanks videoman for reading and your question. After we came back, we were on a spiritual high, trying to do our best. Unfortunately, as time and life goes on, we kind of lost that spiritual sense. I think this is natural though, regressing back to "normal". Luckily, we have other opportunities throughout the year to try to again gain the spiritual high.

Interesting observation Bretteee. It would seem strange that they have the Ihram on from Geneva if they are still going to connect through CAI. It would be better suited, and more comfortable, to put the Ihram on from there. But, for each their own.

Yes, prices are expensive, especially these last few years. In the last few years, there has been a lot of demolition of old hotels, the room capacity has decreased. I'm expecting that when the new buildings and hotels are open, and more supply of rooms are available, prices will decrease.

Thanks farbster for the questions.
1) Not really. The fees to the Saudi Government are fairly low, I think about $200 per person. The rest is for the hotels, or apartment owners, tour operators, etc. Basic economic supply and demand. High demand, high prices.
2) That is the beauty of the Ihram. There is no differentiating between different cultures, professions, wealth, etc.
3) If a woman is above 50, I believe, she can go without a male guardian.
4) They are allowed, but very few people bring children. It would be very difficult for both the child and parent.

Thanks ironmanjt. Long time follower of yours, you got a few adventures yourself.

Thanks price123 for your input. That taxi driver is very kind to do that. Living in America, we are very fortunate in regards to Hajj. Saudi limits the number of people traveling from each country, due to the Muslim population. The US and most western countries are not limited do to the low percentages of Muslims. So, if one wishes, and they have the money, they can go every year. In heavily populated Muslim countries, like Malaysia, Indonesia, India, etc they enter their names onto a waiting list and usually takes 30 years to be accepted. Other than from the Western countries, you will find most Hajj Pilgrims to be in their 50s or 60s.

Thanks so much SFO777. Means a lot coming from a trip report legend. Again, I went with the most basic package that Mrs. SFO777 would not approve of, but there are more VIP packages for her taste. Plus, plenty of shopping malls around

Thanks iceblueshoes for the question, and thanks SMART51 for having my back again.

Great question. The Mena tents are separated by countries and regions. so you would stay with people from your country. North America and Europe, are in a similar region of Mena. The African countries are in another. Asian countries are another. Walking through Mena to the Jamarat, is like going through a world fair.