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!!
4 comments:
Welcome to the magic kingdom :-)
Hey daughter, for someone that has been flying for 18 hours, you look very good. Except for the food, it look like you had a pleasant flight. I wonder why the people don't look at each other, sound like something out of the Stepford Wives. Maybe they are just sizing you up. LOL.
OH, well, you being the friendly person that you are, I am sure that will change. Guess what? my blogger name is Black Chick Mom. LOL
Good to know you made it safe and sound. Be well and wishing you all the best in the New Year and on this grand adventure.
I love your videos! I think you looked great for such a flight!
Yea- I'm sure you have noticed this by now (I probably should stop comments until I read to the start of the blog... if I'm annoying, please write and I'll stop; I sometimes think it's fun to go back to old posts, but can see how that could be annoying ;)) the difference once the communication lines are 'open.' I tell my husband all the time how unapproachable he and other Arabs can look, but the next minute that will totally change!
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