Hi Folks!
I've been here for a little over a month. I have survived a bomb scare at the Paris Airport, a delayed flight from Paris to Bahrain because of fog, a long cold night in a Bahrain hotel because my delayed flight caused me to miss my connection to Saudi Arabia, a sand storm upon my arrival to Saudi and bronchitis because of the sand. I'm still here as crazy and as determined to succeed as ever.
Life in Saudi is very interesting. It is particularly interesting if you are a woman. Women here must have a MALE intermediary in order to be taken seriously. This is very difficult for an attorney, former judge, reared in Brooklyn, New York, to both swallow and digest. However...When in Saudi wear your abaya, cover your head and chill.
I live in what I would call 80s chic corporate housing. My former roommate moved out on Wednesday. She jumped at an opportunity for a long awaited single accommodation.
I teach at a local university. My students are very chatty and in love with their cellphones. This makes it very difficult to, at times, get my point across, but slowly but surely we're bonding.
I'm beginning to learn my way around the City. I've found that it is far more interesting and much safer if you travel in groups. Don't get me wrong, I have taken taxis alone and I'm still alive to talk about it, but camaraderie here is a necessity if you are going to survive and stay sane.
Many of my friends have asked for photographs. Taking photos in Saudi is very restricted. For instance, I can't take pictures of my students or the University. Shopping is Saudi is big! There are malls everywhere. However, I have never seen anyone with a camera at the mall and I will not test the "powers that be" by whipping out my camera and taking pictures. However, I have taken several shots at the hotel and in my neighborhood. When I get about 20 or so photographs, I will share them.
I will admit there are times when I just want to pack my belongings and leave, but I remember that I have a goal and that currently it is my mission in life, to not only be here, but to succeed... I then breathe, become focused.. and continue to win!
Please feel free to comment and please feel free to ask any questions.
Until next time,
Alex
I've been here for a little over a month. I have survived a bomb scare at the Paris Airport, a delayed flight from Paris to Bahrain because of fog, a long cold night in a Bahrain hotel because my delayed flight caused me to miss my connection to Saudi Arabia, a sand storm upon my arrival to Saudi and bronchitis because of the sand. I'm still here as crazy and as determined to succeed as ever.
Life in Saudi is very interesting. It is particularly interesting if you are a woman. Women here must have a MALE intermediary in order to be taken seriously. This is very difficult for an attorney, former judge, reared in Brooklyn, New York, to both swallow and digest. However...When in Saudi wear your abaya, cover your head and chill.
I live in what I would call 80s chic corporate housing. My former roommate moved out on Wednesday. She jumped at an opportunity for a long awaited single accommodation.
I teach at a local university. My students are very chatty and in love with their cellphones. This makes it very difficult to, at times, get my point across, but slowly but surely we're bonding.
I'm beginning to learn my way around the City. I've found that it is far more interesting and much safer if you travel in groups. Don't get me wrong, I have taken taxis alone and I'm still alive to talk about it, but camaraderie here is a necessity if you are going to survive and stay sane.
Many of my friends have asked for photographs. Taking photos in Saudi is very restricted. For instance, I can't take pictures of my students or the University. Shopping is Saudi is big! There are malls everywhere. However, I have never seen anyone with a camera at the mall and I will not test the "powers that be" by whipping out my camera and taking pictures. However, I have taken several shots at the hotel and in my neighborhood. When I get about 20 or so photographs, I will share them.
I will admit there are times when I just want to pack my belongings and leave, but I remember that I have a goal and that currently it is my mission in life, to not only be here, but to succeed... I then breathe, become focused.. and continue to win!
Please feel free to comment and please feel free to ask any questions.
Until next time,
Alex
