Wednesday, December 22, 2010

CC and R's Would Help A Lot

The covenant condition restriction (CC and R's) establishes the general rules and guidelines that homeowners within a community agree to abide by. These rules may include requirement/restrictions on outbuildings, house color, the general appearance of your home, etc. These rules are designed to help keep up the appearance of the neighbor (thereby protecting home values), and in condominium situations, they're also designed to "keep the peace" amongst neighbors since people are living in close proximity to each other.

Living on a expat compound is not being a homeowner, however that does not mean that CC and R's would not help in building a better living community. In fact, I think it's doubly important when you have people from all over the world trying to reside next door to each other. People born in Third World countries tend to have a different idea about what is appropriate with it comes to being neighborly than those of use who come from the west. So you can imagine the frustration one would feel when you have one neighbor who is let's say for the sake of argument Palestinian and the other is British. The Palestinian believes with all his might that his children have the right to play outside all hours of the day or night, in their neighbors yard, destroying their plants (i.e. personal property), etc. Then you have the British family who comes from a culture in which intruding on someone's space in such a manner is rude, beastly, and inconsiderate. These two are going to have problems. And, such is the case all over camp. I've heard stories of people trying to keep chickens on the compound at their houses. Seriously. And, the person who's rooster is waking up its neighbors at the break of dawn doesn't seem to get that this is a nuisance to everyone around them, but the biggest part is that they don't seem to care. There seems to be an uncanny ability to ignore how one's behavior has an affect on those around them. This makes for a lot of tense situations.

So, on camp, could we benefit from CC and R's? Absolutely. In fact, due to the level of too many different cultures trying to reside in a small space (both in land mass and due to the houses being connected; a lot of homes are duplexes) there is bound to be problems. CC and R's would/could insure that these problems are handle in a fair manner based on the agreed to rules, and not based on a persons nationality, race, or religion.

With my limited experience in living in this type of situation, I understand some of the effects and issues that arise out of so-called multiculturalism. Chancellor Angela Merkel stated in a press conference that it doesn't work. I think I agree. Now, we don't want the Germans rising up against any group. LOL. We all know how that turned out. But, I sympathize.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

New Abaya - I've Come Full Circle

I have finally broken down and started to give a sh*t about what my abaya looks like. OK, so here's the deal. Before I got here, I felt like, if I have to wear it, it has to be fabulous. Why? Because I'm a total fashion clothes horse. I love clothes. My style is classic with a taste of trendy. The bottom line is I care what I look like when I go to work, or out to play. I don't get "dressed" when I'm just hanging around my house, but you know what I'm stating.

Well...when I got here I was rushed to purchase my abaya (you can check that out here: http://blackchickinsaudi.blogspot.com/2008/12/abaya.html). So, I just got one of the first one's that I tried on. Then once I got it, I felt like it was stupid and ridiculous that I would have to wear such a thing that I had a silent protest going. Meaning that I wore it (because I don't want any problems) but I deliberately kept it balled up in the back seat of the car.

Since then, I've gotten over myself and I'm now back to, "if I have to wear it, it has to be fabulous," or at the very least be representative of the stylish person that I am. LOL. So...I went out and purchased a new abaya. I've come full circle in my thinking on this. Well...I haven't changed my mind in thinking that it's stupid, but I have let go of my so-called silent protest.

Also, my friend Amna said something that kinda stuck with me. She said, "Terri. One day you're going to leave here and you want a nice abaya as a souvenir." And you know what? She's right. So, big thanks girl for those little words, giving me the ends and outs of buying an abaya, and for going shopping with me. :)

Also, I want to give a thanks to First Choice Stores for letting me videotape in their store.




Monday, November 22, 2010

The Holidays in Saudi Arabia

The holiday season is soon approaching. I love the holiday season. I view the activities of the season as one big blow out party before we have to hunker down for the winter. The decorations, the shopping, the buying a gift for someone else and then keeping it for yourself forcing me to go back to the mall, the gift giving, the gatherings, the eating, the drinking, the partying, on yea...and the gift getting; I love it all. And, it all begins starting with Thanksgiving. I ride that swell all the way into to what I hope is going to be a hangover on January 1st.

Well...my holidays in Saudi are not quite like that. In fact, it's severely watered down. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of holiday parties, and I think families create their own traditions. However, the difference is that the energy isn't there...the vibe isn't there. As most of you know you can't escape Christmas if you wanted to in the United States. Gawd. It's like consumerism and it's best and it's worst. But, I have to admit...I love it. The malls are all deck out in holiday gear. Christmas music is playing in the stores. And, pretty much everyone around you is in the Christmas spirit. You're not going to find that in the malls in Saudi, nor will you see anything that is giving you any indication that Christmas is around the corner.

But, as with anything you make the best of what you have, so we celebrate the best we can. It's not that bad. Family and friends will gather for Thanksgiving dinner. I know one lady who is having a Southern Style Thanksgiving Blow Out at her home. When I saw the menu I was like "Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaang. They are throwin' it down"! There will be quite a few blow out Christmas parties as well.

This year I will be in San Diego spending Christmas with my son and my family. Yes!!!! But, since I don't fly out until a few days before Christmas, up until I get on that plane, I will be celebrating the Christmas season. Three party invites and counting. So...even though my holiday season is watered down, I'm still celebrating it.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

My Trip To Shaybah



I have never seen anything like Shaybah. Yea...I've seen sand dues on photos and television, but here they were now, live and in living color, and they are indeed one of nature's wonder to behold. The sand is fine and soft and ranged in colors from light tan to a burnt orange.

The only thing located in Shaybah is a major crude oil production site and the resources to support it which includes; housing facilities to accommodate 1000 men, administrative offices, an air-strip, a fire station, recreation areas, maintenance and support workshops, and power stations for generation and distribution. Shaybah is located approximately 40 km from the northern edge of the Rub' Al-Khali/Empty Quarter desert, and about 10 km south of the border to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Below for your viewing pleasure are the photos :) You will notice in the video I am not wearing an Abaya. That's right!! I left the house with it, just in case. But, when you're on Aramco property you don't have to wear it. So, I left it on the plane. On this trip there were 135 people (mixed crowd) and only a handful (less than 5 or 6) of women wore their Abaya, and they were Arab. As I've stated before, I only wear it when necessary. Or, if I'm traveling between compounds alone and what I have on is a little skin revealing, then I will kind of use it like a coat. You will also notice that the audio is crappy. It was impromptu to video myself talking and there is a lot of noise around so this is the best I wanted to do with the time I had.

Enjoy!!

Please Note: The parameters for this layout is cutting off some of the right side of the video. If you want to view it unobstructed, click on the YouTube icon on the video and it will take you to the YouTube page.



Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Looking 4 Motivation

In an effort to get motivated to write in this blog on a regular basis I'm gonna try something I haven't done in the two years that I've been writing this blog. I want to know what you would like me to write about. I know, I know. If you've been reading my blog then you will know that I really don't give a rat's "you-know-what" about what people want to read...it's my experience and I'm sticking to it. LOL. And, I know this puts me at risk for getting trolls and creeps. Gawd I hate people who hide behind a computer screen. It's cowardice at it's worst. To paint a clear picture I would have to say that less than about 2% are trolls and creeps so I've decided to put it out there. Is there something you'd like to know about my life in Saudi Arabia? Do you want my opinion on an aspect of life in the Kingdom? How is expat life in Saudi Arabia? What would you like to have me write about? You let me know.

You can pose your questions on the comments for this post or you can email me at: blackchickinsaudi@yahoo.com


Unmotivated...

So I decided to just sit down and write. It's been a while since I've written in this blog. I've been completely unmotivated. I've lost my motivation. Maybe it's because lately I've been feeling an immense boredom with this place.


I'm still doing my photography. I've started playing around in Photoshop (I've shared a few of the photos below). My next writing course starts in a week. Went to the Yacht Club's Commodore Ball a couple of weeks back (which was fun). I love the whole getting dressed up, copious amounts of food and the open bar thing. Gotta love an open bar!! LOL. So, it's not like I'm sitting around not having anything going on...it's just that I don't feel like sharing it. Maybe that's because I'm not completely satisfied with it; that I find it boring. IDK. I have no answers.

Some good news is that our vacation dates were adjusted in a way that is now allowing us to spend Christmas in San Diego with my son and my family. It's the next big thing that I'm looking forward to. I think I spend a lot of time looking forward to the "next thing" versus just living in the now everyday. Gawd! See... I'm feeling too philosophical and introspective. Something that is the curse of the luxury of having too much time on my hands. I seriously think I need to be semi stressed to be at my most productive. That is what I miss about working. I also miss the sense of accomplishment and recognition that came with me working. But, the deal is...I don't want to get a job in Saudi, so...I gotta find another way to get those things another way. The jury is still out on how I'm going to do it.









Monday, October 4, 2010

Growing Pains

While killing time on YouTube I came across this song from Mary J Blige's 2008 album. 2008 is when I moved here and I was playing the hell out of this CD. I was really identifying with it at the time. Then today, it occurred to me that this CD is titled Growing Pains. Maybe that is why I was feeling it so much since I was going through growing pains of my own. Especially since my husband and I were having re-entry issues. LOL. Re-entry issues arise when a couple has been living apart for a significant amount of time and now they're living together again. And, in my case, we were "living together again" in Saudi. So, I was dealing with Culture Shock and Re-Entry. Gawd!!! Whew...I am so freakin' glad that is so far behind me. This is one of my favorite songs on this CD, even though the whole CD is a put-in-and-play.

Enjoy!!

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

A few days back it occurred to me that I have been writing in this blog for over two years. Two years!! My first post was on September 7, 2008. Time flies when you're having fun...or as I also like to say, "Time flies when you're getting old." LOL.

Today I decided to go back and read my very first post. I wrote two posts in September. Nothing really interesting, but, it shows my anxiety and my curiosity. It seems as if my biggest worry was, where I was going to get my hair done and who was going to do it. Hehehehehehe But, this is a serious concern. Black women, we take are hair seriously. LOL If you didn't know, you betta ask somebody , we don't play around with our hair. Now you can find some Black women who have given up on personal appearance and are not too concerned with their hair, but for most of us, it's a top priority. Well...getting my hair done hasn't been too much of an issue, even though I wish I had more options and a better quality of talent when it comes to Black hair care.

My other deal was my plan to make a documentary about my first year in Saudi Arabia. My intentions there hasn't changed too much. I have a lot of footage. However, I'm tentative about how "real" I can/wanna get while I'm still living in the Magic Kingdom, so I'm letting that marinate for a minute.

In the beginning I had some real haters coming to my sight. For example, there was a biotch who was calling herself Jackie who actually wished I would have a "difficult" time with my adjustment to living in Saudi. Well, Biotch, if you're still reading, I'm doing fine, all is good, and I'm living a good life, so take that, take that, take that, take that!!

What I found quite surprising during this past two years is that the Saudi's who were reading my blog, were the most welcoming. So much for stereotypes.

It was just over two years ago that I gave my employer notice of my intent to terminate my employment to join my husband on a totally unexpected adventure, and you know what...I don't regret it for one moment.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Taxi Cab Confessions:

I was riding down the Jubail highway, with my headphones blasting "Imma Be" from the Black Eyed Peas, zoning out, when it occurred to me that I spend a lot of time in taxis. Coming from Southern California car culture, I thought I would die (well not really) if I couldn't drive. Now...I don't give it a 2nd thought. I even have the confidence to tell off the drivers when I don't appreciate what they're doing. I discovered this one night while sharing a taxi with a Saudi friend when the taxi driver stopped at 11 at night at a gas station on the side of the Jubail highway with a half a tank of gas. She went off. She immediately started with,

"Why are you stopping?"
"You have enough gas."
''Fill up on your own time."
"This is not safe with two females in the car. We don't have our Abayas."
"No. Leave now."

My first thought was; wow. I didn't know I could do that. Then my next thought was, "Yea! WTF is he doing stopping when he can get gas on his time. He got us out here at night at this somewhat secluded (although next to the highway) gas station." LOL. He got the message and got us out of there and got us home.

So....now, I don't take any mess off of these guys. Hell, my life is in their hands every time I get in the car with them. About 6 months ago, I had a driver who was so reckless in his tailgating that I finally had to call the company on his ass. I kept telling him to back up off these cars that I "wasn't trying to die up on this highway." But, he persisted. So, while I was still in the car with him, I called their offices and let them know to NEVER send this guy to my home again, that he is driving recklessly. As soon as I pressed the off button on my cell, the driver's cell was ringing. And, it's amazing how when a man told his ass to "act right" that he discovered he could drive with some damn sense. Gawd!!

Oh Yea...and then I had one that I swear had to be on something. He was by far the worst. His speed would fluctuate from 70km - 140km, he kept drifting into other lanes, and he acted as if he didn't want to stop when he got to the guard gate. The security guard even had to tell his ass "You stop when you come to this gate!" When I got to my house, I went off on him, threw the money in the seat and jumped out of the car.

But, on this day (the day I discovered I'm in taxis a lot) I was headed to Bahrain and I had the perfect driver (and I've had quite a few). He was friendly, but not too chatty (I can't understand half of what they're saying anyway. Most of these drivers are Indian), didn't drive too slow, but didn't drive too fast, and wasn't intimidated (drove with confidence) by all the crap happening on the Jubail highway. See...the deal is, driving on this highway is like going through a gauntlet. The way they drive here is like nothing I've ever seen. You really have to be on it, and have a dash of luck to survive this highway.

I could go on and on. One time we (a group of 4 chicks) had a driver who when we got to the Saudi Arabia/Bahrain border, he forgot the paperwork he needed to leave Saudi Arabia, so we had to wait while another driver came. Gawd!!!

Even though I'm over not being able to drive, I have to say, there is nothing like being able to drive yourself.

Monday, September 6, 2010

We Be Saudi Mobbin'

Ohmigoodness...I came across this on FB. This is a chick who lives in Dhahran on the Aramco Compound. It's cute, funny, and I'm loving it. And, I actually know what she's talking about. Thank U SharStar for sharing your song with us.

I'm even posting this while I'm still on vacay, that's how much I wanted to put it out there.

Enjoy!!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Out of the Sand Pit...Again.

Yea...I know. It seems as if I'm always going on vacation. But, hey...what can I do if whenever my husband has vacation time, he wants to get out of the Kingdom? One of the perks of living here is the number of vacation days we get, which are a far cry from the 3 weeks we got in the States. So, I'm not complaining. Though I will tell you, when we got back from our last stay in Stockholm in early July, and I started planning this vacation, I was like, "Damn, we just got back!! And, now we have to decide where we want to go in September. Argh!!!!" So...not complaining, but semi-whining.

Unlike our previous vacations, we didn't have a clue as to where we were going to go in September. A decision had to be made. It isn't as if airfare gets cheaper the longer you wait. We changed our minds a few times on this one. First it was Greece, then it was a Med cruise. We finally decided that Europe was the way to go. It's easy and we wouldn't experience any jet lag. Seven cities were in contention. After much research (mostly based on price, with more expensive cities like London getting reluctantly dumped) we narrowed it down to four cities: Amsterdam, Brugge, Brussels, and Stockholm. Now that we're about to leave, I'm really excited and looking forward to going. All of my "damn I gotta plan another vacation" semi-whining has gone out the window, and I can't freakin' wait until I'm sitting in Amsterdam, sipping on an espresso before I get on a bike to explore the countryside. Or, to hanging out in a fabulous lounge in Stockholm. And, most of all, I'm looking forward to walking the streets unhampered, and unencumbered.

So...this means, I will probably not post on this site until I get back in about 4 weeks. However, if you're just dying to know how I'm doing (I'm being facetious) check out my Black Chick on Tour blog. This time I'm going to attempt to keep a daily diary. These types of intentions always start out good, until I've been late partying and am now hanging over the next day. LOL But, I'm gonna try.



Thursday, August 19, 2010

Talking About "The Help"

The other day I was walking through the house talking sh*t to Roland about my househelper and how I feel this guy is just being lazy. He does the least amount possible, and I have to keep telling him, no...finish it all the way out. The latest thing was this:

I wasn't home last Thursday when he came, so I left the list of what he was to do with my husband. One of his regular task is to fold up all the items (clothes, towels, sheets, etc.) I washed the day before. That way all I have to do is put them up. Well...I come home and see the Bath Sheets (these bath towels are huge) only folded in half. In half!! I mean, how much more energy does it take to fold it down so that I can put it in the cabinet? So, what? Now I have to fold it down to get in in the cabinet, when that is what I pay him to do? When he first started folding the clothes, he did it correctly without my asking. Now I gotta "say something" about these towels, and this is the kinda thing pisses me off. Which is why I don't manage people. Twice I've had jobs in which I've had to supervise/manage people. And, I will just say, I have no patience for it. Hell, you wanted the job, I didn't drag you off the street and force you to work. Whew!! Anyway... So...I left them there for the entire week. LOL.

Today he shows up, and I show him the towels that I left there. And, I ask him, can I put this in my cabinet? he smiles and says, "Yes." I take him to the cabinet and ask him, "where am I to put this towel?". He's still smiling, I'm not. Then I take him back to the room and as I fold the towel all the way down I tell him "this is how I want them folded every-single-time." Now he's all apologetic. Huh? What? He knew that it wasn't right when he left them like that, now it's "I'm sorry." Gawd!!

The thing is...I started this post with how I was walking through the house talking sh*t about our househelper. Well...as I was doing it, I kinda stepped outside myself for a brief moment, and I realized I was talking mess, "about the help" and I couldn't help but to start laughing. I mean really...that is totally uppity. Two years ago I was cleaning my own house and hating pretty much every minute of it, and here I am today talking about the help, almost with the back of my hand on my forehead complaining "ohmigod, good help is so hard to find" and full of drama. LMAO. Oh-mi-goodness.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Flashback: The Early Days

I was just checking out some of my old blog posts and all I can say is, what a difference a 20 months can make. LOL!! I can laugh now, but them, whew....

The posts from 2008 are about me preparing to move here, my apprehensions and my excitement for a new adventure. At the end of 2008 (December 28th) I made a video of me waiting for my driver to take me to the airport, and 20 hours later my arrival in Saudi Arabia. Then 2009 hits and my new adventure has filled me with irritation and a bad case (for me) of culture shock. Most of my posts in those early days were mostly of me b*tchin' and whinin' about what they didn't have, what I couldn't do, and why the eff did I come here, etc. etc.

A person who is now a friend of mine told me how she saw me when I first got here at the commissary in Dhahran (where we lived when I first got here) and she was gonna come up to me and introduce herself, but then I turned around and she saw the look on my face. I had this look that made her stop in her tracks. She thought, "okay, she looks angry and irritated," so she decided not to dare coming over to speak to me. :( And, if you've read those earlier posts; I was angry and irritated, for a variety of reasons. LMAO. What a difference a year makes. What a difference it makes once you get into the groove of the environment, start to meet new people who eventually become friends, and you get out of your self imposed shell.

All I can say is, I'm so glad I'm far from where I was at then. I can laugh now, but I have no problems admitting to you I was doing some crying then. Gawd!!

If you want to check out those posts from my first days, you can start here: January 2009

Sunday, August 15, 2010

My Fasting...

...pretty much turned into nonevent.

I decided to fast yesterday. I had a few people ask me "why?" It wasn't for any particular reason other than I wanted to try it. When my husband told one of his coworkers I was gonna fast he asked, "Why? Is she fat?" Can you believe this guy? I thought it was kinda funny. Maybe that's because I'm not fat (even though at times I feel fat LOL). But, what if I were?

The night before my fast, I was up until almost midnight eating. When I awoke the following morning (at 8:45a.m.) I reached over and took a couple of sips of water because my mouth was dry. But, after that...I had nothing else. No food, no water, until 6:30p.m.

Throughout the day, I video taped how I was feeling. At 11 something, I talked about how I wasn't feeling much stress, but was looking forward to being terribly hungry and irritated around 4-ish. Then at about 2 something I mentioned how I keep thinking to go to the kitchen and grab some food, and then I'd remember I was fasting. Oh Yea, and that my stomach growled for the first time that day. Then the next thing I knew it was 3:45p.m., and I had to get up and get it together to meet friends in Khobar for an Iftar Buffet. Iftar refers to the evening meal when Muslims break their fast during the Islamic month of Ramadan. Iftar is one of the religious observances of Ramadan and is often done as a community, with people gathering to break their fast together. Iftar is done right after Maghrib (sunset) time.

To the disappointment of my friends, when I arrived at the buffet I wasn't angry, irritated, or even ravenous. I had one mention that I should affect some type of drama. LOL. Nope, no drama. I showed up at LeMeridien, hungry, but not ravenous. During the meal I didn't eat any more than I normally would have for dinner. The whole experience was "all good.". In fact, I'm thinking about fasting one day out of the week just for the hell of it.

I've decided not to post the video because there wasn't enough substance, basically it was boring. There wasn't any "my stomach is paining me soooooo bad" moments.

A Special Thank U!! to Nadia for arranging the buffet. It was a new experience for me; one that I enjoyed.

Peace!!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Ramadan-A-Ding-Dong

Ding-Dong!!! That's right, it's that time of year again; Ramadan is knocking at the door.

Tonight at sunset will mark the beginning of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia. This really doesn't mean much for me. There will be slight inconveniences, but nothing major. The upside is during the day time, the streets will be clear and free of traffic, the downside is the Cafe on camp has limited hours. So, you can see, I'm not affected much.

For those not in the know, Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. During this time Muslims are supposed to abstain from all those things that are forbidden during the fasting from the break of dawn to the sunset. Fasting is obligatory for all Muslims, with a few exceptions, during the month of Ramadan. I've also read that during this fasting period you're not supposed to have sex, show bad temper, or show off one's fasting by talking too much about it. The fasting person must be a pleasant person with good spirits and good cheer. I think that's a lot to ask of someone who's hungry. LOL

I've decided I'm going to go a day without eating, just to see what it's like. I fully expect to not be in good cheer, but I will try. I'm going to undertake this on Sunday the 16th. After which I will break my fast with friends at an Iftar Buffet in Khobar. These will both be new experiences for me. I know when I've tried to go a whole day on a Raw Food diet, by the time 4:00PM comes around I'm feeling homicidal. So, we'll see how I do.

If you'd like more information on Ramadan and Fasting, check out this link a friend sent me: Ramadan Fasting: Meaning and Rules

So...if you wanna know how it all worked out for me, check back on the 17th or 18th of August, and I should have updated my blog by then.

Ramadan Kareem!!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Another Day....

Well...it's another day in Saudi Arabia. And, yes, it's hot. I've been in the house a lot lately, and it's bugging the sh*t out of me. When I was in Stockholm, I walked miles, all day, almost every day. I loved it!! I guess I could get out in the evening, but I don't like walking once it's dark, even with the street lights. Okay. I'll admit it, I'm afraid of night time critters. A few nights back we were out walking, it's like 8:00p.m. and I see these big a** moths flying around every other street light. They're flying all low and scaring the mess out of me. Roland is laughing at me as I'm cringing each time we walk past a light that has one flying around it. And, don't let there be two or three flying around. It's pretty pathetic really. But, hey, I'm not used to critters. It took me over a year to get over the Gecko's. I could go in the mornings, but, I typically don't get up until about 10:00a.m. By the time I get up, wake up, and get get it together, it's too dang hot to be outside. IDK...I think I'm making excuses. LOL

So...anyway...what else has been going on?

I'm planning my next vacation. I've been doing so much research it's bordering on city "stalking". It's going to be wonderful. Three days in Amsterdam, two days in Brugge, one day in Brussels, and 14 days in Stockholm. Amsterdam is gonna be freakin' awesome. I have us taking bike tours, going out into the countryside, I've located an organic pastry shop that's suppose to be the sh*t, a vintage clothing shop I've read about that I'm hoping to find a fabulous dress at, and there's a performing arts festival happening while we're there. So, I have high expectations for fun. I hope I'm not disappointed.

What else?

Still taking the photography and writing courses. I have 3 more weeks on this writing course, and I swear I'll be glad when it's done. I'll have a little break before I pick up the next one in the fall.

Oh Yea...I have something I'm thinking about doing. Ramadan is coming up in a few weeks. I'm thinking I'm gonna try and go a whole day, from sun up to sun set without eating. Maybe video tape my lapse into hunger and irritation? That could be interesting. Some people may think, "wow. a day without eating." But, I think it's hard. IDK. I'm gonna let that idea marinate.

Anyway...until next time.

Peace!

Being Fair to Saudi Arabia?

OK...So...I'm gonna address this question. It seems I keep getting it about 10% of the time when I get questions from people online. The last person posted to my BCIS FB page the following: am an american born from saudi parents, don't you think you were a bit unfair describing saudi.

Gawd! Give me a break. The thing is this, I'm writing about my experience the way that I experience it. That's fair. I've admitted on numerous occasions that I have limited experience in interacting with the "Saudi" culture, but I can say without a doubt, as a female I do experience the Saudi culture. The fact that I have to wear the Abaya (when it's over 100 degrees outside), with a scarf on deck and ready, just in case, means I'm experiencing Saudi culture. When I have to hire a driver because I can not get into my car and drive to my friends house on another compound, I'm experiencing another aspect of what is Saudi culture. So, again, I'm being fair.

On the other hand. Would I like to go to a Saudi wedding? Hell ya! That would be cool. Would I like to sit down and talk to other Saudi women in their environment? That would be cool as well. But, you have to admit, it's hard to make that happen. In fact, you can't make that happen, only they can. Saudi people are private people. I know Westerners who have lived and worked in the Kingdom for years, and have never had these experiences. I live on a compound, and I don't work. So...

I realize that there are some people who, for whatever reason, cannot stomach something they like or love not being perfect. This must make these people hard to live with. I'm an American and proud to be an American. And, the more I travel the more I realize America is not a bad country to have won the "birth location" lotto. I could have come out out wallowing in poverty in some Third World cesspool. Yet, there are a lot of things I'm pretty pissed off about that the United States is doing right now. I'm more than irritated that we're still in effing Afghanistan and Iraq. WTF!!!!! are we still doing there? I hate that the banks and huge corporations pretty much run the country, I hate our 2-party political system. Yet and still, I'm glad to be an American. And, that is part of what being an American is all about, being able to express our dissatisfaction (until they rescind that right).

I think it's natural to want to defend what you consider your own without looking at the facts. But, that is just being emotional, and lacking in sound judgement.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

2 Damn Hot!!

Ohmigod!! I've always been one who doesn't mind the heat. When people are complaining about the heat, I'm loving it, and wondering what in the hell their problem is. Well, for about the past 5 days, it has been so hot, it has surpassed my level of endurance. I thought I was hard core, going to Vegas in July and August, I've done Arizona in the summer, and I love sitting out in the Saudi sun. But, this heat has got me beat. For about the past week, it's been 108 and up during the day, with 100% humidity, and in the low 90's in the evening. It's horrible. It's as if this is a warning for August, the heat is laughing at us saying, "you ain't seen nothing yet."

Monday, July 12, 2010

Reading, Writing, and Movies


There is grand disappointment in reading a great book and then watching the movie.

A few days back I finished reading Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt. This Pulitzer Prize winning book was recommended in both my travel writing course and again in my memoir writing course.

This book comes alive from the very first page. By the time I was on page 20 I felt as if I've gone through an emotional wringer, and yet I have over 300 pages to go. The descriptions painted the scenes perfectly in my mind, the depth he gave the characters made me feel as if I personally knew every single one of them.

Then you get the movie. The movie version is a hollow shell of what book is. The best way I can describe it is like when those people who think that having their dead dog stuffed will make them feel as if the animal is still there with them. It's like the Cliff Notes version. You get the gist of the story, but not the nuances, depth, or insight.

Early into this movie I knew it would be a disappointment but I continued watching it anyway. And, my feelings didn't change at the end of the movie; it was a disappointment.

Because I watched this movie so soon after reading the book, I was able to see and feel what good writing will do to a person in comparison to a movie. A screenplay is really about dialogue, and the visuals come from what we see on the screen. But a great book will paint a picture and take your mind to places of such depth, that a movie can only dream. This helped me to see what I need to learn, to develop, in order to make my writing better, to make readers see the story as I intend. This book is good story telling at it's finest, and I could only hope to be a quarter, if that, of what this man accomplished in this book.

Anyway...it goes without saying that I'm recommending the book Angela's Ashes.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Just a regular day in the neighborhood

Today was just another regular day in the neighborhood. I got caught up on my assignments for the writing course I'm taking. Yes!! That feels good. Now, I can plan and work on what's due next week. I love this, because I'm forced to be creative on a regular basis, helping to develop discipline and good writing habits. Gawd. At least I hope that's what will happen. Time will tell. I've read from experienced writers that the hardest thing is just sitting down and writing. I know for myself, as long as I keep doing it I'm good. But, if I relax for too long, the longer it takes me to get started again.

I cleaned house, somewhat, I mean, I didn't do much since my househelper was here today. That prompts me to have to do stuff, since I only having him do the stuff that I don't want to do. For example, I have him fold up all the clothes that I've spend that past 2 days washing. I don't like for other people to wash my clothes. The thing is, I take all my under garments out, and put them up myself. IDK, but I think it's kinda weird to have some dude handling my bras and panties. I wonder if other people who have help feel the same way. What was kinda cool though and a first time experience for me was that I had him unpack our luggage from our last trip. A friend gave me this idea. And, I was like, huuuuum...maaaaaybe..... So, here I was almost a week after our trip, and my bags still were laying on the floor, with clothes still in them so.. I was like yep, add it to the list. It was awesome!

Anyway...I updated my travel blog with a cool restaurant review on a Jamaican Restaurant in Stockholm that a friend of my husband owns. You can check it out here: Back A Yard

Peace!!

Monday, July 5, 2010

I'm Back!! And, Here's 2 Catching Up....

Hey Y'all!!

Some of you may ask, "where in the heck did she go?" Actually I did go somewhere. But what I'm referring to is my blog going offline for the masses. Well, it's back live and in living color. LOL. I took it offline for a few weeks, for reasons I will not mention here. During that time, I went to Stockholm, Sweden for a week. Love, Love, Love Stockholm. I lived there for a brief period from '99 - '00, and when I left, I wasn't ready to leave. This time, 10 years later, when it was time to go, I wasn't ready to leave.

We spent most of our time visiting old friends and family. I played tourist, which isnt' hard to do in Stockholm since history is right at your feet. If you wanna check out my Swedish Adventures, you can check them out at the links below. These are the prelim's. I have more photos, restaurant reviews, etc. coming down the road as well.

Gamla Stan - Stockholm's Old Town

Oh Yea! I've had a few other things happen while I was offline that I'd like to share:

*My restaurant review on Mama Testa, a mexican restaurant in San Diego, was picked up by a new magazine out of Bahrain and will be featured in their Food & Travel section. I will post that as soon as I get my copies. So, that's kinda cool.

*I wrote an advice article for Expat Arrivals titled, Women in Saudi Arabia, and have become one of their "local experts" for Saudi Arabia. That's also cool as well.

My travel writing course ended 2 weeks ago, but my Memoir writing course started 3 weeks ago, so I'm still busy writing, writing, writing. I'm taking the courses to make me accountable. This way I have to write something and turn in on a weekly basis, and I'm learning a lot, honing my writing skills, and I must say, I'm having fun with it.

I think this brings you up to date.

Peace!!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Do They Lose Their Freaking Minds?

Okay. So, I've discussed this with a friend. But, I'm gonna throw it out there. There are a lot of people here, who don't have the sense or courtesy that God gave to an ant. And, we all know ants have no courtesy. They get all up in your stuff.

I've grew up in fabulous Sunny San Diego, and before coming to Saudi, spent the last 10 years in equally fabulous Seattle. People are friendly and there is a certain level of common courtesy. You will find that certain level on common courtesy pretty much throughout the United States. However since I've moved here, I've run into some of the rudest MF's ever. A friend of mine who has been here for several years tells me that, most of those types fall into 2 groups. Group #1 - the trailer trash who now have a little "bit o money", so now they think they're better than others. Group #2 - the one's who have been here so long they have lost all social skills.

Let me state...that not everyone is like this. There are a lot of good decent people here. But, in every group...the assholes will always stand out. It's like the funda"mentals" Why is that? IDK

For example...there's this biotch...who from the 1st time I met her she was a biotch to me...and every time I see her...she has some shitty comment. I think she falls into Group #2. Then add a touch of control freak, then you got a biotch on wheels. Then there's the woman who when introduced to me as an American, she clarified by stating, "southern American", with extra southern twang. Like, WTF? I was so close to telling this cow...thanks for the warning because I didn't notice her Klan hat. But...I let it go.

So...when you come here...you have to wade through the BS and the BS people. Then, with patience, persistence in putting yourself out there, and not being afraid to just hang with yourself (I LOVE myself) until you meet people with whom you vibe; the day will come when you meet someone who actually has a personality, that doesn't revolve around talking about other people or trying to control them...they're just good, cool people to hang with. Then you will see it start to turn around. If you're lucky that will happen right away.

It took me about 4 months. It may not have taken so long if I hadn't went back to the states for 2 months during that period. Now...I have friends, we vibe, we hang, and it's all good. And, trust me...your friends are what help you make it through while living here.

I'm Famous

I was at another Masalama party last weekend. (If you don't know what this is, go here: http://blackchickinsaudi.blogspot.com/2010/01/masalama.html). While in the kitchen chatting someone up, I saw 3 young ladies leaving, and as I looked at them, one said, "You're Black Chick in Saudi". Tentatively, I was like, yeesssss. And, they were like;

"ohmigod! I love your blog. I've been reading it, and it really helped me when I was thinking of moving here".

This isn't verbatim, but as I remember it, since it's been about a week since this exchange. But, I was like; wow. These 3 young ladies had been reading me blog, they were 2 months in, and was thankful to me for putting it out there and being truthful about my feelings and experiences. One of them said, what they liked about my blog was that I was "real and truthful". It made me smile, since all I ever wanted to do it put out my experiences as they are. Versus white washing (which Americans love to do) my experience to appease others.

It always feels good for people to give you validation for what you're putting out there. And, if it helps people, that's even cooler.

I think the reason people who are considering moving here have found my blog helpful is because if you read from the beginning, you will see the transition to me settling in. Everyone goes through culture shock, and this culture is shocking, LOL, so it's even harder to transition through.

I got their names, but of course, I don't remember them now. Ladies, where ever you are, THANKS!!! You made my evening!!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Still Among the Living :-)

Today while reading my lecture on New Media and Photography for my Travel Writing course I realized that I had not posted to this blog in about 3 weeks. Well, actually, I realized it about a week ago...but nothing new is going on.

Still doing the following: (1) 5th week into my 11 week Travel Writing course; (2) I'm still working out my Photography course, I'm on Lesson 7 out of 12 Lessons; (3) Still trying to lose the weight gained during my last "ReFat" (I stole this from a chick I met in the gym, she calls the RePat, ReFat); (4) hanging out with friends in Dhahran weekly. This one activity helps tremendously with the level of boredom I feel living in Ras Tanura.

Anything new? Oh Yea...I'm going to start a new writing course in June on Memoir writing, and I'm picking up a course in Photoshop when I get back from a brief vacay in June.

I'm going to Stockholm in June. Im sooooooooo looking forward to this trip. I haven't been there since I moved back to the states from Stockholm in Feb 2000. The summers in Sweden are beautiful. This should be a really good trip.

I have a few fun filled activities coming up over the next few weeks, that should prove to be a blast, so I will share and post pictures.

What else? I don't think there is anything else I want to share.

Peace!!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

I'm Back................

I've been back in Saudi Arabia for a week now. It's always hard for me to get back on track with everything (workouts, assignments, projects, etc.) when I've been gone for 4 weeks...this time I was gone for 8 weeks. So...I'm way outta whack and off track. 8 weeks of nothing to do except for what you want to do. So...I over indulged in everything that I like to do. LOL. One of those things being Mexican food. I love, love, love Mexican food. Oh Yea...and cookies and cupcakes. I didn't over do the cupcakes too much...but the other stuff....gawd...I was all over it. And, guess what? I brought some of it back with me in the form of 15 extra pounds of fat on my stomach, ass, and thighs. The good news is that I've already lost 4 of the 15 pounds. I have to lose the other 11 pounds before 5/20. I'm not concerned...I know I can do it.

See...what happens is this...while in SA I can never (okay, hardly ever) find the really good stuff that I like. I think anyone who is living away from home, has certain things they miss. So..when I'm about to go home, all I can think about is....I'm going to Mama Testa's (Mexican food) or Uncle Biffs (cookies) or Cupcake Royale or King's Fish House, or.....So, you can see how I can easily put it on...then when I wasn't eating...I was lounging. I did a lot a travel back and forth between San Diego, Los Angeles, and Seattle. In each one of these locations, I have my favorite food.

I took TONS of pictures. As I sort through them, I will post for your viewing pleasure. :-)

What else, what else? Oh yea...I spent time with Henry (my son)...it's always good to see him. He's quite handsome I must say...and has turned into a nice young man. It's kinda a trip to see your baby with a "man" body and man muscles. And, pretty much living his life. And, he's not doing too bad. Gawd. I'm getting old. But, not old enough for grandchildren, so I hope I don't get that surprise before 2015.

Anyway...I'm glad to be back in my place with my things. I will try to post more often...but it's always the same 'ol same 'ol so....

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Decided Not 2 Go Back

So...we're on vacation in San Diego. Traveling back and forth between San Diego, & LA. The weather was nice....I was in my element. My element being; I'm driving, my music is semi-cranked, my sunroof is open, and I'm just cruising. I go by Starbucks...pick up my drink; a double shot of Espresso, and a Iced Passion Tea Lemonade (I like to think of it as 2 shots and a back lol)...then I head to Venice Beach (it could be any beach for that matter, but in this case it was Venice beach). I'm cruising. The day is beautiful...people are hanging and I'm people watching. That's when I do it. I decide I need more time...Im not ready to go back to Saudi Arabia. So...I'm staying a few extra weeks.

Forgive me for being incommunicado but, I'm having too much fun. I'll be back in the Sand Pit in a coupla more weeks. Then when I've recovered from jet lag...and I'm back to the "routine"...I'll be back to blogging.

These photos were taken while I was driving to Venice Beach on that very day. This is what I saw, and all I could think was...I don't want to leave.










Sunday, March 7, 2010

Saudi Bloggers...

...are making news. Check out this article post on the Fox News website regarding Saudi bloggers. Really interesting. I actually visit these sites on occasion. It just goes to show...you never know who's reading.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Still on Vacation

Yes...I'm still on vacation and playing "hometown tourist" in San Diego. Went to Sunset Cliffs today. Back in da day...this was a spot that we'd (my friends and I) hang out at...and do stuff that young people do. ;-)

You can check out the beauty of this locale here: Sunset Cliffs National Park


Sunday, February 21, 2010

Not in Saudi...

I'm in San Diego...crashing at my Mom's place. It's 4:04AM...I'm up up up. This is the routine. Which is why wasn't really looking forward to coming back to the San Diego. I was just here last November '09 and the jet lag was horrible. For some reason, it affects me more so than Roland...because as I type, he's in there sleeping hard!! When I return, it will be even worst. Okay...no more whining.

I think I'm gonna go lay down. I hope I fall asleep.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Introduction

Hello Fellow Bloggers!!


My mom has a friend who has taken a job and moved to Bahrain. She's a newbie to the Middle East. So...let's give a warm welcome to Jorgi. You can keep up with here adventures here: http://overseasadventures.wordpress.com/



Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Photography...

I joined the RTPA (Ras Tanura Photography Association). We had a session on "light painting". I've never heard of this technique before. Not that I would have since before Christmas...I was exclusively a Point n Shoot gal. It wasn't until I started working on my travel writing that I decided to up my photography game. And, I love it!! Who knew I had an eye...I sure didn't. I'm still in the infant stages when it comes to learning my camera, and how to use the shutter speed and aperture to get the best effects, etc. etc. But...learning is part of the fun. I'm also, taking what is equivalent to an online photography course taught by a photographer who lives on camp. It's getting me off of the "preset" settings, and working more with the advanced settings. Which is cool. I hope to one day take the Photographer Expedition Weekend with National Geographic.

The 2 photos I'm sharing are pics that I've recently taken. I love the one with the palm tree. But, if you look closely you can see the shadow of my big head in the frame. Argh!!!!! But...these are the things I'm learning and working on. The Guitar is one of the light painting technique photos I took last night. It was my best photo of the evening.

Anyway...this is just a brief update as to what I'm doing in the sand pit.

Peace Y'all!!




Thursday, February 4, 2010

The Portal Was Open

A few days back I was standing in line in the produce section of LuLu's. There is a area in which you can have your fresh pineapples, peeled and sliced for you. So, while we're standing there, waiting for our turn, the Saudi lady (completely covered, with the exception of her eyes) standing in front of me, just started talking to me. I have NEVER had this happen before. Ever!! She asked me if I was from South Africa. I told her no, that I was American, from California. She said that's nice. She then commented on the price for the pineapple cutting service, blah, blah, blah. But the funniest past was when she asked if I was married, I said, "yes, this is my husband right here". And, she looked at us and said "oh...you don't match". LMAO!!!! Oh-mi-god. Roland said something, I can't remember now, but we all laughed. And, the fact that she spoke to me...I just loved that. Some times I want to speak, but honestly, it's kinda intimidating to speak to someone who you don't know and their face is covered. I'm glad she reached out.

Then, while in Tamimi's (Safeway/Vons in the states) this Saudi man overheard my distress over the guy at the deli counter telling me that they didn't have any of the Palestinian Olive Oil (This stuff is the sh*t). He goes, "there is a store, not to far from here, and they sell Palestinian food products". After it was all said and done, this guy had drew us a map, told us to bargain (despite the price marked), and to sample before I buy (sometimes they will try and foist the cheaper stuff on you). After we thanked him profusely, he was like, "no problem. I lived in the United States once, and people helped me". Can you believe this guy? Freakin' Awesome!!

Then...(yes there's more). We're on our way home from Al-Khobar (the location of LuLu's and Tamimi's) and while at a red light, the guys next to just started bobbing their heads to the Reggae music we were playing. Then they turned up their stereo so we could hear what they were listen to. At this point we rolled our window down further and asked them what they were listening to, and they said Arabic music. We said, "cool. we're listening to Reggae". and they're like, "yea, we know...we like it". The light turned green, and we all smiled, waved at each other and went on our way.

I tell you...the portal to the Saudi people must have been open that day, because I've never had this experience, let alone all in one day. So...I'm still trippin' off of it. And, I laugh every time I think of this lady saying, "But, you don't match". LMAO!!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

It's a Small Small World

In April 2006, Roland, my mother and I went on a 12 day trip to Thailand (Bangkok and Koh Samui). At 1:30am as Roland was handling the bags, I went to the counter to check us into our hotel in Bangkok. While in line I notice a Black lady speaking "American" english to the desk clerk. So, when she was finished with her transaction, I asked her where she was from, she stated that she was from Oakland, California, but was currently residing in Saudi Arabia. As I was checking in, she went on to tell me a little about her life in Saudi Arabia. At that point, I think she said she had been there 4 or 5 years, and that she was working there as a nurse. She went on to tell me all these other things she liked about living in SA. Then I started telling her how Roland had heard about a job opportunity in Saudi Arabia...but that things hadn't come together yet for him. I asked her what company she worked for, and she said, Aramco. And, I'm like, ohmigod. So now I'm getting Roland's attention, and introducing them and telling him how this lady works for Aramco. Blah, Blah, Blah. We exchange email addresses. But, that was really the end of our contact, there were a few (and I mean about 2), email exchanges, but we never really connected.

Well...today, we were in Dhahran, taking care of some banking business. Of course...there is a wait at the bank, so I go to the car. After a while, I decide to go back into the bank. I locate Roland and I see him talking to this black chick. I go over, and he introduces me, and we looking eachother in the eye, and at the same time, we were like, "ohmigod, you're the person I met in Thailand". LOL...we jumped up, hugged eachother, and tried to get caught up...as if we had known each other all our lives. LOL. It was so cool. She asked how my mom was, she updated me on her stay in Saudi.

Whenever this sort of thing happens to me...I view it as a sign that I'm exactly where I'm suppose to be in my life.

I said all that to say...it's a small small world

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Masalama...

kinda means...go with peace.

This past weekend I attended a party...it was fabulous. Food....DJ....Dancing...the whole nine. That was the up side...the down side, was that it was a Masalama party. These are parties in which the person who the party is for is leaving The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I will go to another such party in February. Even though...as I've stated that most people are here for the money (not saying there aren't other benefits, but this is the main one). But, what makes your stay fun, and doable are the great people you meet along the way, and develop friendships with. This is one of my favorite things about living here. I'm meeting people who come here from all over the world. It makes for meeting a variety of interesting characters. However, at some point, you're going to be saying goodbye to some of your best friends, whom you've met here, hoping that one day your paths will cross again.

See...the thing is, we all have an expiration date. Once we've hit our date, either by their choosing or our own choosing, either way, eventually, you will be leaving the Magic Kingdom. It makes for mixed feelings when you're attending a Masalama.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Arab Rappers? Who Knew...

My first music genre of choice is, R & B, then Hip Hop, then, Pop (top 40), but I can appreciate a lot of music. I came across this video. Arab Rappers. Arab Hip HopFemale Arab Rappers? Who knew? Well...now I do. Check it out. Listen to the interviews... It's really interesting.

This Shout Out Is For Ali

So...I'm at a party last night...doing my thing...;-) when a good friend of mine shows up...with 2 young guys in tow. She was at another social gathering, and basically brought these 2 guys along for the ride. As her and I were walking outside so that we could talk and catch up (since the music was really loud inside the house)....this Saudi guy looks at me and says "you're the girl on YouTube". My 1st reaction was, "oh no". If some of you have kept up, you will know that there have been some who don't like my blog, and what I'm writing about....naturally, it has made me kinda defensive. So...when I hear someone I don't know, mention either my blog or my videos, my natural instinct is to put my guard up. Because it's like, they see me and know (or think they do) who I am...but I don't know who "they" are. When I made the videos and created my blog...I had no idea people outside of my friends and family would ever read this thing. Seriously. I only put the videos on YouTube because I needed an embed code to put the videos on the blog (there are space limitations to uploading videos directly to a blog). Personally...I NEVER read a blog before I stared mine, nor do I watch other peoples videos on YouTube. Who knew people were out there just reading random blogs, and scanning videos? I didn't and still to this day...I have very few blogs that I read. So...I'm like, no, no, no. But, he's like, "ohmigod. I love your videos!!! I even put a link to one of your videos on my Facebook status" Uh? What? Again, this reminds me of just how small this world is. Anyway...with those words, "You're that girl on YouTube" began a conversation that lasted for over an hour, with this guy telling me to make more videos, and giving me ideas to what to shoot next, who I can interview, festivals I should go to, etc.etc. It felt so good to have someone who is Saudi tell me, I love your videos, you're speaking the truth from your position, and you should do more.

He really got me thinking....he has inspired me to see how I can make my experience and my sharing of my experience, bigger and better. So...Ali...this shout out is for you. And....

Thank U!!!

Peace!