What's New in 2012

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. 

Pamela The Conquerer

My first trip to the downtown was not so great. I took the bus with a few other women and had Charlotte strapped onto me in a baby carrier. As usual it was hot, so after a few minutes of walking around in my polyester abaya, we were both drenched in sweat. In a couple of hours, I thought my back was going to break from carrying my chubby baby around. I vowed never to go again, but I just couldn't help myself.

A few weeks ago, we decided to join another family and visit the downtown. I figured since we were going at night it wouldn't be so bad. Well, our little excursion was unforgettable. We went to the brass guy to look for some carpets, but the sales person only spoke Arabic, so we tried to locate another shop. Easier said than done. There are no convenient directories on the street corners or a Yelp-Saudi Arabia version. There are rarely street names for that matter. We wandered around a little bit, but couldn't find what we were looking for. Plus side-- we found the open vegetable market, downside--so did the flies. After an hour, we went to a Turkish food place to find out they do not have a family section; therefore, women were not allowed. We returned back to our car empty handed, dripping in sweat in search of finding the nearest MacDonalds. I felt defeated again.

Turns out third times a charm. I went with the ladies on the bus, and I bought a new abaya by haggling (which is a valuable skill in these parts). I also picked up some art, toys, and birthday decorations for cheap, cheap, cheap! The key difference seemed to be limited exposure to the oppressive heat. I also felt immensely proud of myself for being able to carry 20lbs of baby for 3 hours. I don’t know when will be the next time I head out there without my hubs, but I am reveling in my new found downtown independence nonetheless.