What's my name?

I've noticed that many of the lost formalities and polite manners I remember from my youth are still the norm here.  Some I very much appreciate, while others I would be happy without. For example, many of the men Roberto works with call him Mr Roberto.  Somewhat formal!  Then there are also a couple of employees that insist on calling him, "Boss." Roberto frequently tells them, "Please don't call me, 'Boss', call me, 'Roberto!'"  Their response, "Okay, Boss!" 

Some of the ladies and men on our compound call me, "Madam."  Because of the cultural sensitivity between men and women, I don't say anything to the men, but I have on several occasions asked the women to call me, Dawn Marie.  Their response, "Okay Madam, Dawn."

Happy Birthday Sheik Roberto

We had a party for Roberto's birthday and enjoyed our guests from around the world.  There were South Africans, Lebanese, Saudi, New Zealand, Indian, American...  A great time!

One of Roberto's co-workers got him a Saudi Keffiyeh for his birthday.

This is a hospital?  Sweet!

Recently I had a doctors appointment at a near by hospital.  I walked it and stood amazed at what looked like a lavish 5 star hotel.  It was beautiful, elegant and did not look or smell anything like a hospital.  It was a short appointment and I was in and out in no time even though it was a first time visit and I had all the paper work and registration to take care of. The care and service was excellent. 

Thank God we are healthy and have no need to stay in a hospital, but if there is ever a need it would be nice to stay at one that looks like and has the service of a 5 star resort.

And for dessert you have, what?

In Al Khobar there is a place call the Vitamin Palace that serves great fresh fruit drinks, but check out their menu Couples Specials.

Hum, we'll have the mango juice please!

Covered & Uncovered; A Wedding

At the mall with a S. African and Saudi friend and their children.

Early in March
It has been fun making new friends and learning about life here. It is definitely a different perspective from what we are used to and it's interesting and challenging not only living here as a foreigner, but also living among foreigners from countries all over the world.  For example, my Saudi friend in the picture does not have to veil her face, but does by choice. In the area we live, most Saudi women veil, but not all. Some like many of the foreign Muslim women, cover their heads only.  Most foreigners from the west only wear the abaya (the black gown) and do not cover their hair or face.  My friend says the head covering is for the religion, but the veil is only a tradition and custom which she prefers to keep.  

On this trip to the mall, my South African friend and I covered our heads to make it more comfortable for our Saudi friend as it is not at all common to see Saudi women out with foreigners.

Later in March
Last week, we had the joy of going to St Lucia for Joseph and Lindsey's wedding. Welcome, Lindsey, to the Olivas family!  We had a great time enjoying the island fun and the wedding was beautiful.

We all enjoyed a catamaran sunset cruise except that was overcast and therefore no sunset.

The day before the wedding we went zip-lining. Lots of fun!

 Amazing what a different culture from the US and also nothing like Saudi Arabia.  We had a great time interacting with the locals.  We met the Lucian mother-in-law of a friend in Saudi and went with her to a local church service on Sunday.  Taking the local bus transportation -- their buses were actually vans -- got us out and about seeing more of the residential areas as well as the countryside.

Roberto and I at the rehearsal dinner the night before the big event.

Joseph and Lindsey soon to be Mr & Mrs.

It was a beautiful wedding and the bride was gorgeous.

The exchange of rings. 

 After exchanging rings and the more traditional vows, each said a few words to the other. They both did great, but Joseph really did an incredible job and I lost the fight to hold back tears.

Introducing Mr & Mrs Joseph Olivas.

So proud of Joseph.

 

Having a great time celebrating.