Ep 3. Saudi Arabia

In season 5 episode 3 of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, titled "Saudi Arabia," the audience is taken on a journey through the strict and complex culture of this Middle Eastern country. Anthony Bourdain visits various cities within Saudi Arabia, including the capital city of Riyadh, to explore the traditional and modern aspects of the nation.

Bourdain makes sure to highlight the differences in Saudi Arabia's culture and customs, emphasizing the strict modesty and conservatism of the country. He visits mosques and historical sites, including a tour of the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, where Muslims come to pay their respects to the Prophet Muhammad. Bourdain also visits the locals to witness them living their everyday life, whether it be through cooking food or participating in traditional dances.

As well as exploring the majestic culture, Bourdain discusses the changes happening in the country. He speaks to locals about the rapid growth and change happening in the country. In one scene, Bourdain visits a fancy mall, where he and a local dine in one of the mall's upscale restaurants. He also observes how this modernization has not resulted in a loss of values and traditions but has merely allowed the society to maintain its traditional values while adapting to the needs of a new era.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain discusses the complex role Saudi Arabia plays in international relations and the misunderstandings that most people have regarding its people and culture. He highlights the misconceptions of the Western world about the country and its people and how these myths create, rather than destroy, the tension in the political arena.

The episode concludes with Bourdain summarizing his experience and providing viewers with a unique and complex perspective of the country. He comments on how Saudi Arabia maintains tradition despite shifting towards modernity and how religion is an integral part of the people's lives.

Overall, "Saudi Arabia" is a must-watch episode for people wishing to learn about the cultural richness and complexities of Saudi Arabia while also discovering the beauty of its traditional and modern aspects. Bourdain's commentary, as always, is both entertaining and informative, giving a balanced and nuanced view of this fascinating nation.