Anxious for Riyadh

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is where we are heading to in September 2012. Lately, I've been a little sponge reading as much as possible about Saudi Arabia's culture, customs and history. This very private country has definitely got me intrigued. I can't wait to experience it first hand.

Many of our friends and family have asked me, if I'm scared of going to Riyadh? How will life be like for me? My answer is, " not at all". After all, I was the one who said, let's bid on Riyadh knowing the odds of getting it was huge. You see, I have a sense for adventure and I want to explore places that most people would care less about going to. Of course I would never deny countries like Paris, Italy or Brazil, but why not try something completely different, especially when it's for only 2 years. While we're capable and able, I say bring it!

There's no denying I will experience culture shock when we arrive, but I plan to embrace the people and culture as much as possible. In the meantime, I have been proactive in doing my own research on the country by reaching out to people who are currently living there; checking out books and videos from the library, as well as reading blogs on expats in Saudi. Most of the material are non-bias, which I prefer, and other's are from a Westerner's point of view, and has it's benefits too.

Below are answers to a few questions some people have asked me.

Where will we be living? In one of the compounds.

Will I need to where an Abaya (black cloak) and Hijab (viel)? Not in the compound, even though I will still need to dress conservatively. Outside the compound I will need to wear the Abaya. I need to carry a head scarf in case I am asked to put it on by the Matawwa, their religious police.

Can I drive? No, but I will be able to use the compounds motorpool which are shuttle buses that take the women to run their errands or go places. We can also hire a personal driver, but at this point it's something I am not entertaining.

What is the weather like? Most of the country has a desert climate, which means extreme dry heat during the day and abrupt temperature drops at night. From late September to mid May the temperatures usually are between 75-80 degrees during the day and 50's at night. From May until September is can reach well over 100 degrees. There's little rain fall and winter is brief.

Will we take Dante? Definitely YES! There is a lot of paperwork and procedures we need to follow to get him in the country, but the good news is that he will not need to be quarantined.

What are the attitudes toward foreigners? Visitors and expatriates can look forward to respectful treatment. Saudi's have a particularly high opinion of Americans.

Yes, yes, I am eager to leave because I've been wanting to live overseas for a while now. I also realize how precious it is to be present and live in the moment, and I'm doing that too.

A Real Slice of Pie

Just tucked under the Brooklyn Bridge you'll find a cozy place that may just sell the best piece of pie in all of New York City. When we arrived at Grimald's the line outside the restaurant was long. There's no room to stand inside the restaurant, so bundle up if you happen to go in the colder months. If you go with a larger crowd have them wait in line while you walk down and snap some great shots of the Manhattan Skyline from Brooklyn.

The long lines are not uncommon. It took us a good 45 minute wait until we were sat. At first I was wondering if the long wait would be worth it, but once we got in and ordered our food, I would definitely say, YES! The pizza is crisp, flavorful and you can get varied selections of toppings like fresh basil, garlic, feta, red roasted peppers, and much more. The atmosphere is great, and be sure to check out the photos on the wall of different celebrities who have had pizza there. Make sure you bring cash, and a hardy appetite.

This was a great way to end my last night in New York City. I believe I ate 5 slices of pizza. I can't wait to go back; the pie was amazing.

Cheers to 17 more years!

On December 30th, Billy and I celebrated our 17 year wedding anniversary. We met while working a high school summer job at Sea World in San Diego, Ca.
By the end of summer we were dating; we were 17 years old. At this point in my life, I can't remember my life without Billy.

Meeting Billy and being married to him has been the best thing in my life. I'm proud to say, it's my greatest accomplishment. What I experience with my husband is honestly true love. He's my best friend, my rock, my confidant, and soul mate. When I am with him I am free, and my heart feels complete. May our journey continue to remain on this path because it's a good one.

9/11 Memorial

The National September 11 Memorial was tough to visit, but I felt compelled to go and pay my respect to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001.

If you chose to visit the Memorial while in New York, you must have tickets. They don't cost anything, but you need to go online and make reservations prior to going. Billy was thoughtful to make the proper arrangements for us to go.

The day we went the weather was bitter cold and the gusts of wind in the Financial District were strong, but I'm glad we went. Despite the horrific tragedy that happened at Ground Zero the Memorial was done beautifully, and in some weird sort of way I felt a sense of peace there. Each pool is nearly an acre in size. The pools sit within the footprints where the Twin Towers once stood. The names of every person who died in the 2001 and 1993 attacks are inscribed into the panels edging the Memorial pools. The sound of the water from the Memorial's twin reflecting pools are powerful and tranquil, and the names of the victims will leave an imprint in your heart.

Vegan in Harlem

Anyone wanting to try some delicious vegan cuisine I highly recommend a little hole in the wall in Harlem called "Strictly Roots". It's owned by Rastafarian's and the food is all made from scratch. Here you'll find tofu, squash, seitan, beans, rice, fried plantains, macaroni; you name it.

They rotate dishes so you have some variety every visit. In addition they have made-to-order fresh juice such as sorrel, lemonade, tamarind and ginger drinks that will blow you away. This place also has a really relaxed vibe and you never feel rushed. Oh, and it's inexpensive so you'll have plenty of mullah $$ to splurge on their scrumptious desserts.

Craving a little Sunshine???

In Midtown Manhattan it can be difficult to get a dose of sun. You look up at the clear blue sky, you know the sun is out, but you just can't see it. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out why this is. In case you're stumped? Skyscrapers! They are everywhere in the city. They serve a purpose, but keep the sun from reaching the city streets most of the time.

Here's a little secret though...if you crave a little vitamin D, you're guaranteed to get it at a little well known 843 acre park. It is a picturesque beauty of natural green landscapes and pastoral escapes which provides a beautiful sanctuary for the people who live and visit one of the busiest cities of the world. Yes people, that would be Central Park. It's this cities slice of heaven.

Back in the Big Apple!

Yup, back in New York City!!! My husband had to nearly twist my arm and beg on his knees for me to say, "Yes, I will join you!" Not! Actually the minute he had confirmation of his trip, I went online and booked a bus ticket. Whenever my husband utters the word New York City, my ear perks up and my blood pressure goes up with excitement. Of course I can't resist such an invitation. It's New York City people. If you haven't tried it, I recommend a dose.

Christmas in SoCal

In my opinion Christmas is more meaningful when you are with the people you love, and want to share quality with. Since we don't have children of our own we have always made an effort to be with our immediate family during the holidays. Unfortunately our families are all very spread out, so we have to pick and choose and spread the love out evenly every year.

Christmas this year was spent with my sister and her two kids in San Diego. Seeing them rip through the wrapping paper to get to their gifts; hearing them shout and yell with excitement on Christmas morning made me feel like a kid again. And having Billy, my sister, niece and nephew all at my side was the greatest gift ever this year.

My sister and I also spent a lot of time together. We were able to sit and visit; share new stories, and talk about life. We also love to cook, so it was special for us to cook together while I was there. On Christmas day we prepared scrumptious Brazilian food for the family dinner which turned out amazing.

Next year it may be difficult to come to the US for Christmas because we'll be so far away living in Saudi Arabia. I am grateful and cherish these moments with family and friends. I only wish we could get the entire family together for Christmas. Maybe one day.