Final Days in Saudi

Our final days in Saudi were jam packed. We were in Riydah and visited the government offices. Here I am sitting at the seat of a member of the council. It was a very fancy and ornate building..like our capitol.


Of course we were served dates, coffee, juice and water.












The signs say a lot I think. This censorship has a pretty powerful message. But my schools all censor the Internet..so we too censor. Mc Arabia Burger!

It is good to be home. The snow looks wonderful. Now, I leave in a few hours for Ecuador. I can't wait to see Tom and Greta. It sounds like they are having a good time there. Actually, I think this trip will be more dangerous than everyone thought Saudi was going to be. The country is not full of terrorists and radical Muslims.

I was wrong, and so were many others who judged a country by a few individuals. That was the message the Saudis wanted us to hear. They are hospitable and loving people. They have the same desires and hopes for their children that we do. They have struggles and are working to change some inequities. The most important thing I learned was that you can never ever generalize about any group of citizens or religions.

I am grateful for this opportunity and will carry the hospitality and kindness the Saudis showed me in my heart.

Greetings!!

Sorry I missed a day, but yesterday I had no spare time at all. We left our hotel in Jeddah and went to a resort on the Red Sea. We didn't get there until evening so couldn't go into the water. I was bold and put my foot in the water..which was warm. Well the cool thing that night was our feast and the amazing music. It was African sounding and we all danced around the room on Persian carpets and drank tea and ate dates then feasted on the same ole stuff..hummus, flat bread and enormous amounts of main dishes and desserts. I also got a henna tatto. See picture.

The next morning we got in the bus (again) and drove to the marina. There we got on a boat like good little tourists and it went about a half mile and turned around. Then we got to jet ski and I finally got to swim. It was kinda nice..but not really.

Left the resort the next day and flew to Riydah and now am here in the most fancy hotel in the world. It is called Al Faisaliah. I have never had my own butler!

Went to a University and watched the boys (of course) debate team debate the Saudi image in the West. It was interesting and fun to watch. The best part was talking to the young women in the womans side of the school. They are dressed in regular clothes..except for a few. We talked about marriage, their dreams, working..It was great. I found them to be really smart and

full of energy. I still think the marrying in the family is pretty weird..as is the no driving too. The picture is of me in the library.

Tomorrow we leave..and now my time is up..

More when I get home..

shoes and souks

Oh ya hoo..today we got to sleep in a bit. Then after another huge breakfast we headed to the historic district. I loved it...we were in the middle of Jeddah and heard an interesting lecture by a professor and archaeologist. This town has grown from only 6,000 30 years ago to almost 4 million. The souk or market was the real deal. We all spread out and began to shop in earnest. I bought a thobe and head piece for my sheik, Tom. A few scarves for pals, lots of prayer beads and the face covers too. I can't wait to share all of this with the students back home. The picture above is of the closing of the market for prayers. The call to prayer is broadcast all over town..5 times a day beginning at dawn.

I bought some Mecca key chains (a must) and haj candy. My favorite is the prayer rug complete with a compass. I have some treasures for my pal Sal's shrine too.

Then, guess what we did...?? Another HUGE banquet. Four courses and again I feel stuffed a go go! We first heard an interesting talk by a famous person..can't remember his name but he spoke of American/Saudi relationships post 9-11. He also threw in the Israel conflict too.

I am learning so much and still am humbled by all there is to know. There are many sides to each story.

The shoe continues to rule the news. When we toured the newspaper the reporters wanted our opinions on the shoe incident. In the news today it is reported that the maker of his shoes, an Iraq person, says his shoes are so soft and fine that they would not have hurt Bush if he was hit! Many conflicting reactions in our group..but the news has made this guy a hero.

Ok..now to pack again and head for the beach resort. We get to swim in the red sea tomorrow. 

Meet the Press..Saudi Style!

Today we started out at the Saudi Gazette. It was a great tour and was fun to meet the reporters and have a dialog with the staff. They of course served us fruit juice and dates and then we talked about world events and the views of Saudis. I am learning more and more..and the more I learn the more I realize that this is a diverse and confusing culture. A better understanding of Islam helps that is for sure.

My favorite tour was of the special needs school called The Help Center. Amazing program and amazing that not so long ago children with special needs just stayed at home and were the shame of the family. This is the only center which is a charity but is state of the art. I love the tooth brushes lined in a row. The picture on the left is the daily schedule..it is a calendar Saturday-Wednesday. Thursday and Friday are the weekend here..so you will see prayer for Friday.

Religion is everywhere. What do you notice about this advertisement? Yes, no face.

I am getting tired of not being free. I want to swim and go for a walk by myself. I put my toe in the red sea..but had to sneak away from the group to do it. Glad I didn't get caught.

Another great lunch.

A few Pictures

My group by the Red Sea..

This is Fulla doll. A Muslim Barbie!

Going into Starbuck's family entrance.

Death by Hospitality

Imagine this..sitting by the ocean, warm breeze and more food than you could possibly ever eat. Conversation is with two Saudi professors, a young female college student and other teachers in this program. That was my dinner!

Today we focused on women in Saudi society First a trip to a woman's university where we spoke with students. We were served fresh juice, then cardamon coffee, then dates then water. Next stop the chamber of commerce (again coffee, dates and water) I was so impressed with all of the women we have met. They are making incredible strides. This young country is working hard to raise the living standards for women. Of course there are many obstacles and we talked about those in great detail.

Another feast (my stomach is growing) and then we had an hour off. We bought a few souvenirs..like a prayer rug and Saudi Starbucks mug. We entered the store the "family" door. Men go in the "single" door. It was so weird the side we entered was only for women and children..also the windows are always covered where women go.

Time to go to bed..another late night. Another day full of incredible delights. Also full of reminders that I do not have equal access..It was painful not to swim in the hotel swimming pool. I would have loved to at least put my toe in the Red Sea also..Oh well..

Sleep well...

We are really in Saudi ..leaving the compound..

Today we are leaving the Aramco compound and flying to Jeddah. Before we packed our bags we got a few little adventures in. First we visited a potter..see my picture in his mirror..then we visited a place that looked like Zion Park and then the Castle of Ibrihim (an Ottoman ruler..I pretended like I knew all about him) These boys were going home for lunch and prayers..look closely. They are carrying prayer rugs, books, and clothing.

The\Arab News had this article. An Arab friend told us that now George Bush will have his interviews only in a Mosque..because all remove their shoes before entering. A little Arab humor here. He is not a popular fella in this area. Most of the Arabs I talked to think that this reporter is in deep trouble. Throwing a shoe is the most disrespectful thing a person can do here. Plus, he yelled a pretty nasty comment. I have this article in both English and Arabic.

We left for airport and began wearing the abaya. I was glad to have it on, since everyone else was wearing one and the men all had thobes and hijab. Not that we weren't obvious westerners. \think the backpacks gave us away. Things are now different for us..as women we used a separate line to check luggage and also to get on the airplane. It seems so weird.

Jeddah seemed much more prosperous the Damman. Lots of public art..plus the Red Sea is a plus..

The hotel is amazing..ordered dinner in room and felt ever so lucky.

To all of this I say..suchran..thank you!!

ana laa atakallum al 3arabiyah

marHaba..

Hello to you all..Once again it is a late night. I just got home and it is midnight. So tired but energized at the same time. I don't know if I could learn any more..or be treated any more graciously. It has been another incredible day. The Saudi people have been so wonderful to us. The day started with a yawner of a lecture at Aramco about their progressive education and training program. We then went to the school they have for girls. About 30 % of employees and sponsored students are female. That is progress!! (who knows maybe they will be driving soon) The girls we visited were chosen from 10,000 students. 250 are chosen to train for college and then they go to a foreign university. (all over the world) These girls spoke perfect English and were so fun. We took a lot of pictures. The one of the girls in abayas was taken in

a micro economics class. We were able to have lunch with some of the students and I loved talking and asking very open questions about their hopes and fears. And, yes about being a woman in Saudi. I have even talked to some men about this.

Then we went to visit the desert and a camel ..I don't know what to call it..It is where camels are raised. We saw babies and I even got to ride. I was brave and went first. I didn't drink the camel milk we were offered. Our guide told us not to..it would clean us out. Camels make this awful noise like a lion in pain..and they have a huge lower lip..very weird looking animals.

Then, of course another feast. This time in a Beaudion type museum. Check out the place setting
I like the custom of sitting on cushions around the perimiter of the room..Lovely red woven cushions..then we all talk and laugh and drink cardomen coffee and eat dates..then eat the HUGE meal. You all would love it..lamb, rice, hummus, flatbread, and what they call Arab Champagne..
Apple juice with Perrier.

I learned a lot today..the most important thing is how wonderful the people here are. How they
love their families and their God. I understand some customs better too..

It is all good..and how lucky I am to be here. My post title means..I don't speak Arabic..isn't it funny how long that is??

ma3assalaama (the 3 is actually for pronunciation)

Love to you

Day One in Saudi

It is late and I have been going since 6:00. It has been such a day! I am in Dahman now,at the compound for Aramco employees. We toured the company museum which was incredibly interesting. I know a lot about oil now. Then we toured another Aramco building which had the largest computer center in the world..and each geologist had 3 screens to watch. They were supervising drilling oil hundreds miles away. Freaky! Then to a banquet..food food food. Yum..

I managed to get a bit of yoga in this morning. When I looked up I saw the sign below. It points to Mecca. I should have done my downward dog facing Mecca. Who knows?

I saw this car in the parking lot where we had lunch. "Wash Me" in Arabic!!

And finally..I got fitted for my abaya..and heerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeee it is. Cool, huh? I will start wearing it Monday.
Tomorrow we go to another tour..then to the desert to see camels and ride a camel!!!

Until then.. I send my love to you all..

Greetings From Houston..It is snowing here. Yes, snowing in Houston! Today was orientation. It was an amazing day. We learned about Saudi history, culture and language. The language was very difficult and I only mastered a few phrases, like I am sorry (thought I would need that one) We learned about wearing the abaya which we will be measured for on our first day in Saudi. We get to keep it too! We got our itinerary and from everything I have seen it looks like this is a first class trip. We will have an official photographer with us at all times, 6 tour guides, and a guarded vehicle in front and behind us at all times! We were given our passport with our Saudi visa. It is very difficult to get a visa for Saudi (who knew) and I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of this program. It is first class all the way. The picture below is of me eating lunch at Aramco headquarters. Someone fluffed a napkin and put it on my lap. Tomorrow we have another morning of orientation then we leave for our adventure. We fly into
Frankfurt then to Kuwait then Daman. I can't even figure out the time changes. I do know that I am in for one great adventure.

For now..good night..massa ul kahayr

Assalam’alaikoom Educators to Saudi Arabia Program

In about 14 hours I will leave for Saudi. I hope I am ready. Here is a look at my bed..check out the piles. I have a pile of clothes and gifts for my trip to Ecuador (I leave the day after I get back from Saudi) then a pile of clothes for Saudi. I am to take three days worth of clothes, which are not too warm since I will be wearing a berka over them. I was hoping I could wear whatever under it..but no way. We were given some "tips" about clothing, picture taking, etc..Actually a more correct title would have been..don't screw up in The Kingdom! Take a look at these "tips", they are pretty interesting.
http://tinyurl.com/5fr4nd

So, I have a pile of button up shirts with long sleeves, pants, and a bathing suit cover up. I can't believe all the pills I am taking, pills to prevent:headache, stomach issues, colds,

jet lag and then pills if I get all of these things! I have a special health card, insurance card (Tom will get lots of money if I loose a finger or ear on this trip) and my MP3 is loaded with good music, two books , Snow and Hatttie Big Sky. I am bringing a grown up book and YA book.

I also have my follow up plan which is what I am supposed to do when I get back, mainly teach

my students about Saudi.

Things I am not taking: alcohol, anything religious (bummer I love my Virgin of Guadalupe bracelet) anything skanky, tight, see through, or would identify me as a female, books which

might be banned in Saudi.

I am taking an open mind. I hear we will be treated well and honored as guests. How nice.

I will try to post a lot..so until next time.

Peace