Party 2009!!!

Went to a party last night at the US Embassy.  Had a blast!!!  Met a lot of people and right now my body is recovering.  Who knew I'd party so hard in the KSA!!

Wishing You & Yours a Prosperous and Happy New Year!!!!

Abaya

Today was a rough day.  I was not in a good mood (I video recorded a complete rant, but I won't bore you with it); I wallowed in bed for a minute (the means 3 hours) then I got up and we went into Al-Khobar.  I felt completely uncomfortable walking around in my skinny jeans, long shirt (yes, it covered my butt) and it was long sleeved...but I still felt uncomfortable.  I felt like everyone was looking at me...now I'm a total fashion clothes horse...so I'm used to people checking out my outfit, but in a good way. Maybe they weren't thinking negative thoughts, but I felt so uncomfortable enough to where I had to get an abaya NOW.  So...we're walking around the Mall of Dharhan and I'm asking western women (because these were the only ones I felt I could approach) where in the mall I could get an abaya (these women were useless), so...I saw 2 Saudi women who seemed approachable (they weren't in full hijab/nijab, but had their hair covered) so I asked them where I could get one in the mall...they said they're expensive in the mall, I told her, "I don't care how much it is...I need an abaya now), she smiled and directed me in the right direction (thanks ladies!!)

So...we're in the store and I tell the guy that I need an abaya, he asks, what is my size, I tell him medium, he says, "oh no...you're a large, size 58"!!!!  I look at Roland and say, "can you believe this guy said I'm a large"  (LOL!!!)  I wear a size 6!!!  Maybe it's because I'm tall (5ft8).  Then the prayer bell calls, and he says I have about 5 minutes...so...I purchased the one I was trying on; it has nice embroidery on the sleeves and on the bottom; it's cute.  But...I'm having it altered as soon as I get around to it. Taking it in about an inch on each side should work for me.  I have no idea (maybe you can tell from the picture) how to wrap the scarf around my head. 

I Hate To Be Bigoted But....

I hate to be bigoted, and my blog is not about social change, politics, etc.  But...I have to say...I am so effing PISSED OFF at what is happening in the Gaza Strip!!  So...I have to say bigoted since the jews are just a group of people (versus being a race of people) who believe they're better than everyone else (god's so-called "chosen people"), which is why they feel they can kill indiscriminately.  I'm tired of the Palestinians being described as "terrorists".  The word terrorists is mostly associated with Muslims and Islam.  However, a lot of Palestinians are Christians.  Not that it should matter, but this is just another example of how words are used to dehumanize people.  The facts are this...the jews took land (based on an effed up UN resolution) that belonged to the Palestinians (remember the country used to be called Palestine) with the forming of Isreal in 1948, and have been trying ever since to get all "non-jews" (i.e. Arabs) out of the country.  Palestine was a country...now it no longer exists.  When this resolution was made up the Palestinians were suppose to have their own country within 7 years!!  That should have happened by 1955.  It's now 2008!!!

I look at the conflict like this:  during the time of World  War II, Black Americans were being killed, strung up (with no justice) to get basic rights in the USA (while also fighting their wars). And...we know the United States' wealth was built on the back of slaves.  So...what if they took half of those old slave holding states and gave it to the Black people and told the whites, you gotta get out, or get in line and report to these people?  White folks would still be fighting today for that land; land that belonged to their grandparents.  So...I ask; shouldn't the Palestinians fight for what was theirs, and was stolen.  

It's complete BS.  If the jews had no where to go after the war...they should have given them part of Germany.  That would have been a fair and just resolution.

OK.  I've Said It.  I feel some release for my anger...but it's not helping those who are losing their lives.

May We Have Peace!!

I Have Arrived!

OK.  I've made it and I'm alive (apparently) and well.  I'm so so tired though.  I could not sleep in; therefore, I got up and slammed back a double espresso to get through the morning.  I had to have blood drawn (they're testing me for communicable diseases; for the 2nd time) for my Iqama.

So...what are my first impressions?  Well...I'm not quite sure yet.  It's just all so new, it's almost kinda overwhelming, but not really, but really.  I'm having to behave outside of my normal behavior.  For example, I noticed that people don't look at each other when passing, even the westerners.  And, that is very different for me since I tend to look at people and smile (I'm from California; we're friendly people, as are the people in Seattle).  Today as I was walking around the camp I felt like  a total "B" because I was doing the "looking through people";  because I don't want to look crazy (by appearing too friendly).  LOL.  But...I don't know.  I haven't even been here 24 hours...I'm sure this may change some as I relax myself.

On my flight into Dammam, a Saudi guy was seated next to me...and typically I would at least acknowledge the person's presence; but I didn't dare (like he might think I'm a whore or something, I don't know...but that's what I've been told...don't be too friendly).  Well, towards the end of the flight, he asked me a question about why I wasn't eating the airplane food (the food on KLM is total crap, and I was in 1st class!!), and from then on...he was very conversational, he told me about his experience in the states, how things are in Saudi Arabia, his family, etc.  I was so surprised that he would even talk to me (which is a break from the stereotype), and I told him that when he first sat down...I didn't know if it was appropriate to speak or not, or if they would even seat a Saudi man next to a lone (unrelated) woman.  He understood my questions/concerns.  I think he was my first experience with a Saudi person, and...it wasn't too bad.  

More to come...I gotta go lay down.  

Oh Yea...please be nice...I look so freakin' tired in this video...and it's probably because I've only been traveling for 22 hours!!

Peace Out!!

Saudi Arabia Here I Come!!

Finally...the day has arrived.

Christmas 2008

Hello Family and Friends,

I've compiled the video clips I was taking during Christmas Day.  Hope you enjoy...and please forgive my mouth (you can hear me a lot)...but I guess it's been long established, that I'm loud, with a big mouth.  Love U All!!  T

The Worst Snow Storm in 20 Years

Seattle has been hit with the worst snow storm in 20 years.  I have 12 inches on my patio.  It has completely wrecked havoc with my holiday plans.  Right now, I should be in San Diego, purchasing gifts (BTW:  I haven't purchased any gifts, I was suppose to do this in San Diego) for my family and friends, and enjoying the sun.  Instead...I'm in Seattle, in an almost empty house (the shippers packed up everything last week).  Thank goodness for the internet and my 52" television.  Oh Yea...and I've got food. That is the order of my priorities/needs; telephone, internet, television, food.  LOL.  I don't know that this is on Maslow's hierarchy of needs.  I'm scheduled on another flight on Wednesday to San Diego; I hope I get out, I want to spend Christmas with mi familia.  But, as I type...they're (the news) is stating that more snow is on the way.  ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last Day @ Work!!

Today was my last day at work.  I'm feeling somewhat disappointed.  I thought I would be celebrating and walking around with a huge smile.  However, that was not to be.  Of course I'm happy.  But...first off, I couldn't go into the office because I can not get out of my garage due to the snow.  So...the manager I was working for suggested he would drive out to my place and I could meet him somewhere nearby.  Which is cool...so I met him at the Starbucks around the corner.  It was all kinda weird for a last day at work.  I gave him the company equipment (laptop, cell phone, company credit card, and badge), we hugged, we wished each other the best, he left, and I continued to wait for  my double espresso, and 2 minutes later I was walking back home.  

Now...the scenario that I had in mind was; we would meet in his office, I'd give him the equipment, we'd say our well wishes, he'd escort me to the lobby, take my badge, and I'd leave the building.  Upon getting in my car...I would be so happy that I call my mom and yell, "I'm Free", and then I'd drive to meet my GF for a late lunch and celebratory drinks.  As it stands now...I'm stuck in the house.  I'm trying to get chains for my car and so far I've been unsuccessful.  I have the chains, but I don't have the rubber adjusters (which were probably packed, and are now on their way to Saudi).  I've called every auto parts and tire dealership within a 1 mile radius (so I could walk) and not of them had any.  I have some friends out shopping now, and they're keeping an eye out for me.  I hope they find some.  I feel like precious daylight free time is being wasted with me sitting up in this house.   It's not often I have free time in the afternoon on a Friday.  Gawd!!  Well...I guess that all is about to change. I'm going to have a lot of free time.  Maybe I will slow down my pace a bit...I'm so used to running, running, running, and being on the go.  I'm curious how I will feel about that.  'm addicted to the running around and the stress of it all.   

9 Days To Go!!

Moving Day!!

As each day passes, and new milestones are achieved, I am getting closer and closer to the point of no return (well, ok, that is a little dramatic, I always have options). The movers are still here, but my house is dang near empty. It's exciting, yet I'm "tripping" off of it, almost as if, I still can't believe it.

The poor movers, it is snowing today like it hasn't in a long time in Seattle, and they're having to work in this mess. I hope they arrive home safely after all of this.  Seattle isn't as equipped as some cities to handle this amount of snow (I have 6 inches outside).  The snow is absolutely beautiful, but you don't want to be out in it.  I wonder if I'll miss it.  For myself, I've always preferred the heat to the cold.  I wonder if I'll feel the same way come this upcoming July and August.

What Women Can't Do in Saudi Arabia

Following is a link to a post from a popular blog (American Bedu) on what women can and can't do in Saudi Arabia:


What Saudi Women Can and Can Not Do

Happy Reading!! And, Thank the lucky "powers that be" that you're in America.

Please Note: I will hardly be affected by this. The only real restriction I will have is that I can't drive in Saudi Arabia; however, I can drive on the compound.

U Know U've Been in Saudi Too Long...

As I was cleaning out my personal stuff from my work email (I got 7 more work days left - WhooHoo) I came across this...it's funny.

You Know You've Lived In Saudi Arabia Too Long When:

You think SR500 is a good price
You enjoy channel 2
Your idea of housework is leaving a list for the housekeeper
You think black is appropriate daytime wear
You wear a jacket inside and take it off when you go out
You know which end of a swarma to unwrap
You think that the further you inch into an intersection the faster the light will turn green
You give directions by landmarks
You have more carpets than floor space
You expect gold for every birthday
You send your friends a map instead of your address
You expect to pay more for water than for petrol
You get confused because US money isn't color-coded.
You remember not eating in public in the daytime during the holy month of Ramadan.
You know someone is referring to Pepsi when they say "BEBSI".
You have ever had to wait for prayer call to be over to finish shopping.
You have friends from 50 different countries.
Rain is still one of the most wonderful sounds in the world.
You have sat in a "men's" or "women's" section in an airport, hospital, or restaurant.
You think anyone with a cane is out to get you.
You think a desert storm is a war.
You think a red light means "step on it."
You don't think it is ostentatious to own more than one Rolex.
Your school closes early because of sandstorms
You are not surprised to see an 8 year old driving the car next to you
You can't buy anything without asking for a discount
You think cars only come in white

Holiday Spirit and Spirits!!

Thank You!!!

...for coming out and kicking of the holiday season right on Friday night. I’m so going to miss every one of you and our get togethers. Keep a chair warm for me…I’ll be back in March, and I’m sure I’ll really be ready. =)

Segregation of the Sexes

In the KSA it is actually against the law for an unrelated men and unrelated women to be together in each other’s company. There is to be no intermingling. Can you imagine? And, the gays think they have it ad with Prop 8. LOL

Hell, are we going to have to plaster on our foreheads our marriage license, since we don’t “match up”? LOL Let me make it clear...on the compound I'm going to be living on...it's all good, but once we step outside the gate, the law applies.

On one blog in which this subject was being discussed…I had a woman trying to convince me that “segregation of the sexes helps promote fidelity”. Can you believe this?!! This person thinks that if her husband screws around, it’s because he got to socialize with other women he’s not related to. ATTENTION ALL WOMEN (IN EVERY COUNTRY): If your husband screws around…it is NOT the other woman’s fault. It’s the fault and lack of character in your husband. Period.

So…in the KSA you will not see a mixed (male and female) group of unrelated friends hanging out. What I would be curious to know is if the Saudi's stick with this practice when they leave the KSA.

Bridge Burner (Let It Burn)

I’m a total bridge burner. Some people would say that’s not a good thing. My thoughts are some bridges need to be burned. I kinda break it down to the basest of levels and I think, “if this person were dead, they wouldn’t be there anyway, so I’d get over it”, or “this isn’t the only company in the big city and I have great references, so eff em”. I’m kinda feeling like that right now about my job…it’s amazing what people think they can say to you or about you once you’ve given notice. The BS really starts to come out of the woodwork. I view it as sign that I’m suppose to be going on this journey, because my job is sucking big time, and this is after getting the job I had been applying for, for over a year. The sign, it’s telling me…Terri, thank goodness you got the job, and you’ve done the work, and now you know, it’s not you, and you’ve learned you’re not leaving anything. And, as mentioned in a prior post…it’s time for me to work on the projects I’ve long wanted to do but didn’t have the energy, because I was giving it “up to the man” 10 hours a day. “The Man” was giving me a decent paycheck…so I can’t complain about that…like I’ve said…the only thing I will miss is the check…but then again…with what my husband is making…we won’t miss that money at all. My life has definitely taken a turn down a road I would have never expected, and you know what…sometimes bridge burning is a way of going forward and not looking back. And, that’s exactly what I’m doing.

14 Work Days and Counting!

Housing

I've had several people ask about housing. Check out the video on this link and it will show you the idea of the neighborhoods. Saudi Aramco Housing

Not Permited To Work

I got my Entry Visa last week. I’m one more step closer. I keep tripping off of the “Not Permitted To Work”. As I type this I’m like, I never would have thought I would be so happy at the prospect of not working. Now…I’m not going to sitting on my ass. I’ve given myself the title of “House Manager”. Yea…there are other terms (i.e. Housewife, Domestic Goddess, etc.) however, my ego (which has long been held up by my occupation, and what “projects” I’m working on) dictates I put the Manager moniker on my title. LOL. Whew!! This is going to be fun. We get our housing assignment on the 10th of December…that should prove interesting (hopefully, not so much). I’ve seen pictures of the available housing (which isn’t bad), however, you never know what you’re getting until you see it…gawd…I hope it’s not awful (I’m already hating the tile floors, I prefer wood), and that my neighbors are cool, an added bonus would be if they didn’t have any kids. J

As House Manager, the 1st item of duty is (1) hiring a houseboy (I’m really loving this) and someone to take care of the yard, and (1a) decorating (furniture purchases, painting, wall art, rugs, etc). Then there are the mundane daily items, such as grocery shopping, food preparation, paying bills, etc. I will also plan our travel (which we plan to do a lot of). I should write myself an RAA (Responsibility, Accountability, and Authority).

27 Actual Days and Counting…15 Work Days, and Really Counting...

Taking Advantage?

I'm so freaking irritated right now. We're preparing our shipment for relocation to pick up in less than a month. Roland has some friends (they seem like really nice people) that he's known since being in Saudi, and when he first arrived the man part of this couple was really nice to him, etc. So...it was a no brainer when they asked to put "a few things" in our shipment. Well...the few things have gone from, a washer and dryer, to no washer and dryer just "a bunch of baby stuff", to a bunch of baby stuff, half the stuff they wished they had brought the 1st time, and a washer and dryer!!! And, by the way it wasn't asked, it was presented like, we just have a few extra things.

So...I almost feel as if I can't say anything since we may be hanging out this these people, but shit...this is a total disrespect as far as I'm concerned. While she is telling me about what I can buy there...she's eeking more crap into my shipment. It feels like she's keeping my shipment light so she can squeeze in more shit.

To be fair...they have agreed to pay if the shipment goes over the alloted weight. But...she wants me to store their stuff at our place...then hang around waiting for her washer and dryer to be delivered. When she threw that out...I was livid. Like, in my last 3 weeks in the country and at work, with all I have to do to prepare, I'm going to want to be dealing with this. A simple favor has turned into a pain in the ass.

Al-Nakba

Hub and I went to a one-act, two actor play last night titled: Sahmatah: Memory of Stones. When I first heard of the play last June, I was intrigued; when I saw the play…I become excited; excited to tell this story.

Sahmatah was the name of one of over 500 Palestinian villages which were destroyed by the founding of Israel in 1948. Some residents were driven out of the country; some still live nearby, but are not allowed to return and rebuild their homes on the hilltop where the village once stood.
This story has to be told on the big screen…bigger audiences, nicer visuals. Maybe we can pull this one together. The question is…what happens to a group of people when a part of their country (land) is taken away, given to others, given a new name, and then they’re told to “get the hell out”? How is this accomplished? Should it be expected that this is done “peaceably”? These are the questions I want people to think about when they think about the conflict.

Getting Down To The Wire

We're almost down to the wire. I have 21 more work days left (whoohoo!!), and with the holiday's approaching, I have to get active real soon. So much to get prepared for packing, plus I have some significant purchases I have to make before I get up out. Items I will need and will want to get into the "They're paying for it" relo shipment, for example new appliances, electronics, and video equipment. I was going to buy an abaya via the internet, but Roland suggested I wait until I get there and he can film me shopping for one (gotta video everything when you're making a documentary, whether you use it or not). I really should talk to other female expats already there...as I will want a "cute" one; not a tent. LOL

My husband is having problems with the Swedish consulate with getting his new passport. We're in Seattle, and this passport has gone from the Swedish embassy in Riyadh, to the one in Los Angeles...and we're now waiting for it to arrive in Seattle. BTW: His Visa Block appointment with the Saudi embassy in Houston was for today. ARGH!!!!!!!!!! Government bureaucracy is the same all over the world!!
I've been so busy with this move that I've been unable to make any Soapbox Empress videos. I've actually had a few people ask when the next one is coming out, since I haven't posted one in a while. I plan to kick that back into gear once I get settled. Two different projects...PLEASE NOTE: I will not use Soapbox Empress to "talk shit" about the Saudi's.

Religulous - Won't See This in Saudi.

Went to the movies today.  Saw Bill Maher's "Religulous"...loved it.  While watching it I was thinking...this is one movie you won't hear about in the KSA.  Well...if they had movie theaters. Now...there are movie theaters on the compounds...but they're like the movies you see at the dollar movies...movies released 6 months ago.

Can You Trust Them?

I was speaking to a long time friend, about how things were progressing with my move to Saudi.  And, the thing that sticks out in my mind are her words, "I know...but don't trust them".  This was in response to the nice comments I was telling her that I was receiving from Saudi's on my video; Why I'm Moving To Saudi Arabia.

This conversation took place a few days ago...but those words are still in my head.  Then I started thinking, could I, being who I am (non- religious, nonconformist, non status-quo), ever have a real friendship with a Saudi woman?  If I happen to meet a Saudi woman and the conversation is good; should I relax my guard?  According to all (and this is from some westerners already living in Saudi), I should never trust them.  If you're hanging out with them and something, anything, goes south, it's on you.  These words of caution were disappointing to hear...but I think they are words to be heeded.  

Then today...I see the following article on BBC:  Egypt halts doctor visas to Saudi.   Then I read the article.  I think the article is indicative on the lack of understanding in common matters (i.e. if you take pain medication for an injury, there is a risk of addiction - this is common knowledge...this is NOT the doctors fault), and when there is no explanation that meets their satisfaction, instead of taking responsibility for their own actions, they blame "the foreigner".  

Truthfully, I'll be on a western compound...so I think my interaction with the Saudi's will be limited.  However, it leaves little as far as a cultural experience;  well with the exception of having to wear the abaya.

Peace Out!!

Love To Party!!

I LOVE the holiday season.  I was just syncing up my calendars and I realized that I have a party or trip every weekend up until I leave to the KSA.  My mother thinks I'm trying to get as much alcohol in me before I'm put on lock down.   Which is totally untrue (LOL), but I do like my happy hours, about 2 - 3 times a month a group of us get together and catch up.  It's so funny because I'm a total party type, and my husband doesn't drink and he hates the bar.  Huh?  But...opposites must stay attracted we've been together for a long while now.  So...I'm forcing him (not really...but really) out this Saturday for bowling to celebrate a friend of our's birthday.  He wants to sit on the couch watching the UFC.  So...the compromise, he goes to the bowling party, and we DVR the PPV UFC Event.  

The celebration of the holiday season (did I mention I love the holiday season) is why I'm not coming over to the KSA until the end of December, in time for the New Year, but after the Christmas holiday.

I'm going to miss parties.  Or am I?  I don't think there's this much activity happening on these camps, or is there?  It's time to find other stuff to occupy my time.  Thank goodness I have a plan for that.  =)  

28 Boeing Days Left

I’m at work and the reminder on my calendar states, 28 Boeing Days Left. This does not include the time I’m taking off for the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas). It would seem that I can’t wait to leave my job. Sometimes I feel that way…but mostly I think I’m going to miss the feeling of accomplishment, and the camaraderie you have with other worker bees in the work place. I just picked up a new project. Yes!!! And, with me leaving, another has been pulled in, in order to be completed before I leave. When I gave my notice the 2nd time…the manager I work for was like, “you could still change your mind”, and stated that I wouldn’t, but then he says, “but there is the possibility”. So…I had to concede that in the realm of possibilities; that it was possible, but highly unlikely. My husband can’t wait to get me over there…as he has been there for the past 18 months and got a little irritated when I stated I wasn’t going. He gave me the choice…but in his heart he wants me near…and you can’t have a long distance marriage for too long. So, I will have to spend the month of December preparing my job for someone else. L I work for The Boeing Company. And, if you ever ever ever want to work for a huge corporate giant…they’re one of the best. I have no complaints against Boeing; in fact, there is indeed a lot I will miss.

We've Made History

Today America has made history!!  We've made history.  We're dancing in the streets, we're crying, we're witnessing something we literally NEVER thought we'd see.

Obama has won!!  Yes!!!

Muslim Women

Since I’ve started blogging about my move to Saudi Arabia; I’ve started to read the blogs of Muslim women. I find this both fascinating, inspirational, and irritating. Fascinating and Inspirational because with the blogs, you can see they’re having the conversations that we in the west would assume they didn’t have. Some of them are even a little feisty. A feisty Muslim woman…who’d a thought? Especially when the only thing we see about them is the oppression. Then I get irritated because I hate injustice!! I get irritated when I read about the injustices placed on the women, at the hands of the men, their families, and society. Yet…I feel there may be hope for them because the dialog is happening, even if it’s on the down low. Their injustice, is not my fight to fight…however, I can’t help but get worked up about it.

What Will U Do All Day?

This is a common question I get. Will you be able to work?

I'm at work right now...posting to my blog...killing time before lunch. So, I don't know that I will miss working all that much. Even though work can be a huge drag, there is a certain feeling of accomplishment the ego receives by going to work; I may miss that if I don't get involved in something (which is why I'm making the documentary). And, I can't forget that wonderful thing that happens ever two weeks like clock work...the paycheck. I love my paycheck. I get another one in 2 days. This is where I get my Mad Money (money I don't put into the collective household kitty). Every two weeks, I go purchase something wonderful, and I don't have to answer to anyone for it. Can I do that when I'm living off my husband's money? I don't know. I mean...he's not selfish or stingy. But, I have literally NEVER had to depend on a man (ok, well...not since I was a kid and I was in my father's home) for money or my subsistence. Time will tell how I do with this one. I will say…I’m looking forward to ending 10 hour work days…but I’m going to miss the hell outta that check.

Absolutely Amazing Comments

It is absolutely amazing some of the comments I'm getting.  Most are positive.  However, every once in a while I will get a rude comment from some weird ass coward.  It's easy to talk shit when you're sitting at your computer.  For example, this comment from someone calling themselves Jackie:  

I've viewed your video at least 10 times, for the comedic value. You strike me as shockingly self-absorbed and I think you will have a difficult time adjusting to your 'new' life. At least I hope you will. You speak out of both sides of your mouth, pretending to embrace the experience and at the sam time ridiculing it. Good luck bc. You will need it.

So...this lovely person (hiding behind their computer) who is clearly an angry individual, chose to reach out to me in this manner.  She even took the time to write a 2nd email calling me a "silly bitch, and that videos were for kids...", yet she's on YouTube, and she's watched my video at least 10 times (BTW:  Thanks "Jackie" for upping my view count).  Pathetic.  I reject these types of comments because, you can't give these people time, however, since I'm documenting my experience, I had to put this out there.  

Comments from the KSA

Wow! I've received a number of comments on my YouTube channel from people in the KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). I'm both surprised and happy. You gotta love the internet, people from around the world reaching out to eachother. It's Awesome!! You can read those comments by going to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VKfKQ-E6q0

Peace!

Went to Houston (The Got Lost City)

I went to Houston yesterday for a physical (they just took blood – a special thanks to the assistant who only had to stick me once) and for Orientation. Everyone at Aramco was really nice. I left feeling that I know we’re making the right choice for us, and that this is going to improve our lives in ways I’ve yet to imagine and our lifestyle (financially, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually) in ways people dream about. Yes, there is a price to be paid, but isn’t that true of anything?

During orientation we were shown pictures of the Aramco Compounds. We’re going to be living in Ras Tanura; which is on the beach (white sands and beautiful blue water). The housing is decent. The longer we’re there, the more points we’ll earn to move into better housing. Starting out we’re in a 2 bedroom with den townhouse, at ~1700 SqFt. That isn’t bad. It’s not as nice as what I’m currently living in, but, they’re not bad. And, you can decorate them how you like, so…I have another project =) See…being a housewife might not be so bad.

I can’t end this post with out stating that Houston has some of the worst freeway signage I’ve ever experienced, and I’m semi-well traveled. I got lost 3 times!!!! 3 times!!! I got lost or turned around, going to the hotel, to Aramco, and back to the airport. WTF!! I can find an obscure food joint, in the alleys of Bangkok, but can’t get from the airport to the hotel!! I will say that the people are friendly and helpful, and that is a good thing seeing that I stopped 3 times and asked 5 people for help.

Why I'm Moving To Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Video

I found this video of Saudi Arabia on YouTube.  What I like...it has some of the best pictures with the most variety that I've seen online and I like how it's presented.  What I don't like... it's 10 freakin' minutes long!!  But, it's a good watch...Check it out:

Culture Shock

Moving to Saudi Arabia is a huge deal. Some of these ExPats living there are a little “defensive” regarding living in Saudi. The comments I’m getting from these people are kinda aggressive, as if I shouldn’t have concerns about moving to a culture that is diametrically the opposite of how we live and what I “don’t believe in” (for example, upon entry into the country, I have to claim a religious affiliation). According to my recent book purchase, the answer to put on the Immigration form is not Atheist/Agnostic (they don’t believe in “no religion affiliation”), and of course Judaism wouldn’t be a good choice either. LOL. I know I’ll adjust; however, I don’t stick my head in the sand to the negative, just to stay “positive”. Based on some of the comments (not posted) I’ve received from a few ExPat’s, dealing with them will be the culture shock. Time will tell…

Culture shock is a state of disorientation and frustration that results from entering a new culture where people’s fundamental values, beliefs, and ways of doing things are different from your own. Symptoms may include irritability, anxiety, excessive sleeping or reading, depression, increasing isolation, compulsive eating or drinking, resentment or bitterness, feelings of helplessness, and physical problems such as headaches, insomnia, and sickness.

Act 1: “The Honeymoon" period, during which everything new seems interesting and exciting.

Act 2: An increasing sense of disorientation, as deeper, more fundamental differences surface. This is the stage where many people become depressed and may be prone to stereotyping or venting about the host culture.

Act 3: As individuals learn how to survive in their new environment and develop coping mechanisms, their level of comfort and confidence will usually increase.

Racism Alive and Well in Saudi?

Not that you ever get used to being slighted or thought less of because you happen to be born with "not white" skin, however, unfortunately, you know when it happens and that it will be alive and well all of your life, regardless, of how much you achieve or how much of a decent person you are.

On the other hand...I appreciate that something/someone finally admits that white people are given preference, and "non-white" people are treated as less than. Following is something I read in the "Traveling and Getting Around" Saudi section on GlobeSmart:

Preference shown to North Americans and Europeans. North Americans and Europeans have a certain prestige in Saudi Arabia that does not necessarily extend to those of African or Asian descent. Darker-skinned people may feel slighted by the preferential treatment that white Americans and Europeans generally receive.

Camel Crossing

Check this out...Roland took this picture while stopped on the road waiting for the camels to cross.

How Do I Compare?

Ok. So, I took a profile comparison assessment. The company I work for, has offices and employees all over the world, so I have access to a lot of country profiles, relocation information regarding various countries, how to conduct business, business etiquette, etc. etc.. One thing I discovered in the pile of “what’s available” is the website GlobeSmart. On this site, you can take an assessment and it will compare your profile based on questions you answer, to the profile of the average person in the locale you’re interested in. Of course, with these assessments, you’re dealing in generalities; however, I think the country profiles can give you the “overall vibe and underlying energy” of the country as a whole. I’m suspecting that I’m not going to have much personal interaction with the Saudi’s, but I don’t know. You want to have some background just in case. And, it’s just one more fun thing to do while riding the relocation wave.

Here are my results…

People in Saudi Arabia tend to be somewhat more status-oriented than you. This means they may be more likely to differentiate people based on their titles and positions within an organization.
People in Saudi Arabia are somewhat more restraint-oriented than you. This means they may be less willing to take risks than you. Because of this, some of your counterparts from Saudi Arabia may spend more time building relationships and conducting background research than you, or show more interest in implementing proper processes and making sufficient preparations before embarking on a project;
People in Saudi Arabia have a somewhat more indirect style than you. This means they may be less direct and more ambiguous in the way they communicate. Because of this, some of your counterparts from Saudi Arabia may prefer that certain things be left unsaid

People in Saudi Arabia are more relationship-focused than you. This means they are likely to spend more time building and maintaining strong relationships and place less emphasis on efficiency and timelines than you. (Thank Goodness, I’m not working, I’d have no patience for this. LOL)

Getting Ready

So I'm getting ready to leave Seattle for Saudi.  Well, getting ready means, I'm preparing for the long relocation process.    Part of the preparation process is getting my blog set up because I HAVE to document this BS.  I mean really, Saudi Arabia.  WTF!!!!  I told his ass (my husband) that I would move anywhere with him but the following spots are out of the question:  down south in the United States (basically, any of the confederate states), Africa, or the Middle East.  And, where do I end up...in Saudi Arabia, the most restrictive of all the Islamic countries.   BTW:  They still have beheadings in the town square in Riyadh.  So...I will be on my best behavior.  =)  Seriously.

As of now I'm leaving on December 28, 2008.  

Stay Tuned!