Wishing U A Fabulous New Year!!

I've written very little in this blog this year. My focus has been on my travel blog since, as someone mentioned, "you're hardly ever there." LOL. All I can say to that is, "don't hate." (JK) But seriously, it wasn't my intention to be gone, it just worked out that way. I had a lot of things to take care of in the States. Even if I had been here, I wonder if I would have written in this blog, considering that it has served it's purpose for me.

Anyway...

As I was recapping my year, I realized that I've been in the airport 36 times and was living out of a suitcase for 9 or the 12 months. So...where did I go?

You can check it out here:

My 2011 Travel Year End Review

And, as some of you know, I've been working real hard on my photography. I'm getting better but, got a long way to go to be considered good, but we all gotta start somewhere. Following are my favorite photos from 2011

My Favorite Photos From 2011

As you all ring in the New Year, I wish you and yours good health and prosperity.

Happy New Year!!

#BringItOn2012

The Big Thanks Makes It Worth It!!

I regularly receive emails from people who are reading my blog and thanking me for putting it out there. However, lately the responses seem to have increased three fold. It really makes me feel good to know that I've actually helped people. When I started my blog, I was selfishly motivated, I needed to write about my experience, it was cathartic. However, I had no idea that other people would read it and find it helpful. I've had an even greater response from my videos. All I can say is WOW. Knowing that I've actually helped people is what's keeping me motivated to keep this blog going, even though I'm bored with it and want to shut it down. LOL. Before I moved to Saudi Arabia I reached out on Aramco's Expat blog site asking people about living in Saudi Arabia, what should I bring, etc. You know...just trying to get a feel for the place. Well, I got a feel. People were straight up rude. One lady responded, "I don't know what you expect to find here." Another one posted hateful stuff about me (I hadn't even moved there yet). Yet, not one person answered my questions. I was taken aback and disheartened. Especially since when I moved to Sweden I found an online forum for expats in Sweden and everyone was so helpful, and I even met a few friends through the site.

So...to all those people I've helped: THANK YOU!! By inadvertently helping you, I've helped myself.

Following are just a few recent big ups I've received:

Via Twitter:

@BlkChickOnTour take your time terri.U r the first person who is volunteering to collect info on that place.lol.thanks.i will b waiting

Via My BCIS FaceBook Page:

Hey BCIS, I made it through to Saudi, currently based in Aramco Dharhan. Thanks for your blogs. Really a huge help on my adventurous transition. Keep up the good work and stay healthy. So long......

Hello Black Chick. So i've made it to Saudi I have Skype and Face book.. what was I worried about! Thank you for all the advice and help via here and your blog.

Via YouTube:

Hi Terry,

Your thoughts and videos really helped me come here a year ago. Ive always wanted to thank you. My wife and i still quote you "shit aint changing for you"

At any rate, God Bless you.

So...I decided that I'm going to keep this open for a while and if you have any questions about moving to Saudi Arabia, it's best to reach me on my Black Chick in Saudi Facebook page to get the quickest response.

Peace and Have a Great Day!!

New Video: 4 Try Anything Once

The more I try to get away from this blog the more I have something pulling me back. LOL. It must be a sign for me to keep writing. :)

Anyway....

I was contacted by another Black chick named Terri who has a blog called Try Anything Once. She asked me to participate in her Expat Week in which each day for a week she would feature a different expat writing about his or her experience experience. I decided to do a video about me being an American woman living in Saudi Arabia.

You can check it out here: Different Country, Different Customs - Saudi Arabia

Later.....

My Apologies - But I'm Bored With It

My apologies. It would appear as if I've totally abandoned this blog. And, the truth is, I'm considering bringing the Black Chick In Saudi blog to an end. But, I'm not totally sure yet, so I've decided to reach out.

See, the thing is, I started his blog just as the tag line states: How will a Big-Mouthed, Opinionated, Black-American woman fare in Saudi Arabia? Well, we all kind know how I'm doing, I've adjusted to living here and have gotten over a lot of humps and I've earned some lumps. But, I've made it, and I'm still strong. So then, what is there to write about?

If I get away from my original purpose of the blog then it just becomes an online diary. Which may be a little boring (the good juice stuff, I have to save for my book). ;) I'm so bored with Saudi Arabia, that I'm over it, and I'm not interested in this blog anymore. However, when I first started out with this blog, the online support I found was awesome, and just being able to vent to the world how I was feeling was cathartic. Also, I've connected with a lot of great people who've shared with me their stories and have told me how helpful mine had been for them. That's the only thing that has me even motivated to write this piece here. It's the people. So, if you're one of those (and you know who you are) Thank You!!

Also, this past year, I've been outside of Saudi more than in. I was in the States from Jan - June. I just got back last week after spending two weeks in Stockholm. I'm a travel bug, and that's what I should be writing about now.

This is one thing I will promise to the readers of this blog. When I leave Saudi Arabia, I will let you know, and officially close this blog. Until then, if it's still up, that means I'm still here.

Where have I been spending my time? Over at Black Chick On Tour. My blog has been revamped, I've written several new articles in the past month, and, my photography has gotten so much better that I've been sharing a lot more on the site as well.

Check out a few of my latest posts:

Art in The Stockholm Metro - This is my tour of Stockholm's subway stations. Yes!! There is art in their subway.

TweetMeet in Västerås, Sweden - A video of a meeting I had with a new online friend while in Sweden.

Stockholm's World Heritage Site: Skogskyrkogården - This one has a photo that has now become one of my favorite. I wonder if you'll know which one. :)

Waikoloa Rock Graffiti: This here is cool stuff in Hawaii

Anyway, until next time....Peace!!

I'm Back!!

Yes. I'm back in the Sand Pit that I call Saudi Arabia. Why was I gone so long? Was I coming back? Do I still live in Saudi Arabia? These are just a few of the questions I've been asked during my extended stay in the States.

So, yes...I do still live in Saudi Arabia. For some reason I still find it hard to say I live here. I mean, I know I do, but I think because it's all so temporary; while to say I live someplace has a connotation of permanency? IDK Anyway... 6 week stay in the states turned into 6 months. That 6 months turned into what I started to term as my Mind, Body, Spirit Tour.

Living in Saudi Arabia can feel stifling. Imagine living in a fishbowl. Seriously...that is what it's like. It's small and you're 1 degree away from someone you know, with almost every person you see. And, I can guarantee that one biotch that you can't stand is the one you happen to always run into, no matter where on camp you go. I needed a break. I needed to get "back to normal." I needed to make something happen. I was in a rut. So, I combined some new activities, with some old tried and true balancing activities. And, I've had a blast...

I met with an energy healer. Yea...I know. It was a trip. But, it was real. All I will say is that after 2 sessions Nirvair had me "back to my old self." I felt as if a cloud had been lifted. I can't explain it, and it's a very personal experience so I will just leave it at that.

I traveled around a lot. I went to Vegas 3 times. 3 times!! I know!! I have fallin in love with Las Vegas all over again. I'm not a gambler...I just like the Vibe of the town. I went for a wedding in January, which was completely out-of-the-blue, then I went back in April for the Janet Jackson Number 1's performance (which was fabulous and yes, she's still got it), and I went back again in May for the Billboard Music Awards (I don't need to tell you it was AWESOME). I went to Seattle (my adopted hometown) a few times as well.

Towards the end of April Roland joined me in the States and on I continued...

I did a 7-day water fast in Santa Rosa, California. Yes, I went 7 days on only water. What an experience. What I learned is that we eat too much damn food!! For the 1st three days I wasn't hungry at all. My stomach didn't start to grumble until the fourth day. And, I wasn't truly ready to kill anyone and eat them until about the 8th day, at which point I was given a 16 oz glass of fresh watermelon, apple, and celery juice. Yum. HA!!! And, you know what? After 7 days of only water...that juice was the best juice everrrrrrrr. That was followed up by 6 days in Hawaii. We felt like we had to treat ourselves to something. LOL I hiked, ate island fresh fruits, took tons of photos. I swam at the beach for the 1st time in my life. Oh Yea!! I went down a water slide for the 1st time in my life!! OMG!! I was like a kid. I kept going back and back and back. OK. I will tell you. I'm more than slightly embarrassed. Especially, since I grew up in San Diego, and pretty much lived at the beach. I did not know how to swim. Not only did I not know how to swim, I had this freakish, unreasonable fear (even though I would get in the water) of drowning. I've been told this is related to the numerous times I "slipped" into the deep end at someone's pool party (yes, I'm that girl), making a fool of myself. Well...that is behind me. I'm still a newbie...but I took privately instructed, guaranteed to learn how to swim, swimming lessons. Learning to swim was on the Mind, Body Tour itinerary, but I never expected to love it. For me to actually go to the deep end of a pool and jump in was INCREDIBLE.

Mixed with all of this, I took some Photography courses. I have taken so many photos it's ridiculous. I'm slowly going through those, and will post them as I get to them on Black Chick on Tour. I've started a "side" business (I'm keeping it close to my chest, you can't share every thing) I'm feeling really good about, and I can run it from where ever, so , Insh'Allah things will go well. Right now, things are looking promising.

What Else? Oh Yea...I started working out again. Twice a week I did weights with a trainer and the other two days I'd work over the treadmill. I lost 15 pounds. That was after I had gained an additional 5 pounds upon landing in San Diego (what can I say, I love the Mexican food).

Wow!! After I reread this, I'm like...I had a lot going on. LOL.

Anyways...I'm Back!!

My World is Going to Hell in a Hand Basket

Ok...Yea, I am being a bit dramatic. But, let me explain. When I watch the news and I see all of the horrible things that are happening around the world, I try not to get caught up in it. In fact, I limit how much news I watch. I watch just enough to "keep up." Well, you know that has all gone out the window with what is going on in Bahrain. That situation is (1) too damn close to home, and (2) I have friends and acquaintances who live in Bahrain. So, I'm keeping up with what's going there. Then they have the nerve to have a major natural disaster in Japan (trying to make light), and that whole situation is just heart breaking. I was happy and excited for my son when I learned he was headed to Japan to help with humanitarian efforts. Those are the most rewarding life experiences. Well, that all changed when I read on Reuters that US military men who have been in Japan are testing positive for low levels of radiation. WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Really? ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So...I woke up to this news this morning. I'm sure you can imagine that I'm glued to the news via my twitter feed and FB updates. Well.....I just had one of my FB friends post as her status update how great her day was going (this is not a direct quote). And, for a brief moment, I felt like, "I get it," her day is going great. I'm happy for her. And, there is NOTHING wrong with that. What struck me was how distant her life was from what was going on over in Bahrain and Japan. Then I thought about how I always distance myself from this sort of thing. Don't get me wrong, I believe in charitable giving, etc. but to be watching the sh*t all day, bringing yourself down, I'm not for that because the reality is, if you can't go there and help out; send some money, and try to work it out, because feeling like crap about it isn't going to change anything.

I think I'm feeling just a little bit different now. IDK. I can't do anything about it, but I can't stop semi-worrying. It's the bug that has been hanging over my head all day long. I was sure the situation in Bahrain would blow over, now I'm reading that "Shia are prepared to die," I'm like, this could get really, really bad; and it's already bad, meaning it could get worst because this is the type of commitment required to bring about real change on this level. On the same turn, the government has declared a state of emergency, martial law, and curfews are in affect, meaning, they're just as committed. I'm reading reports of Choppers shooting at protesters from the air. Uh...Yea...that's serious.

All of this brings me to wonder what it means. The thing is, even if I agreed with the position of the protesters (I'm not getting involved nor will I discuss it in any comments on this post), I don't want my world upset by it. I mean, that is the real right? Which of course, I might get beat up about for even putting such a thing out there. But really, I'm willing to bet there isn't one expat over in the region who wants their world upset; who wants to sacrifice their livelihood for "their" cause. This realization is also messing with my head, along with the worry I have for my family and friends. So, of course I will spend too much time analyzing this trait in humans and it's affect on society as a whole. IDK. I don't know!! The whole situation is sad. Maybe that's what I'm feeling. Life is full of lessons.

Twitter

I've broken done and got a twitter account. I'm such a boycott or new trending "things," which is a sure sign I'm getting old. Gawd!!! LOL. But, I can be convinced. So, I decided to open an account after quite a few friends said, "You need to get a twitter account." So...please, please, follow me:
Black Chick on Twitter

It's Official: We've Been Warned

Hey Y'all!! I know it's been more than a minute since I've written a post. What can I say...I've been preoccupied, and I'm not in the Kingdom, so...

Anyway...I'm sure some of you have heard about the planned protest in Saudi Arabia in what they are calling the March 11th "Day of Rage." There is supposedly a FB page that has been attracted a lot of attention.

Following is a message I thought I would share. The U.S. Citizen Community received this warning possible about protests, what to look out for, etc.:

WARDEN MESSAGE

March 7, 2011

The Embassy requests that wardens pass the following message in its entirety to members of the U.S. citizen community:

Participants on a few social media networks have called for a “Day of Rage” to take place across the Kingdom on March 11. The U.S. Embassy cannot verify these calls, nor do we have information about exact times and locations of possible demonstrations. However, we take this opportunity to remind U.S. citizens to be alert to their surroundings, to avoid any large gatherings, and to be mindful that spontaneous demonstrations can occur anywhere. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can become confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. If caught unexpectedly near a demonstration, U.S. citizens should obey instructions from the police and leave the area as quickly as possible. Please report all concerns and any demonstrations you may experience to the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh or the Consulates General in Dhahran and Jeddah.

All travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in order to receive the latest travel updates and information: https://travelregistration.state.gov.

The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to always carry cell phones, and make sure they have emergency numbers pre-programmed into their phones such as the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh (01-488-3800), U.S. Consulate General in Dhahran (03-330-3200), and U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah (02-667-0080).

U.S. Embassy Riyadh<http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/index.html>

International mailing address: P.O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693.

Mail may also be sent via the U.S. Postal Service to: U.S. Embassy, Unit 61307, APO AE 09803-1307.

Telephone: (966) (1) 488-3800

Fax: (966) (1) 483-0773.

U.S. Consulate General Dhahran<http://dhahran.usconsulate.gov/>

International mailing address: P.O. Box 38955, Doha-Dhahran 31942.

Mail may also be sent via the U.S. Postal Service to: Unit 66803, APO AE 09858-6803.

Telephone: (966) (3) 330-3200

Fax: (966) (3) 330-0464.

U.S. Consulate General Jeddah<http://jeddah.usconsulate.gov/>

International mailing address: P.O. Box 149, Jeddah.

Mail may also be sent via the U.S. Postal Service to: Unit 62112, APO AE 09811-2112.

Telephone: (966) (2) 667-0080

Fax

The emergency number for the Saudi Police, Fire, and Rescue is 999.

U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs website<http://travel.state.gov/>, where the current Worldwide Caution<http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4787.html>, Travel Warnings<http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html>, Travel Alerts<http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1766.html>, and Country Specific Information<http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4965.html> can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad<http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html>,” which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

No. 04/2011

U.S. citizens are reminded to keep their registration up-to-date. See https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ for registration information. You can also review earlier Warden Messages at http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/service/advisories-for-americans-in-ksa/warden-messages.html.

General Inquiries: DhahranACS@state.gov

Registration Inquiries: RegistrationDHR@state.gov

ACS Website: http://dhahran.usconsulate.gov/service.html

Bahrain

It's been some time since I've reach out with a post. I was going to post an update on what I'm doing while in the US.

However, with all that I'm seeing in the news about what is happening in Bahrain, I felt like I needed to make a comment on it. Politically, I have no opinion that's informed enough for me to express publicly. However, as most of you who have been reading my blog for some time are aware, Bahrain is my stomping ground when I'm in Saudi. I would arrive via that causeway at least 3 - 5 times a month. I went there for parties, spa treatments, to go to the movies (which they don't have in SA), and most importantly to get my hair done. So, when I see the photos of the protest around the roundabout with the giant pearl, I'm kinda amazed. I'm like, I've been there, I know that circle, or I been to that square, or that's the hotel I stay at when I do an overnighter. Typically, when I would see this type of unrest in the news or on the television, it was "foreign". Do you know what I mean? It was like I was so far removed from it...to actually give it much thought (or let's be real, give it any real concern). So, I'm completely tripping when for example I look at a photo similar to the one in the attached article and I know exactly where those two buildings in the background are. More importantly, I know people who live there, and that makes it extra scary.

I think this type of violence is what what happens before any type of change comes about. That's just the way it is...no one in power gives it up with out a fight. And, they're in a "Kingdom." So...

I just hope that the acquaintances that I know who live in Bahrain are OK. I hope the ladies who do my hair are okay (and not just because I need my hair done LOL).

Bahrain Protests: Demonstrators occupy Pearl Square

Bahrain protests banned as military tightens grip