In this episode, Julia from Matt and Julia spends 24 hours alone in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to see what it feels like to travel there as a solo foreign woman. She begins in the old part of the city after sunset, when the streets come alive, walking through the bazaar in search of Saudi dates for her mother. Along the way, she buys a traditional tooth-cleaning stick, talks with Yemeni vendors selling spices and dates, samples different varieties, picks up curry powder, and observes how lively and welcoming the old market becomes at night. She also reflects honestly on safety, noting that one man asked for her number while she was checking her map, but that he was not aggressive, and that she still feels the need to stay aware, stick to busy areas, and trust her instincts.

Later, Julia walks along the Red Sea waterfront near the huge Jeddah fountain, where the city is packed with families, migrant workers, and groups out celebrating Eid. She talks about being surprised by Saudi dress norms, the number of women in abayas and scarves, the family-oriented public spaces, the many stray cats, and the constant attention from men that eventually becomes tiring even though she does not feel unsafe. The next day, she visits a women’s gym, where she is surprised by how modern, friendly, and open the atmosphere is, then explores her neighborhood alone on a hot Friday when most shops are closed. After struggling with ATMs, weak data, and transportation, she goes to a private tattoo appointment, something she never expected would be possible in Saudi Arabia. The episode ends with her walking through a local mall, sampling sweets and perfume, noticing Western brands and regular women’s clothing sold in stores, smoking shisha alone, and reflecting that Saudi Arabia surprised her with how helpful, respectful, friendly, and rapidly changing it felt.