Bidding Season Again

Here we are once again; bidding season. The list came out the first week of August with at least 100 posts to choose from. Out of the 100+ available cities around the world we had to narrow it down to Billy's allotted amount, 15 . After a few weeks of researching as well as trying to be realistic on our bidding strategy, we at least have 13 cities picked. If we get any of our choices during the first bidding cycle it will be a blessing.

We would like to stay overseas at least for another tour, but the competition is high. In my husband's section there are more people than available posts overseas, which means, politicking, waiting in line and taking turns. Fortunately, hardship posts always have low bidders. This means we will once again bid on some hardship places in hopes that this tactic keeps us overseas. Unfortunately, this is a way for us to remain overseas, unless Billy decided to do a year unaccompanied tour. Then he would have priority when it comes to bidding for a top notch spot, but there's still no guarantee, plus it's not the route we want to take at this time.

We have until October to submit our bids. By mid November we hope to know where our next home base will be come summer 2014. Maybe it'll be another hardship post, such as Kinshasa or Abidjan; a US field office for 2 years, or if we're extremely lucky Singapore or Pretoria. I am maintaining an open mind and will be happy with whatever outcome.

"Babymoon" in Doha

I had never heard of a "babymoon" until getting pregnant. It's pretty much a trip you take with your husband to relax, unwind and indulge before the sleepless nights, constant diaper changes and feedings begin. Since I am almost 8 months and didn't feel like traveling for more than 5 hours in a car or airplane, we chose Doha, Qatar for our 4 night getaway.

Beach at Intercontinental Resort and Spa

This trip almost didn't happen for us because a week before our trip the embassy issued a travel ban. There was a terrorist threat and it forced the State Department to make a decision to close 19 embassies in the Middle East and Africa region. This included the embassy in Riyadh. For 6 days we were quarantined in our residential area. There were restrictions of going into the city, as well as, traveling, which meant no Doha. We called our hotel and canceled our reservations. 

On the 7th day there was a meeting and the travel ban was lifted. Thankfully the ban was lifted one day before Eid, which coincidentally was when Billy had asked for time off. Eid, is the last day of Ramadan and it's a one week holiday in Riyadh; the embassy is closed during this time. That very day Billy re-booked our hotel, found a pet sitter for Dante, and we were off the next day. Doha is only a 5.5 hr., by car from Riyadh, so we decided to drive. 

Downtown Doha

It was a little surreal for me to be in Doha because for almost 4 years my dad had lived there. Unfortunately he's on the other side of the world living in Brazil now. It's just kind funny how things happen sometimes. 

Our trip to Doha was purely to relax and spend time with each other. If lounging in the pool with lemon/mint coolers was all we did then it would have been perfectly fine with me.The weather was extremely humid and hot, so during the day we did hang out by the pool and drink coolers, but in the evening we explored and had great food (Thai, Mexican, Syrian and Seafood).We visited the souq, the grand mosque, the Islamic Learning Center, Katana, and a few other places in the city.

Souq Waqif

The day before our departure we pampered ourselves with a 2 hour massage and a fine dining experience at the "Fish Market". I even had a glass of red wine with my dinner without an ounce of guilt. It tasted so good! Some time in January we'll be ready for another trip. Only it will no longer be just the two of us traveling. We'll have a little sidekick by the same of Lucas Mateo tagging along with us for a while.

Over the One Year Mark

July 22 marked our one year anniversary here in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A year into Riyadh and my thoughts and attitude have changed slightly about this post.

It's definitely an interesting yet bazaar place to live. Every day, I continue to learn something new about the Saudi/Arab culture. I don't regret coming here because the experience I am gaining is something unique and will always cherish. I may not agree with all the rules, and at times I get frustrated, but I respect the Saudi culture and the people here. They are genuine with strong values, trying to hold onto it's culture as globalization keeps taking over this region.

In the beginning everything was a novelty, but after a year of going to the malls, the souqs, grocery stores and the good restaurants there's not much to else to do. I now find my life to be very confining here. One reason I find is because women can't drive and I must rely on the embassy's motor pool or on my husband to go everywhere. There is no public transportation I can take, such as buses and metros. There are taxis, but the embassy advises us against it. Wearing the Abaya doesn't bother me too much because it's convenient, but I don't feel it should be mandatory for women to wear. Prayer 5 times a day has become a bit of a nuisance because everything closes during prayer and it makes it very difficult to go out during the day. I miss movie theaters, live concerts, music on the radio, festivals, entertainment, parks, and women and men sitting outside together having a cup of coffee.

On the other hand Saudi is an extremely safe place to live. Crime is very low because of their harsh punishment laws. All the material things I need or want can be found here.The grocery stores are always stocked, and there's even a commissary, but sometimes that's not enough. 

Thankfully, Billy and I have built good friendships here and that has been a true blessing. During the day I keep myself busy going to the gym, taking Arabic classes at the embassy, cooking, baking and hanging out with friends. Billy picked up tennis again after a 4 year hiatus and he is loving it. We have to get creative with our time here, and some how we make each day count. In October our baby arrives and I am sure he will also keep us busy. Soon enough it will be time to move and restart life again in a new location. That in itself can get a little redundant and challenging, but that's another story to tell.