A Very Short Season

Turns out our softball season ended before it even really started. During practice Billy caught a line drive with his left hand which fractured his 5th metacarpal. Who would of thought softball was such a rough sport? He ended up having minor surgery and staying a couple days in the hospital. Thankfully there was no need to transport him to London for the surgeon here came highly recommended.

A week after this happened I started to have GI issues and have been asked to take it easy for a month until my inflammation goes down. It's looking like I will need to have surgery in Riyadh in the very near future too, but I'll cross that bridge in a month. We've now been officially indoctrinated into the Saudi Health Care System and we feel confident in saying it's comparable to the States in many ways. Guess there will be no need to order those tight spandex, cleats and a glove after all.

When in Riyadh, Play Softball!

I don't know how this happened, but it did. When we arrived in Riyadh we heard about a softball league which was starting up soon. Of course I had no interest in signing up. Softball has never been my thing. Last time I played the sport was in PE class in high school. Little did we know that the coach for the team would be my husbands boss, so of course Billy signs us up. Before our first practice, I tell Billy, "I will just go and see if it's something I even want to commit to". After all, there are practices and games, and I know the team will depend on its players.

Our first practice turned out to be a lot more fun that I thought it would be. Good thing I'm well coordinated and I didn't make a complete fool out of myself. I was able to catch most of the balls, and hit the softball more than a couple times. Maybe I'll be nominated for "most improved" player of the season. After all, everyone else including my husband are far better than I.

Needless to say, I caught the softball bug. Yes people, we are now officially on a coed softball team in Riyadh. We'll be competing against the different military branches that are stationed here. We've had two practices so far and our first game is coming up some time this week. Now I have to look the part; I see tight pants, cleats and gloves in my near future. Our "Patriots" jersey will be arriving soon. I've even asked the only other girl on the team who played softball in COLLEGE to give me some pointers. We'll see what this season brings. It's all in good fun, right? At least I hope so.

A Day at the Edge of the World

96 km northwest of Riyadh lies the magnificent sight of the Edge of the World. Here the cliffs of the Tuwaiq escarpment drop away giving splendid views over the plain below. We left bright and early from Riyadh with a small convoy of 2, 4x4  Toyota's, and a couple of drivers who knew how to get our group of 7 safe and sound to this spectacular place. Even with a GPS it would have been pretty hard for us to go solo the first time. Finding this place is a little challenging because it's off the beaten path. 

We drove for a good hour until we veered off the road onto gravel and sand. There were no signs or markers telling us where to go, only tire marks on the sand. We passed several camels out in the dessert. The only time I had seen a camel was at the Wild Animal Park in San Diego. Now here they were just out in the wild traveling in packs. 

We also saw goats being herded by the man below, who waved at us after I took his picture.

Long haired goats enjoying the shade.

Goat Herder

After a half hour trek in the desert we reached the Edge of the World which is part of the Tuwaiq escarpments that runs 800km from the south to the north central region of Saudi Arabia. There are many narrow valleys and wadis. The panoramic views are endless and the cliffs are breath taking. But watch out for your step, because one careless move could be deadly.

View of the valley from the top of one of the cliffs.

Edge of the World back drop

We spent a couple of hours exploring the area, hiking from one mountain peak to another. Once the sun started to warm up we got back into the SUV's and found a nice shaded area to have a picnic. Each one of us brought something to share so we had a wonderful array of yummy foods to chose from. Next trip out will probably be an overnight one, but we'll have to wait until the weather cools down some.

Breaking the Rules in the Stall

Up until yesterday it was Ramadan and one of the rules during this time is: no eating in public until Iftar, which is after 6:30 pm. Mid morning a girlfriend and I decided to go pick up our new Abayas, go to the shopping mall then head to the grocery store. I left the house having only eaten a bowl of cereal and a cup of coffee, which is the not the greatest sustenance. At least not when you're in Saudi during Ramadan. Most restaurants, food courts, cafes are closed during the day because it's illegal to eat in public during the month of Ramadan. You can't even have a glass of water in public.

Of course, I walk out of the house not prepared for the day ahead. By the time we get to the shopping mall, my friend and I are literally thirsty and starving. Plus, we still have to go grocery shopping, and you know how that is when you're hungry. As we're walking in the mall we miraculously see a bakery ahead and it says "OPEN". The smells from this place draws us like honeybees to the honeycomb. Before Iftar, we can't just sit at the cafe, order a nice hot pastry with a cup of coffee and eat. No way! You must take it to go and savor it later in the evening.

Our game plan starts to unfold. We order 4 croissants with cheese and a couple drinks to go. We head into the ladies bathroom and walk into one of stalls together. Thank goodness the bathroom was empty when we walked in. The doors to the stalls were of  regular size, so no one could sneak a peak. We locked the stall door, opened up the to-go box from the bakery and had a nice little lunch next to the toilet. We were both laughing on how crazy we looked. I only wish I had pictures to post.

Week 3.5

Fort along the wadi trail.

I've been receiving emails from friends and family inquiring how we're adjusting to life in Riyadh. It's been 3.5 weeks since we've arrived and so far so good. In my opinion this place is a hidden gem. Many people shy away from Saudi Arabia because they don't know much about the culture, religion, customs, etc..., but for me that is what drew me to this place. The mystique  and misconception of this place intrigued me. I've always been one to want see things with my own eyes and form my own opinion about a person, place or a thing.

The culture shock I've experienced has been minimal, if any. Then again I'm easy going and have an open mind. Of course there are things I see and hear that I don't always agree with, but I respect ones right to live the way they choose. Who am I to impose my thoughts and morals? What makes me happy may not make you happy, correct?

Despite the differences, for example: Women wearing an Abaya in public and not being allowed to drive; prayer 5 times a day; commerce closing for 30 mins during prayer time, and Ramadan slowing things down (which I find refreshing). I find Saudi very westernized. Most Saudi men and women are well educated and have studied or lived abroad. They are not sheltered from the outside world. There is nothing you can't find here. The grocery stores are wonderful and always stocked. The souks (flee markets) are filled with beautiful decorations, one more intricate than the other. The shopping malls have everything from H&M to Louise Vitton, and the shoes styles are endless. Since women have to wear Abayas here, they love their shoes and purses.

Mostly I have positive things to say; that's my personality. I tend to always look on the bright side. Of course there are negatives. I don't like to see all the stray cats in the DQ. I want to feed them all and take the little tiny kittens home with me, but that would be an endless battle. I also feel bad for the migrant workers who are usually from Bangladesh, Pakistan and India who are treated like second class citizens, yet are the foundation of the economic boom of this country. Recycling really doesn't exist here. Women's rights still lack some basic freedoms, such as the right to drive, or vote. But there are issues like these in many places, some even in the good ol' USA.

Now for the true confession of what I've been enjoying the most thus far...not having my husband traveling all the time and working only a block away from our house. We can have lunch together at the house or at his office. Dante is in a spacious house and loves going on long walks on the wadi. We've been meeting and socializing with some great people, and have even managed to make friends from Brazil. What is there to complain about? I would say, nothing.

High Tea in Riyadh

Taking in the view and showing off my first Abaya

I would have never imagined eating scones, finger sandwiches, and sipping tea at the Four Seasons Hotel, especially not the one in Riyadh. The women of the embassy were invited to an exquisite High Tea experience at the Four Seasons Hotel in the Kingdom Tower. This 41 story beautiful skyscraper is owned by Saudi Prince, Al-Waleed bin Talal. This building also houses a 5 story high end shopping center, a skybridge atop the skyscraper which is open to the public and provides a 360 view of the entire city of Riyadh. Needless to say it's definitely posh.

A glimpse of the desserts

High Tea was served in one of the master suites on the 38th floor. We were greeted by the hotel manager and 6 staff members. The suite was knock out dead gorgeous. On every table there were assortments of finger sandwiches, desserts, scones as well as a menu of different teas the staff could prepare for us. The chef was in the kitchen making everything from scratch. I tried fresh green tea with loose peppermint leaves and a Hibiscus Rose which was out of this world delicious. The finger foods were amazing, and the minute a table would start to look bare the butlers would replenish it with more food.


This was also a wonderful opportunity for the women to socialize and get to know one another a little more. Some have been here for a while and are about to depart, and others have just arrived. It's interesting to hear about people's background and how they came to Riyadh and where they are headed to next. In 1994 when Billy and I married I would have never imagined we'd be living in Riyadh and now here we are, having the opportunity of a lifetime, at least I think so. Cheers to that!

Itching to do Something ALREADY!

It’s only a little over week since we arrived and I am already wondering what the next course of action will be.  Once I get the Iqama, internet, cell phone, stock the house with groceries; shop some, go to parties; then what? We don’t have children and once our household items arrive and I get everything organized boredom will sink in.  

I’m already trying to be somewhat proactive and putting some feelers out there. There are many positions available for eligible family members (EFM) at the embassy. I’ve already been approached by a couple departments that have positions coming available. This is tempting because it’s something new.  

There is also a great need for skilled massage therapists, of course the expat community would be happy to be clients. Outside the DQ there may be opportunities to work at one of the lavish hotels such as the Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons in their spa department or even for the Royal family.

Which path do I take??? It will be interesting to see which direction life takes me in Saudi. I’m excited!