Driving in Riyadh!

In Shanghai we loved the public transit. It was super easy to get almost anywhere in town. Taxis were cheap and there were plenty of them. The subway was a 5 minute walk from our door and was even cheaper than the taxi rides. Not to mention the many shops, restaurants and bars that were just a short walk away. Here in Riyadh, you have to drive. Now, first, I will say that we have a lot on the compound that can help us survive. The grocery store has plenty there and is not too much more expensive than the other stores. There is a Costa Coffee, Burger King and more restaurants coming. The pools are gorgeous and the rec center is fantastic! Here are some rec center pictures.

 indoor pool

 indoor basketball court

 Soccer field

gym

But, if you want more than that, you must drive. I know to those of you living in the suburbs that may not seem like a big deal. When you live in a big city, it's a pain to drive. When you live in a big city in the middle east, it's scary to drive! The drivers here are fast. Fast as in 180 kph! There are not many lights and other traffic rules are more suggestions than anything else. Now, add in the fact that we live in the newer section of town that is under major construction and is very confusing because of roads randomly closing or no street signs, or streets with names that are too long to remember and you will picture our driving situation!

Our first few days we were driven around in a bus. It gave us a chance to see things and understand a little bit about the driving. On Friday, it was time for us to do the driving. And by us, I mean Travis, because women can't drive in Saudi. All of the new teachers, that are currently here, got in their cars and followed our HR friend to Saco. On the way there, it was not bad. We were third in line out of six cars and the traffic was light. We all made it, surprisingly, without a problem. Then we did some shopping. Saco World is kind of like a Home Depot or Canadian Tire (I'm told) but without all the lumber (HD) or tires (CT). We spent some big bucks on a microwave, juicer, blow dryer, straightener, shoe racks and of course Travis wanted a barbecue. All went well until we had to stand in line for delivery and installation of the barbecue. Travis literally waited for 45 minutes to pay and tell them where we live. He only took 5 minutes, but the people in front of him were drawing a map to where they lived and it was taking a while. Finally, we were done. Oh, also, there were women working there. That was the first time I saw a woman doing some sort of job. On the way home, traffic was worse and we were last in the lineup. It was a bit scarier, especially because we had our friends' two kids in the backseat, so we were trying to drive extra carefully. It was not easy with others driving fast to pass you or cut you off, you having to cut someone off because you don't know where you are going and you don't want to lose the group! We made it home and Travis said it was much better than he expected, so that was great! There was only one really scary time when he had to floor the gas pedal to catch up, but then slam on the breaks as to not run into the car in front of us. ;)

Here is Travis driving and a picture of what it looks like ALL around us, sand, sand, sand, construction, construction and more sand and construction.

Travis did a great job driving! When we got home, we went next door to take a look at how they arranged their living room and dining room. We have noticed that the villa we live in is beautiful, but not really functional with the space and furniture provided. Tracy (teacher living next door) had explained to me how she did her space so I went to take a look. We ended up staying for hours and eating dinner over there with Tracy, her husband Ian and then two other friends (from Michigan that looked at the exact same lake house as us!!! How crazy is that?!?!) that also work at our school. The four of them came last year and were so welcoming to us. It was a great, unexpected night! 

One of my favorite things about living abroad is the people you work with. I have said it a million times before, but they become not just your friends, but your family. You are here alone and you need others in so many ways. When you live in your home country, you are usually a drive or short flight away from family. Abroad, it is so different. Everyone bonds instantly, and you rely on each other and would do anything for others. We were so blessed in Shanghai to have the friends and family that we had there. They will NEVER be replaced. But, it is so nice to see that this is another place where we will surely make more 'framily'. 

I will leave this post with a picture of our first sunset in Riyadh that we actually saw. :)

Love and hugs from the Riyadh Klumps!