Tuesday, December 16, 2008

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...

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