Or that is what I think anyway. I could be totally wrong, but the two things I am writing about today probably couldn't happen anywhere else. If they can, let me know. I am curious to know if there are other countries as strict as Saudi.
The Bank
We are not in America anymore...Here is my story about going to the bank for the first time. All new hires are taken to the bank, two at a time. Our HR director can't go with women because we have a different door and section. So, his secretary took us. We ended up leaving later than expected and it was a bit of a drive. Once we got there, I was just shocked. I don't know how or why I still get surprised by these things, but it is just so out of my 'ordinary'. We walked in through a back door and up some stairs to the Ladies only section of the bank. It was just so bizarre. Only women in this area. Why? I don't understand why women can go to the same stores as men, covered, but not the bank. If someone knows, fill me in! :) In addition to this, the workers were not covered. They were wearing regular everyday work clothes. Their hair was not covered either. However, all the customers were wearing their Abayas. It was very odd and not what I was expecting. Something else to get use to I suppose. It's the little things that I miss right now, like wearing my clothes and not an abaya, to go out.
My First Restaurant Trip
I finally went out to eat! Yes, we have been here for almost two months and it was my first trip to a restaurant. We have had take out, but I have not ventured to a restaurant until now. One of our staff members that is Lebanese set up a girls night out to go to a Lebanese restaurant. We all met at the parking lot of school, put on our abayas and set out for the evening. It was a fun bus ride, chit chatting with friends. The restaurant was a little farther out since we live in the middle of nowhere. Once we got there, I felt like I was somewhere totally different. The street, which I now call restaurant road, was beautiful! There were palm trees that lined the middle of the road, lit at night by colored lights. The buildings were all new, clean and gorgeous! There were so many restaurants on the road. I can't wait to go back! Getting back to dinner now...As women, we again entered through a back door for the family section. In Riyadh there are men only sections and family sections. Within the family section there are also curtained tables so that women can uncover their faces as they eat with their families. All of us ladies sat at an open table and dined with our abayas on. That was very strange! However, the food was delicious! Also, there is no alcohol so you get asked if you want some juice. I had a mint lemonade that was fantastic. I ate so much I felt sick. It was some of the best food I have ever had. Amazing!
So, I just wanted to paint a few more pictures of what life is like over here in Riyadh. As fall sets in, I am feeling a little homesick. I always loved the fall in Michigan. It is still about 100 degrees here everyday. I look forward to the cool down, which is supposed to come in November. I also miss rain. I don't want a lot, just one day with one thunderstorm. I am not quite sure I will get that! :)
In other travel news, we cancelled our trip to Ethiopia and are officially on our first staycation in 5 years! We plan to relax, go out to eat, have some pool time and hit the malls and markets. It should be a nice week of sleeping in! We have also booked a trip to Jordan in November. We have a three day weekend, so we are going to Petra. I cannot wait! We will be going home for Christmas, which I am also looking forward to. Travis will be able to work on the lake house a bit and I can hang with my mom, sisters and friends! Then we booked a trip to Byblos, Lebanon in February for a long weekend.
The year is already flying by! I can't believe Christmas is only 2 1/2 months away. I am ready to sing Christmas songs and make cookies. ;)
That's all for now.
Christy
