My first year in Saudi Arabia is coming to a close, and I am
reminded of all the experiences that I have not shared due to my newly found
lackadaisical nature. In a last ditch effort to rectify this situation…here are
the highlights…
A Hardy Welcome from Saudi’s
Religious Right It’s not everyday that an American woman, such as myself,
is accosted at the food court by a man shouting, “Ma’am, please cover your head.
If you do not cover your head I will call the police”. So imagine my surprise,
anger, and humiliation when the buffoon kept shouting like a broken record for
a good minute-thirty.
Unfortunately, I was there picking up a quick meal with my two
daughters, so my only recourse was to ignore the man and continue to wait for
our Happy Meals.
Moving Again!!! The mandatory move was not without drama and controversy that fed the gossip chains of our little community for months.
Charlotte’s First
Birthday We were so surprised how many well wishes, and heartfelt gestures
came our way for our daughter’s birthday.
Even though we did not have a big bash to mark the occasion, Charlotte
had a wonderful time with her family eating cake, opening presents and getting
her favorite foods all day long (kiwi’s, mangos, cookies, lentil stew, and of
course cake). Many of our friends
came by to give her presents, including a pink plush chair. Presently, Charlotte
sits on her thrown while she rules her stuffed animals with an iron fist.
New Baby We
recently found out that we are expecting McQueen child number 3!!! So far the medical care has included a
blood test, ultra sound, blood pressure reading, and weighing. No
questionnaires, no exams, no checks for the fetal heartbeat. Due to my own
experiences and hearing the horror stories from friends that have given birth
in the region, I have lost confidence in the doctors here.