Yanbu Flower Festival 2013

Its that time of year again.  The lovely flower festival was in Yanbu.  Just as beautiful as last year and we really had a great time.
I went first with my students as a class field trip along with the other second grade, first grade and third grade classes.  They had a blast (of course they'd have fun anywhere that wasn't in school, right?)  We went early in the morning and had the place to ourselves...for a bit.  Then a bunch of Saudi boys schools showed up, and well, we didn't stay much longer.  All the students got a flower to take home with them...talk about a bunch of grinning faces!  
Next, I went with my family.  We went in the early evening and stayed just long enough to see the lights come on.  I had promised the girls we would buy them something...little did I know it would be two more chickens!!  (we now have a grand total of 7)  These little dyed baby chicks just stole my heart.  I couldn't help it...just too cute!  
I really loved the huge flower festival sign they had out front this year.  Really cool looking.  We just had fun wandering around looking at all the booths.  We weren't hassled at all this year (though I did have a hat on)  Had a bite to eat, bought a couple of plants, and well, that was that.  Still I'm always glad when we attend these things.  Its fun to be out and part of the community.  :)

One of the other classes from the field trip

aerial shots courtesy of the landscape department of the Royal Commission

the girls with a mosaic photo of the King.

a mix of fresh flower and real flowers were used.  

not only were there baby chicks, but also ducks, rabbits, fish, birds, mice and hamsters!  

Our new additions....Rosie and Paddy  :)

The Upside to Saudi Life...in Yanbu

I've realized that most of the time I find myself bitchin' about living here...I mean, this is not an easy place to live.  But, after talking one night with the hubby, I realized that there really are some good things about living here.  And when I say here...I mean in our town, Yanbu.  I have no idea what it's like to live in Jeddah or Riyadh.  Also, I'm speaking mostly about us expats.  I'm sure the lives of some of the Saudi's here are much different than ours.  (When you see the huge sprawling mansions)  So, I'm talking more about the life that I (and my friends and co-workers) are living.
So, here's a little list of things that helps me focus on the good parts of living here:

Life here is very simple.  By that I mean, when compared to the constant battle for status quo (Keeping up with the Jones') found in most of the world life here is very simple.  No one cares what kind of car you drive, how big your house is, if you have the latest monster screen TV...it doesn't matter.  

our neighborhood...no battle of the best of the block here!  ;)

The same goes with clothes...nobody's kids are wearing the newest Juicy outfit.  The women aren't out showing off their $1200 purses.  (now, I know the Saudi ladies like their nice purses and shoes, but even then, its not like we feel we have to compete to be like them...)

we make our own style :)

There is also no competition between parents.  Parents aren't competing to see how many sports their kids play, how many instruments, how many languages...with other parents.  First off, most of the kids here already speak more than one language.  There aren't any sports, so no worries there.  Music isn't easy to come by either.  So, its nice not to feel like your kid is inadequate because they aren't doing 5 activities every night.  But, our girls do get to ride horses and that really makes me happy!!!

We get to spend a ton of time together as a family.  Since there is so very little to do here (see previous) we find things to do together.  We aren't rushing kids from one event to another.  We are having dinners as a family, talking about our day, watching movies together.  It's really nice.  And, its not something we ever got to do much of when the hubby was working 10-11 hour days in California.  (there were times he'd go two days without even seeing his kids awake)  So, yeah, its nice to be together.

Living here can force even the most reclusive person to seek out company.  You find people here and make strong bonds because its wonderful to have someone you can count on to understand how difficult life can be here.  Not only that...you get to meet an incredible variety of people from all over the world.  Which brings up the next one.

Our daughters have been exposed to some wonderful things.  They have met people from all over the world.  A variety that would be hard to find in most States.  Kids of all backgrounds and it is really shaping their character and the little ladies they are growing up to be.  They are learning to accept people no matter who they are, what they look like, where they are from.  We have friends (including their school friends) from Finland, Scotland, Lebanon, Poland, Greece, England, France, South Africa, Pakistan, India, Italy, the Philippines...and more.  All in one little town.   As of now, they are the minority here...only 6 blonde kids in the whole school.  Sara's best friend is from Italy and its just been the last few months that they have been able to speak English to each other! 

This place has taught me patience.  MUCH patience.  I was extremely short on that particular characteristic...and not that I'm Ms. Mellow now (by any means), but I've learned to let some of the little things go.  As mentioned before...the driving here is atrocious.  But, instead of cussing out some idiot for cutting us off (after they ran a red light and changed lanes with no blinker) I'm just thankful that he didn't hit us.  See! Positive thinking.  Glass half full and all that jazz. Getting pissed off at the person or kid who cut in front of me at the grocery store isn't going to do much good either.  Its not like they are going to move back.  Some things...you just learn to let go.  So, yeah, really thankful for that part....

we make our own lanes here... ;)

The Red Sea.  It's pretty bad ass.  Definitely good for rejuvenating yourself and almost (almost) forgetting you're in Saudi.  The snorkeling and diving is flat out awesome.  

Camel sightings...love when they just wander across the road.  We'd only seen camels in zoo's prior to life here...so there we go...another positive.

  
Of course, I have to point out the fact that living here has afforded us the ability to pay off debt, save money, and travel.  With no Starbucks, no movie theaters, a pretty weak list of restaurants to eat at, no amusement parks, etc...well, you tend to save some serious bucks!  The travel has been out of this world.  And, to say that we actually live in Saudi Arabia is pretty cool....its not like you can just come and visit!  Its a time in our lives we will never forget. 

There we go.  A list of things that have a positive spin on living in Yanbu..for me at least.  I will remind myself of these things when I start to feel angry or upset with life here. 

 If you have any more positive experiences or ideas about Saudi (in general or just Yanbu) feel free to post them in the comments.  I would love to hear from others and how they feel!  :) 

Saudi Toys...

A friend of mine's son got this toy for his birthday...and I just thought it was too funny not to share!  
*I have a video, but the link isn't working...hoping to get it up and running!  check back in day!!

Saudi Life: Guest Post #1 "Things I have learned in Saudi"

So, before I start posting about my trip to Budapest, I wanted to get this new addition to my blog started.  
This blog has really helped people who are moving to Saudi and particularly Yanbu.  But, I realized that all the information is coming just from me.  From my perspective.  I've decided to start adding Guest Posts.  I've asked fellow expats to send me stories about living here.  Good or bad.  We aren't going to sugarcoat anything.  We want those people with enough guts to even consider moving here to truly know what is in store.  I find that it will help those families, men, women, etc. to be able to transition better.  
Therefore, I'm happy to post my first Guest Post.  This is a friend of mine who lives in one of the compounds.  She's got some great info on here and I thank her for taking the time to write this up!  

  "I've been meaning to do this for awhile now.  Staci inspired me to write about some of my experiences here (good & bad).  So here's my list.

1.  Have a LOT of patience. Things do happen here, but at a much slower pace than expected.

2.  Everything is imported except for oil, sand and camels.
3.  Diving & snorkeling in the Red Sea is THE best kept secret  – there are world class

reefs here.

4.  Boredom is taken to a whole new level, you have to find ways to occupy your time or you will go crazy.

5.  Translation of the word “inshallah” – means it is Allah’s will.  What it really means to an expat – not likely to happen!

6.  Driving rules of the road are merely suggestive.
7.  Shopping is it’s own adventure.  You are always searching for a particular item, but instead find some familiar treasures and stock up, as you don’t know when you will ever see those items again (think Costco syndrome).

8.  Picture the most ugliest tackiest clothes you can imagine. They are here in Saudi.
9.  Accept the fact that there is no pork or alcohol here.
10.  Stupidity is universal.
11.  Most conversations between expats will involve them talking about their next trip out of kingdom.

12.  Blond people stand out in a crowd.
13.  I have eaten so much chicken here I am ready to start clucking & sprouting feathers (refer to #9).

14.  The sunsets & sunrises here have the most beautiful colors.
15.  Fish watching should be a sport (see #4).
16.  The most important items you own here are your passport and your laptop.
17.  It is a very bad day when your Internet and air conditioning both quit working.
18.  There is nothing like fresh pita bread & hummus.
19.  Few expats know only one language (sadly I am that 1%).
20. Doritos in Saudi taste like……..Doritos.
21. Your schedule revolves around when the next prayer time is, or you will be locked out of whatever store or restaurant you are at.

22.  Thursday & Friday are considered the weekends here. That means Saturday is the new Monday and Friday is the new Sunday.

23.  Everyone owns at least one carpet. 
24.  The locals start wearing winter hats & mitts in October….I’m still wearing my shorts in January (Hey, I’m from Canada – don’t judge me).

25.  You know how many time zones there are between here and your family back home.
26.  Saudis are nocturnal ‘cause it’s usually too hot in the daytime.  That’s why they sleep in the afternoon and are up most of the night. 

27.  Jewelry, shoes & abayas can be tried on easily in stores. Other clothing items? Not so much.

28.  Ramadan. Enough said.
29.  Everyone here understands Facebook, YouTube, Amazon & Apple.
30.  It is a unique adventure that is hard to explain unless you live here.

Feel free to comment or ask questions, we'll be happy to respond back to you! 

Our Personal Saudi Jungle...

Well, we've been in Saudi for a little over a year now.  Never were there truer words than....time flies.  It's been a very busy year!
Today is my darling husbands birthday and I thought a post bragging about how amazing he is was in order.  He's really worked hard on our house and making it a home...
When the hubby first moved here our yard was nothing but dirt, dirt and more dirt.  With 3 months of living alone on his hands, he got busy with the yard.
And what an achievement!  My green thumb husband has turned our yard into a garden paradise!  Our banana trees are producing bananas, the veggie garden is coming along again, and the flowers and grass look wonderful.  Not to mention, our chicken coop with our resident 3 chickens, who give us fresh eggs almost daily.

Whenever I go outside or come home from work, I feel peace wash over me.  All the colors, all the green, it just makes my heart happy.  We may not get to live in a fancy compound...but we sure do have a lovely home.  Thanks to my husband. :)

So, here we go...photos of then and now. 

our lovely Saudi gate.. :)

Teaching in Saudi Arabia...part 2

Well, I've been teaching now for almost 3 months.  I've gotten back into the groove of teaching, but hands down, this is a totally different experience!
There's so much to talk about, though, and I'm not sure where to start.  
Let me share some of the unique bits about teaching at an international school in Saudi Arabia.  Even though we are teaching according to American standards, the grading is different.  E for exceeds expectation, M for meets expectations, A for approaching expectations, B for below expectations.  It's made my grading interesting.  
All students are required to take Arabic classes twice a week.  They have PE once a week and Technology (aka computers) once a week.  Since the lower elementary is so big, they've had to alternate Art and Music per grade.  So, kindergarten gets Art, first gets Music, second gets Art and so on.  Kinds stinks that my own daughter in kindergarten doesn't get to have a music class.
The students get a morning recess, lunch recess, and an afternoon recess.  Which, is very different from when I taught in Vegas.  The elementary kids just got lunch recess.
The most interesting part for me is teaching Social Studies.  The texts are American of course...and so, here I am, teaching American history to 17 students who have never set foot on American soil.  But, we have some really great discussions comparing where they are from and what life is like in America.  The kids get really excited to share about their own countries and they love hearing me tell about life in the States.
Of course, this difference of cultures has really made an impact on how and what I teach.  I spent a week teaching my class a new group of vocabulary words...they all knew them...knew what they meant and how to use them in a sentence.  But when it came time for the test, most did not do well.  I didn't understand...until I realized that the sentences used in the test referred to things that these kids had never heard of.  One sentence talked about cheerleaders at a game.  Another mentioned a barn.  I had 10 kids come up to me asking what a barn was!!  I was shocked!  But then thought...well, where in Saudi are they going to see a barn??  The kids really have a hard time comprehending a lot of the curriculum because it refers to things they just have never experienced or seen.
My entire class is Muslim.  And they love telling me things about their culture and religion.  Some of my kids are anti-pork (of course) and you should have seen their faces when I said how much I love eating piggies!!!  It was a riot.  I think they really get a kick out of how different we are.  

Anyway, that's just a few things I've encountered in the last few months.  
They may not celebrate Halloween here, but I gave my students a "Pumpkin Day."  Everything was about pumpkins and I even had them gut the pumpkin and paint them.  (yes, you can get pumpkins here, though they are the small ones)  This was a first for most of my students and they had an absolute blast.  Made me feel good to give them a chance to experience something new.
Here's a few shots of them getting their pumpkin on!

I also survived parent teacher conferences...most were pretty easy.  One rough one...but, well, I got through it.  One parent even gave me a Guide to Islam book.  I thought it was nice that he wanted to share with me.  ;)  

A week or so ago, I had a student tell me (during the middle of a lesson) that he needed to go and pray. Okay, now, I had no idea how to handle this.  I kinda just ignored him and continued on.  The next day, same thing.  I was really worried that I'd get in trouble refusing to let him pray, but I mean, this just isn't something I've ever had to deal with in class before!!!  After talking with the counselor, I was told that he could pray during recess if he wanted, or before school in the mosque on campus.  (until that moment I had no idea we had our own mosque!)  So, yeah, that was something new.

Now that the weather is FINALLY cooling off a bit...I've noticed a few other strange things.  Such as: giant snow coats, mittens, hats, sweaters...wait, where do we live???  But that isn't the icing on the cake...the best was this the other day at school:

Student: "My mom said that I can't go out to recess today."

Me: "Why?"

Student: "It's too cold outside." 

Me:  "I'm sorry, what??"

Student: "It's too cold."

Me: "Too cold??  Seriously??"

Student: "Yes, that's what my mom said."

Fact:  It was 70 degrees outside....

Must be a side affect of living in Saudi for too long...  ;)

So, now I'm getting ready to finalize report cards and wrap up the first semester.  Then it's a fab 2 week holiday break in Budapest!  

More teaching tid bits to come soon!

Friday in Ikea in Saudi...

A couple of weeks ago we went to Jeddah just to hit up the Ikea there.  It was a Friday...we left that morning and got ourselves to the underground parking at about 4:15pm.  Since it's Friday (holy day), Ikea won't ope until 5pm.  We had a problem with the car that caused it to overheat and spit radiator fluid all over the ground.  (that got us some looks)  Matt headed off to find an auto parts place and left me waiting with the girls for the doors to open.  
Let's just say, I'm never going back to Ikea on a Friday again.  It was chaos.  Pure chaos.  There were so many people...at one point I lost Lily in a sea of black...and about 5 mini heart attacks till I saw a figure draped in black holding her hand and walking her over to me.  How did she know she belonged to me?...yeah, we were one of a handful of families that were westerners.  (that should have been my first clue)  I was near tears when Matt finally showed up.  It was insane trying to get through the store and actually get what you needed.  Top that off with the fact that we were all starving...and the damn restaurant was closed.  It took Matt over a half hour to run downstairs and get 4 little wraps.  In the end, we managed to get what we came for and after a 30 minute wait to check out, we were back on the road. 

everyone waiting patiently to get into Ikea...

Teaching in Saudi Arabia

Well, I mentioned in a previous post that my life has taken a monster turn.  I accepted a job at the international school and I am now teaching 2nd grade! (oh and assistant coaching girls volleyball!)
Let me tell you a bit about the school.  It's an international school that teaches according to American standards.  We have quite a mix of kids...including kids from Saudi, Pakistan, India, Canada and the States (and more).  It's a nice school and they will soon be building a brand new one at a new site.  Since women can't drive, they have buses (like the ones for airport transfers) that go around and pick up the teachers from the compounds and our neighborhood.  It's nice, but stressful because I have to make sure I'm ready in time!  They pick us up right outside our front gate and the girls get to ride with me...love that.  :)  

 In this photo: Pix of the outside of school.  Notice the concertina wire?  The big blue door is the outer entrance where we have a guard on duty.  Those are the buses that take the teachers home.  Like the green lawn?!  :)

So, here's how it all went down:
When I went in for the interview, I had every intention of telling them no.  I had no desire to go back to work full time.  My youngest is only in school half a day and I wanted to spend the afternoons with her...she's growing so fast!  However, once they both started school and the little one was home alone in the afternoons without her sister...well, I realized pretty quick that neither one of us was going to be happy about that arrangement.  She was bored to tears, and I'm sorry, I love my baby...but I can't entertain her every day for 4 hours straight!
Now, that's not the main reason I took the job...the hubby and I went back and forth (okay, I rambled and he just listened) for three days straight...and well, I just couldn't come up with a good enough reason not to take the job.  The principal was literally begging me...they were desperate for teachers...the second grade classes were already too large.  So, I gave in.
Here's the part where once again I wish I had been smarter about leaving things with family when I packed up the whole damn house.  Leaving some of my teaching supplies would have come in really handy...I mean, I haven't taught in 5 years...and now, here I was, taking a job and I have nothing to start with.  I'm coming in after the year has already started, to a smallish classroom, and literally nothing to put on the walls or get organized with.  That was slightly overwhelming.  
Thank goodness for kind coworkers...they loaned me bits and pieces of stuff to get my room to look semi decent.  I was just sick thinking about all the lovely books I have locked away in a storage unit...so, safe to say, my class library is pretty pathetic.  But, again, fellow teachers came to the rescue and I rifled through my girls stock of books and pilfered those I knew they wouldn't miss...much.

my room before....

and after... 

I've never had real windows in my classroom before...so love the bright sunshine!  

I spent a whole week trying to get back into "teaching mode."  I downloaded First Days of School to my kindle to refresh my memory.  As I sat in my classroom it was like a tidal wave washed over me and everything started to come back...like my discipline plan, how I used to start each day, class rules, etc.  I surfed the net trying to find some of the things that used to be a staple in my room and see if I could download them.  (found a killer website called teacherspayteachers.com, where teachers post things that they have and either offer it for free or for a minimal charge....so thankful for that site...found a ton of stuff that I could use)
After a week, I was feeling pretty good.  Got my class list...chatted with the teachers who had the kids prior and felt like I was ready to go.  My first week with the kids would only be 3 days long because of a holiday...so that was actually good because we spent that time focusing on behaviors, class rules, etc. The downside of that first week was that it included open house.
But, I made it through the open house and met all the parents.  Now it was time to get down to buisness. 

My students hard at work baby!  Proud home of the Yanbu Stallions! 

The first week went well.  We practiced routines and got ourselves on track.  Not to mention I needed to figure out Moodle and prepare for Virtual School.  (more on that later)
With all that being said...am I happy I took the job??  You bet.  It has made life here so much more interesting and I feel involved in the community.  I love that I can see my girls whenever I want and we even have lunch together sometimes!  It's so much work...I forgot all about the daily life of an elementary teacher, but I'm happy.  :)

the kids playground at recess and the hard court area (bottom, middle photo).  Our "class pets."  These wild kitties are loving fed each day by me...I can't help it...the get right to the window and meow through the glass...too cute!  And a few more shots of the school grounds. 

What about you?  Do you think you could teach in a foreign country?

Quick Life Update...

Good lord, where do I begin???  So much has happened in the last few months that it makes my head spin trying to remember it all.
Lets start with my trip back to the States first.  I left in June and got to spend a wonderful 5 weeks back home with family.  (arriving after 3 planes and 32 hours of travel)  My husband could only stay a few days...so, the girls and I spent time at different family members homes.  Visiting, going out to dinner, getting doctor checkups, hair appointments, the works.  I indulged in mass amounts of sushi (and wine).  We celebrated my birthday and even got to see fireworks for the 4th of July.  It was so wonderful to be home and it just makes me appreciate even more just how special the good ol' USA is.
We flew back to Saudi (3 planes and 32 hours later)...but it was a short visit, just two weeks.  I was leaving for Italy next!
With the holy month of Ramadan approaching, (and the fact that almost all of my friends had jumped ship for the summer months) I knew I didn't want to stay in Saudi with the girls (especially since we don't live on a compound).  So months back I booked a lovely little house on Lake Como, Italy for 5 weeks.  Later we found out that my aunt and uncle would be in the area and we ended up meeting with them week 6 in Positano.  
I was so lucky that my mom was able to come and spend a whole month in Italy along with my step-dad...we all had so much fun together and the girls were so happy to see Grandma and Papa!
After 6 AMAZING weeks in Italy, we headed back to Saudi.  The hubby met up with us for weeks 5 & 6 and flew back with us.  
So, here we are.  Home in Saudi.  And it's been a whirlwind already!  The girls have started school and there are some other things in the works which I shall blog about in due time.  ;)
And don't worry, I plan to blog about my fabulous trip and the place we visited and of course there will be many pix (I only have 2500 photos to go through and edit)  ;)  Only picking the best for the blog of course.  
So, many posts to come...sorry for the long absence.  But we're back up and running now!  :)  Ciao!

(okay...one little sneak peak pic...this is the lovely town I stayed in for 5 weeks.  Menaggio, Italy)  :D

Saudi Side Trip: Taif

Here I am....back in the Land of Sand.  Where was I?  In another sandy place...Fabulous Las Vegas.  As a birthday/mother's day gift to me, my wonderful, amazing, loving (there's much more) husband flew me and our girls to see my family in the States.  It was a much needed reprieve and I was so happy to spend time with my family.  
That being said, I have done very little blogging.  We took this trip about two weeks before I left for the States.  It was another great group trip with a bunch of us from Yanbu.  Glad that we are taking time to see other parts of Saudi while we are here.
So, a little background about Taif curtsey of Wikipedia: Ta’if (Arabic الطائف aṭ-Ṭā’if) is a city in the Mecca Province of Saudi Arabia at an elevation of 1,879 m (6,165 ft) on the slopes of the Sarawat Mountains (Al-Sarawat Mountains). It has a population of 521,273 (2004 census). Each summer the Saudi Government moves from the heat of Riyadh to Ta'if. The city is the centre of an agricultural area known for its grapes, roses and honey.

Let me just tell you, the drive up to the town was just flat out wicked.  The Taif-Jeddah Escarpment Road is a marvel of engineering. Absolutely breathtaking, the road rears 6,500 feet in 21 kilometers and 93 bends. However, beware this is a dangerous road to travel considering the local drivers treat it as a sort of Saudi Auto-ban.  

We stayed at a nice hotel...I had heard rumors about baboons, but I didn't pay much attention.  Perhaps I should have.  There were families of them EVERYWHERE!  And let me tell you...they were NOT scared of us.  You can see in the photos how close these guys would get.  At one point, one jumped up onto the railing...sending kids and grownups scattering.  

We got to stop at a local place were we all took turns riding camels and horses.  My daughters could have stayed there all day long.  They loved every minute.  I had fun too!  :)

Every time we left the hotel (we took our own car so the kids would have car seats...others went on the group bus) we had a police escort following us around.  Kinda felt like celebraties.  We took the cable car from the top of the hill all the way down.  At the bottom was a sort of water park...however; the women's section was closed and there was no way I was sitting around in my abaya in that heat watching everyone else swim.  Yeah, no.  Neat to see everything from so high up...the kids really enjoyed it. 

They took us to visit a rose farm, though we were too late in the season and the roses were no longer in bloom.  Afterwards, we went to visit a factory that produces rose water.  Okay, now, I'm sure some people find the smell pleasant, but for me...omg, sensory overload.  I can't imagine working there day in and day out.  We visited an old mansion that one of the King's used to stay while he was visiting the town. 

It was a fun weekend trip and nice to see other parts of Saudi.  Wondering where the next weekend trip will take us!  

Moving to Saudi Tip: Ship It or Store It

Moving to another country is daunting no matter where you're headed.  But, moving to Saudi Arabia takes a bit more planning.
When we found out that we were really going, I remember looking around my house and thinking...OMG...what am I going to bring with me??  We could only ship a total of 500lbs.  For the whole family.  That is nothing when you consider the amount of crap (I mean lovely things) that you have accumulated over the years.
The other thing that made it harder for us is that we were renting our home.  Meaning, whatever didn't get shipped was going into storage...for at least two years.
That being said....it was very hard to know what to bring and what to leave behind.  I tried to have my husband scope out the mall and grocery stores and tell me what was there and what wasn't.  But, honestly, send a man to check out shopping?  Yeah, well.
My biggest point about it all is this:  
Purge the crap out of your house.  I'm talking spring cleaning to the nth degree.  Be vicious about what you have, what you need, (or think you need), and what just needs to go.  
Next, set aside things that you HAVE to take with you.  Your "can't live without" items.  One of mine was my dutch oven.  (in hindsight, wishing another would have been my crock pot since I can't find one here).  Fave spices, books, clothes, etc.  
After that, make a pile of things you don't think you'll need, but after a few months you may wish you hadn't put them in storage.  This is the part I WISH I had thought of before I packed away my life.  
For instance...those killer high heel shoes that I just loved and thought there was no way I would need them in Saudi...yeah, well, now I'm back visiting in Vegas and really wishing I had those shoes.  
My advice is this:  if you don't get to keep the house you're in (and actually even if you do) put some things in boxes and either give them to family or friends or put in a special place in your house...this way, if you want someone to send you something or you want to have access to things that you couldn't bring, you won't be killing yourself for the fact that its stuffed away in some storage hole.  Maybe it's some fave shoes, maybe some cooking items, outfits you'd wear on vacation but not in Saudi, etc.  
If you check out the link I have at the top of the blog called: Moving to Saudi, you can find a list of things that are hard to find here or that they don't have at all.  Some days you can go out and buy, lets say a clothes steamer, and then the next they are gone.  And may not be back for months.  So you never know what the stores will have in stock on a regular basis.  The same goes for the grocery store as well.  


So, take your time...go through whats really important to ship.  Be careful about storing everything else away without keep some stuff out for those moments when you say...if only I had my (fill in the blank)...
best of luck with your move and please don't hesitate to email me if you have questions.  :)  

My First Saudi Dinner Party...

I'm lucky to have some very well connected friends here in Saudi.  A couple of weeks ago, my same friend who took me to the Saudi Grad Party invited me to join her for dinner at a local Saudi home.  (one of the girls she teaches at the college asked her over.)
My friend has been to this home before and she had told me that I wouldn't believe my eyes.
Now, I had been sick for about a week and I really didn't want to go, I just wanted to crawl in bed.  (and I almost did just that)  And, boy, would I have kicked myself for missing out on this night.
Her husband picked me up along with another friend of ours and drove us to the house.  This was at 7pm at night.  We pulled up to this building with white walls reaching at least 12ft high surrounding the whole property.  We walked up to a massive gate and waited for someone to let us in.  When the gates opened, my jaw hit the floor.  Let me correct that...my jaw hit the marble floor.  Marble tiles covered the entire courtyard...a courtyard large enough to hold two American football fields.  Now, here's the kicker...we were on the women's side.  Yes, just the women's side.  Through another massive gate I could see another courtyard...full of cars (naturally there would be no cars on the women's side)...that was the entrance to the men's house.
The only photo I got up the nerve to ask to take was when we were outside after dinner (around 11:30pm)...so, I'm sorry for the crappy quality, but I didn't want to push proper etiquette and bust out my massive DSL camera.  Anyway, this is a shot of the women's home.  Remember the only time women and men live together is if they are married or it's with immediate family (brothers, fathers, sons).  Something else, no?  (you can see the men's house tucked behind on the right)

 click on the photo to see it larger

So, we enter the front door and I have to keep my jaw from hitting the floor...again.  I could fit nearly my whole house in the foyer.  There are two massive chandeliers that were at least 4 feet across...each.  To the right (which we didn't get to see) we were told there was a large ballroom.  Straight ahead is a massive stairway that split off left and right at the top.  To the left was a large square room (the small lounge) where we went to sit and visit.  The room was decked out from top to bottom.  Complete with a sparkling chandelier in the middle.  The colors were done in spring green, pinks and gold.  There were 12 throne chairs (you know, with the high side arms) painted with gold trim and three couches (painted the same) large enough to hold at least three people. 
I asked about the house itself and was told. "there are 17 bedrooms and 25 bathrooms.  Each girl has a separate 'room' for their clothes (I'm guessing a closet...but one that is probably bigger than my master bedroom) Each house (men and women) has two dining rooms, two lounges (one large, one huge), and two kitchens."  So, you know, just a modest home.  The girls seemed a bit embarrassed when they mentioned that their friends call the house a palace...well, um, yeah, it is.   
Let me give you a little info on the family...The lady of the house has ten children. (her husband has passed on)  She has three sons and seven daughters.  All the daughters live in the home.  The wife of one of her son's also lives there.  She is the one who invited us.  
There we are in the room with the daughter-in-law (from here on referred to as DIL) and then the lady of the house comes to join us.  Saudi women greet each other by giving a kiss on one side of the cheek and then 5 to 6 pecks on the other cheek.  (yes, they do this every time they see each other...every time.)  
The lady of the house doesn't speak English so DIL was busy translating back and forth.  We were offered a variety of juice to drink.  (tip number one...you don't turn down anything)  After visiting for a bit, one of the daughters joins us.  We all stand...kisses all around...sit and continue chatting.  A little time later, another daughter comes.  Same routine.  (by now I'm already having a hell of a time trying to remember their names)  
Next, they bring out Arabic coffee (coffee made with cardamom...so different and so good) that is served in very small cups (similar to espresso) and dates.  
Another daughter arrives...up we go, kisses, etc.  After about two hours, all the daughters have arrived (along with a close friend and a couple of cousins)  They are having a grand time with me and laughing as I try to recall all their names.  One of the daughters has excelled in college and is trying to get a teaching job.  The oldest is a teacher in a small village that takes her an hour and a half...one way...to get to work each day.  They pick at one of their younger sisters who isn't as good in school and is majoring in, what we would call in the States, "home economics."  Her sisters find that funny.  The DIL has two sons but she just graduated college as well and is hoping to get a job too.  DIL's husband is a lawyer who attended Harvard in the States (and aced his classes).  They lived in Boston for four years and she told us how much she loved living there.    
During all our talking, they have brought out tea to drink as well as chocolates and dates.  It's nearing 10:30pm...about time to eat dinner.
We are ushered into the dining room where we find a table set for sixteen. (there are over 20 women present, but some chose to stay in the lounge)  There are twelve platters of food lined up down the table (enough to feed my family for weeks).  We all sit and then one of the daughters picks up my plate and begins to pile food on top.  She doesn't ask what I like, if I'm allergic to anything...just fills my plate and happily puts in back in front of me.  I'm sitting right next to the lady of the house who gives me a look like, "what are you waiting for?  eat!"  I have no idea if they ordered the food or if they cooked it, but either way it was really good.  I was so full, but kept eating to be polite.  The lady of the house made sure that I tucked in to my dessert as well (I wouldn't need to eat for a week.)
After dinner, everyone went to wash up.  Right near the dining table is an area with a beautiful sink and mirror.  You wash your hands, then on a table nearby they have a variety of scented oils, perfumes, and lotions.  You pick one, and rub it onto your hands and/or arms.  That was a new one for me!
Next, we went back into the lounge and more coffee was brought out.  We sat and talked for a bit and then some of the ladies wanted to go for a walk outside.  We asked to join them and followed the group out the front door where we just started to walk around the courtyard.  They showed us the other buildings that are built into the corners along the wall where they hold parties. (if they aren't using the ballroom in the house)  Large circular rooms perfect for dancing!  (they said that the next visit we would hang out in one of those rooms)  The girls were so excited to show us the different trees, herbs, and flowers they have growing in the yard.  They also have a large pool...but it's empty.  With little kids around, they worry about someone falling in.  So, instead of keeping it full, they just fill it whenever they want to swim and drain it after.  (of course, most of the girls don't know how to swim anyway...so it doesn't get much use)
We sat outside on the outdoor chairs and they showed us youtube videos of typical Arabic dancing and even a video showing the wedding of one of the princesses.  Pretty cool.  I really think they enjoyed sharing their culture with us.  
One thing is for sure, these girls oozed class.  They were beyond polite, always made sure we had drinks or snacks or whatever.  Not to mention, they were all beautiful...each with long black hair...the shortest was to her shoulders, the longest was past her derriere.  The tallest was about an inch shorter than me...so glad I didn't wear heels!  
It was a truly unforgettable experience...I'm so glad I was asked to go..and that I didn't crap out and stay home in bed!  Hoping to be able to go back soon and maybe I'll get up the nerve to ask to take a few shots of the inside of the house (making sure no one is in the pictures of course!)
And there you go...my first Saudi dinner party...what a way to get your expectations up!  lol