ART 07 • ROSA DEL DESERTO

On one of my several visits to Saudi Arabia, during the beautiful spring month of April, I was very lucky to visit one of the oldest cities in the world, Taif in the Al Hadi Mountains, 2000 metres above sea level, and overlooking the Holy City of Mecca. It was just at the time when the roses were being harvested. Many local, small farmers cultivate the Ward Taifi rose, and this gave rise to the region once being called Arabian Rose. It was an amazing experience and I have a wonderful photo where I am submersed in Taifi rose petals. “Rose of the Desert” is my tribute to the Taifi rose and my memories of an unforgettable morning with the queen of all flowers.