Dawn Marie’s First Impressions

After 26+ hours of travel we are in the car and coming up on the finally check point between Bahrain and Al Khobar, KSA.  I am anxious to cross over and see the first glimpses of what life will be like in Saudi Arabia when I see them. Just beyond the final check point, peeking out from above the customs buildings are the proverbial golden arches.  McDonald’s!  That’s it? The first thing I see as I enter this strange faraway land is a McDonald’s.

It has taken a lot of prayer and jumping through hoops, but we are both finally here in Al Khobar, KSA. Roberto left Denver on the 3^rd and I joined him a little over 3 weeks later.  It will be another 2 ½ weeks before our villa is ready so in a few days, when the other men staying in the short-term employees villa return, Roberto and I will be checking into a hotel for a couple of weeks.  

Last night we went to dinner at a restaurant that was recommended to us.  It was a Lebanese “buffet,” only you don’t go through a buffet line.  They bring you samples of everything to your table.  Basically, it was a 5 course meal with multiple dishes for each course.  It was delicious and we ate way too much.

Tonight we plan to go shopping for an abaya, that is, one of the black robes that the women wear over their clothes.  When Roberto picked me up from the airport he had one with him so I could put it on before leaving the airport. He got the abaya from someone who left to return to the states. Only problem, she is several inches taller than I and, as such, it is about 4 sizes too big.  The sleeves land below my hands and the bottom looks as if it has a train.

Anyone have a pair of scissors?

We look forward to exploring the land and experiencing this place we now call home so stay tune for the ride.

Working in Saudi

This is the view out of my office on the 5^th floor of our major supplier’s building.  Behind the buildings across the street is the Persian Gulf, with Iran less than a 100 miles on the other side!

On my first day here I noticed all the lights were off except in my office and no-one was around.  I thought there was an emergency evacuation and they failed to notify me.  Turns out, all the employees are forced to take a lunch break, so the lights are turned off at 12 noon in all work areas. Still learning the Saudi ways and customs; it’ll take a while, but I am enjoying the work I am supporting and the people I work with. The food is delicious Lebanese, Indian, and Mediterranean.

I keep having people come up to me and start talking to me in Arabic, I guess it’s just not all Mexicans that look alike!

Camels on the Road

Okay this is what everyone has been waiting for, pictures of wild camels on the side of the highway between Dammam and Riyadh. The white camels were once very rare, but now are quite common. Also included is a picture of the barren desert.  When I was a little I used to think the Sonoran Desert in Arizona was ugly; compared to the desert here, the Arizona desert is beautiful, especially the Saguaros!

Black Camels

White Camels

Desert, desert, and more desert.

I, Dawn Marie, am still in the US, but we are hoping for a break through so that I can join Roberto in the next few days on a business visa like his.  Then I will be able to be there as we wait for his work visa and my residence visa to go through.

About Toilets

In some Saudi bathrooms, especially communal bathrooms you’ll find a spray attachment next to the commode for…better yet I’ll let you figure than one out for yourself!

 

As Americans we have to appreciate and smile at translations, but most important is to obey the message!

Driving in Al Khobar, KSA

Sometimes people ask, "What is driving like in Saudi?" 

Well, there is a common saying, "There are two types of drivers in Saudi, those who have had an accident and those who are about to have an accident." Roberto has not had an accident, thank God.  But he is understanding the reason for the saying.

If you would like to check out the compound where Roberto is currently, check out the link below. It has been the nicest of the compounds, though recently there have been some new ones built and some in the process of being built that are as nice and newer.  Most likely we will be in this compound, but we understand that they are also looking into some of the newer options.

Check it out:
http://www.oasisresorts.net/mainpage.htm

Please pray that there will be no more delay in being able to apply for and receive Roberto's work visa and my residence visa so that I can join him soon.

Exploring The Compound

Roberto has been working long hours, but still found a chance to take a few pictures.

A Saudi ironing board.

Roberto does a great job of ironing, but he was a little stumped by this crescent shaped ironing board.

I hope the water is heated, if it's chilly enough for a jacket.

There are two gyms one for women and one for men.  The courts, work out rooms, and equipment are state of the art.  Sounds like we'll have no excuse for not working out.

Our Compound

The compounds are very western and very nice.  Roberto says, "everything is big."  Can't wait to see where we will be living. Currently, Roberto is in a Villa that is kept for those who travel in and out so he hasn't yet seen where we will be living.

First Sights in Al Khobar

Roberto's office, across from the compound we will live in, is in a trailer on a construction site.  The compound is very nice by Western standard, but the office is, well, a trailer on a construction site.  The corporate offices, on the other hand, are in a beautiful building the 1st floor of which is occupied by a Bentley Dealership.

"Still can’t choose between the 2-door or 

the 4-door for my company car."

 Keep dreaming Roberto. Send us a picture of the white Ford Explorer you drive.

This Space Tower is still under construction, but should be open soon. 

We look forward to having dinner on the top!

Roberto's Last Night In CO

We got a break from packing, when Joseph and Lindsey stopped by to say, "bye."

Roberto arrived and is resting in Al Khobar.  He had his 1st funny culture experience in a Muslim country.  On the way to Saudi, the flight made a quick stop in Kuwait.  Everyone was asked to leave the plane while they cleaned and prepared for the next leg to Bahrain.  Roberto exited the plane. Later when in line he noticed everyone around him giggling and began to realize they were laughing at him.  He kept asking, but no one would speak to him.  There were many women around, all looking down, and many giggling.  Guards nearby ignored him.  Finally, one woman lifted her eyes and said, "This is the women's line."  Whoops!

The Journey Begins

Our new Journey to Saudi has begun.  Roberto left yesterday morning and I wait anxiously this morning to hear that he has arrived in Bahrain and crossed the causeway to Al Khobar, KSA. As soon as I get them, I will post photos for all to see.

I am new to blogging so I will count on your comments and questions to let me know how I can make it interesting and informative for you.