Most of you know that we live on a Western compound (I really hate that word--makes me think of being in prison) in a huge villa with a pool. The compound is like a small town with a restaurant, very small grocery store, huge public pool, gym, etc.. We have workers all over that take care of everything--trimming trees, mowing, sweeping the streets, changing your light bulbs, taking down your curtains for cleaning and then putting them back up, people will deliver your groceries and food and on and on. It's a fantasy life here and if we're not careful we get caught up in believing it's real.
The other day I was talking with Peggy--a friend of ours. Her husband's company provides them with a car, Lincoln Town Car Signature Series, and a driver. Neither Peggy nor Ron really wanted a driver--but they got one. They also live on a nice Western compound. They're used to the driver now. He takes Ron to work and then goes back to their villa and waits for Peggy to go out. When she goes out he waits for her to finish shopping and takes her wherever else she needs to go and then he picks Ron up from work.
Peggy was telling me that a few months ago when her Mom was here visiting they went shopping. When they finished and were walking towards the door Peggy's Mom asked her how the driver knows to pick her up. Peggy said she just looked at her Mom--she had never thought about that--the driver just shows us and puts things in the car for her. We started laughing at the story because it's so bizarre to us regular people to have a driver. I mean Trump, Bloomberg and the President I know they need drivers--they're running billion dollar companies and a country--time is money and time is precious. But us?
Laurie and I have a part-time Maid, Maggie, and a gardener, Rajenda. When I come home on Monday I smile--the house smells so clean and fresh. The carpet has been vacuumed, dishes washed, bathrooms (6 of them) cleaned and everything dusted (except the blinds). Maggie also comes in 4 other days to clean up the kitchen and make the beds. I love having Maggie come over. I know I pay her but there's something nice about having someone take care of things for you. When I feel lazy I leave the dishes in the sink knowing that Maggie will clean them. I feel awful that I admitted that. But I really do appreciate Maggie and can't think of what life would be like without her. When I see Maggie on the compound I always smile and wave and she always smiles and waves back.
Our gardener, Rajenda, is a humble man from Nepal. He has a family there and the extra money he makes from me and some others he sends home. Rajenda takes care of watering the plants and hosing down the tile in the backyard (cleaning the bird poop). He even cleans up after I BBQ if I've left a mess. Rajenda washes my car at least once a week--but more if he feels like it needs it.
Last week after we came back from Bahrain the car was dirty. We didn't get home until 930pm. I wasn't worried about driving a "dirty" car. The next day was work. I get in the car and drive it to work. About half way there I realized that Rajenda had cleaned the car. But when did he do this--late Fri, early Sat? I don't know but he took care of me--and I've gotten used to it.
Here on our compound most people have a maid and gardener. I think most of us do need the maid with these huge villas. But most of us could take care of our own small yards--I used to mow our yard in Texas and Fl and that required more effort than watering--what am I doing with a gardener. I used to wash and wax my Merceds at least once a week--and here I've never even washed the car much less wax it.
Yet this is the life here. And it's not just on the compounds--this is how the Saudi life is. Saudi life is even more fantasy. When you go to a fast food restaurant you don't clean off your table--someone else will. When you're driving and throw some trash on the ground--someone will pick it up. If you don't want to carry your stuff to the car--someone else will. If you want something delivered--every store does and they unpack it, put it together and put it where you want and the list goes on and on.
We were in Bahrain last month and ate at Dairy Queen--yum. We got up to leave and didn't throw away our trash. Then we stopped--where was the person cleaning off the table--oh we're supposed to. So we went back and cleaned it off.
The Saudi life has pampered us. But we also know the extra money we give Maggei and Rajenda helps their families to have a higher standard of living (we're helping stimulate the international economy). We really do appreciate all that Maggie and Rajenda do for us. We tell them Thank you all the time. But it is a fantasy life here and you aren’t careful you begin to believe it’s real.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Wild Wicked Weather
The weather in Riyadh has been crazy the last two months. It started with the huge sandstorm that got international press--the worst sandstorm in 30 years or more. I was sitting in my office at the RSAF. General Faisal comes in "Tim, Lenny go to the window there is a storm." We get up and hurry to a window. By the time we got there the sand had overtaken the building. Outside it was red and orange as if the outside was on fire and we were being protected--like a sci-fi movie. The guys showed us what the sandstorm looked like as it came down the street--right out of a Hollywood movie special effects. We left work early and it was like driving in fog--you could hardly see in front of you. Laurie said that some parents were coming to get their children out of school early. Wild.
Then a few days later it rained--which is unusual for this time of year in Riyadh. It wasn't a sprinkle--it was a nice thunder and lightning rain. It washed away the dust and cleaned all the trees. It also flooded areas of Riyadh--then they send trucks to suck up all the water so traffic can flow again. It rained for two evenings--very nice.
After the rains the weather seemed to calm down the sun came out and the ground started drying up. People were enjoying the nice sunny warm days.
Then the winds came. It just started getting windy one day. And with the wind it got chilly. Not freezing--to us it was because anything below 70 is cold. It did drop down to the 50's--people were wearing their gloves and scarf’s. The wind blew for two days--The Wizard of Oz type wind (before the tornado). I was wishing we had a dog named Toto just in case we blew away. Wicked.
Then the winds stopped, no more rain and the sand was settled. The temp was rising to 90--all seemed right. Yesterday a sandstorm. Laurie and I walked out to the car and there was sand everywhere. We decided to pick Timmie up from Taekwondo instead of letting him come home on his bike. We went and picked him up. The wind and sand were crazy.
Last night I went out with the guys. Had a dinner party at a straha (I didn't spell it right but it's a place you rent and then invite your family and friends and have a party--this one had a very small pool, small volleyball court, tent for dining and a room with couches--very nice). There was a gentle cool breeze--as if there had never been the sandstorm one hour earlier. Crazy.
All my Saudi guys were even saying that weather has been crazy this year. The US military put out a warning that wicked weather may be here until May. They also warned that the weather this year has been very unusual. Yeah--wild wicked weather--what an adventure.
Then a few days later it rained--which is unusual for this time of year in Riyadh. It wasn't a sprinkle--it was a nice thunder and lightning rain. It washed away the dust and cleaned all the trees. It also flooded areas of Riyadh--then they send trucks to suck up all the water so traffic can flow again. It rained for two evenings--very nice.
After the rains the weather seemed to calm down the sun came out and the ground started drying up. People were enjoying the nice sunny warm days.
Then the winds came. It just started getting windy one day. And with the wind it got chilly. Not freezing--to us it was because anything below 70 is cold. It did drop down to the 50's--people were wearing their gloves and scarf’s. The wind blew for two days--The Wizard of Oz type wind (before the tornado). I was wishing we had a dog named Toto just in case we blew away. Wicked.
Then the winds stopped, no more rain and the sand was settled. The temp was rising to 90--all seemed right. Yesterday a sandstorm. Laurie and I walked out to the car and there was sand everywhere. We decided to pick Timmie up from Taekwondo instead of letting him come home on his bike. We went and picked him up. The wind and sand were crazy.
Last night I went out with the guys. Had a dinner party at a straha (I didn't spell it right but it's a place you rent and then invite your family and friends and have a party--this one had a very small pool, small volleyball court, tent for dining and a room with couches--very nice). There was a gentle cool breeze--as if there had never been the sandstorm one hour earlier. Crazy.
All my Saudi guys were even saying that weather has been crazy this year. The US military put out a warning that wicked weather may be here until May. They also warned that the weather this year has been very unusual. Yeah--wild wicked weather--what an adventure.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Futball---Soccer
In the US we call it soccer--the rest of the world calls it futball. It's ok to go with the flow--but then what would we call football--...
I'm not a big soccer fan--well I wasn't. Timmie was on a soccer team recently and I went to all of his games--there were only 6. It was nice. I enjoyed them. Timmie has talked about soccer since school started--we even bought him a soccer ball. Almost all the guys in his class play soccer--and they're good at it.
Recently Timmie asked me if I would buy him a Manchester United shirt. We went and looked at the price...$$$.. Wow. I told him maybe later. Timmie said ok. I found out that he told his Mom that he was saving his money to buy the shirt because he knew it was expensive. What a great son. Timmie had to get another tooth extracted and once again did it with no complaining. So when Laurie and I went shopping we bought him the shirt--he was with a sitter. When we got home and gave him the shirt he got the biggest smile--it was like the movies..hugs, kisses, thank you...what a great son.
I'm teaching 15 officers and they love soccer--like all Saudi's. There was a game being played at the stadium and they invited me to go with them. Here I am 43 being invited by these young 20 something year olds. Of course I'll go. They asked me what time I usually go to bed. I told them around 10 or 11--that caused some concern since the game wouldn't start until about 8 and end at 11ish and then we had to eat dinner. I assured them that I could stay out until midnight...but then I would start to get very tired. Smiles and ok.
The guys (Mohamed, Adel, Turki and Osama) came and picked me up at the compound. All were wearing jeans and were ready to host me. We parked across from the stadium so we had to cross two roads--they made sure we crossed together and all made it. We arrived at 5 to make sure we got good seats. We sat at the very top--what a walk (whew) and what a view (wow).
There was excitement in the air. The stadium was pretty full. All of us regular people sitting in the blue seats. Then there are the yellow seats for those that want to pay more and then of course the Royal Box (and one of the Prince's was there that evening--that is kind of wow).
All the guys were singing, clapping and dancing--this sea of white thobes and dark hair--it was a sight. The noise level was very loud--everybody is excited. It was Riyadh versus Jeddah.
Then a dust storm--sand everywhere--hair, clothes, nose, etc.. There was concern that the game would be delayed--but it wasn't. The game started on time.
I really got into it. The next thing I knew the first half was over. Over? It seemed they had only started to play. Now it was time for a 15 minute break.
Mohammed wanted me to meet one of his friends so we went to find the friend. Found him and had a nice chat. From the moment I entered the stadium until we left I was greeted with hello's, how are you, etc..I was the only American and I think the only non-Saudi at the game..it was kind of cool.
Finally the second half starts. A goal--now each team has one. Jeddah gets another and the game is over. I couldn't believe the game was over and it was time to leave.
We leave. Calls are made on mobiles to locate everyone. Two of the guys always stayed with me--to make sure I wasn't jostled or anything.
We get to the car. It's after 11. A discussion on where to go for dinner ensued. They really wanted to take me to an Indian restaurant..but it was too late for that. Then TGI Friday’s was mentioned..but again they were afraid the food wouldn’t arrived in time for to be home by midnight. I told them that if they wanted they could take me home...no..we had to have dinner. We ended up going to McDonald's--fast. They got me home by midnight.
I had a GREAT time. My hosts were awesome. They made sure I was comfortable and was enjoying myself. They even smuggled in water--hid it in their shirts. I am so grateful to them for taking me to the game and so grateful for their kindness and hospitality. The Saudi's can really be a generous people--you just have to get to know them.
Now I enjoy futball. I watch some on TV--not a whole game--but some. Timmie is really getting into now. There's a match between North Korea and another team being held here in Riyadh in May. I really want to go to that one..can you imagine--North Korea. Rumor is that women can go. I'm not sure that I would want to take Laurie. I suppose if we sat in the expensive yellow seats--but then I'd miss the clapping, singing and dancing...the blue seats have more fun. If you’re not a fan…watch some on TV. But to really enjoy the game go see a match live and then hopefully you too will become a fan of futball.
I'm not a big soccer fan--well I wasn't. Timmie was on a soccer team recently and I went to all of his games--there were only 6. It was nice. I enjoyed them. Timmie has talked about soccer since school started--we even bought him a soccer ball. Almost all the guys in his class play soccer--and they're good at it.
Recently Timmie asked me if I would buy him a Manchester United shirt. We went and looked at the price...$$$.. Wow. I told him maybe later. Timmie said ok. I found out that he told his Mom that he was saving his money to buy the shirt because he knew it was expensive. What a great son. Timmie had to get another tooth extracted and once again did it with no complaining. So when Laurie and I went shopping we bought him the shirt--he was with a sitter. When we got home and gave him the shirt he got the biggest smile--it was like the movies..hugs, kisses, thank you...what a great son.
I'm teaching 15 officers and they love soccer--like all Saudi's. There was a game being played at the stadium and they invited me to go with them. Here I am 43 being invited by these young 20 something year olds. Of course I'll go. They asked me what time I usually go to bed. I told them around 10 or 11--that caused some concern since the game wouldn't start until about 8 and end at 11ish and then we had to eat dinner. I assured them that I could stay out until midnight...but then I would start to get very tired. Smiles and ok.
The guys (Mohamed, Adel, Turki and Osama) came and picked me up at the compound. All were wearing jeans and were ready to host me. We parked across from the stadium so we had to cross two roads--they made sure we crossed together and all made it. We arrived at 5 to make sure we got good seats. We sat at the very top--what a walk (whew) and what a view (wow).
There was excitement in the air. The stadium was pretty full. All of us regular people sitting in the blue seats. Then there are the yellow seats for those that want to pay more and then of course the Royal Box (and one of the Prince's was there that evening--that is kind of wow).
All the guys were singing, clapping and dancing--this sea of white thobes and dark hair--it was a sight. The noise level was very loud--everybody is excited. It was Riyadh versus Jeddah.
Then a dust storm--sand everywhere--hair, clothes, nose, etc.. There was concern that the game would be delayed--but it wasn't. The game started on time.
I really got into it. The next thing I knew the first half was over. Over? It seemed they had only started to play. Now it was time for a 15 minute break.
Mohammed wanted me to meet one of his friends so we went to find the friend. Found him and had a nice chat. From the moment I entered the stadium until we left I was greeted with hello's, how are you, etc..I was the only American and I think the only non-Saudi at the game..it was kind of cool.
Finally the second half starts. A goal--now each team has one. Jeddah gets another and the game is over. I couldn't believe the game was over and it was time to leave.
We leave. Calls are made on mobiles to locate everyone. Two of the guys always stayed with me--to make sure I wasn't jostled or anything.
We get to the car. It's after 11. A discussion on where to go for dinner ensued. They really wanted to take me to an Indian restaurant..but it was too late for that. Then TGI Friday’s was mentioned..but again they were afraid the food wouldn’t arrived in time for to be home by midnight. I told them that if they wanted they could take me home...no..we had to have dinner. We ended up going to McDonald's--fast. They got me home by midnight.
I had a GREAT time. My hosts were awesome. They made sure I was comfortable and was enjoying myself. They even smuggled in water--hid it in their shirts. I am so grateful to them for taking me to the game and so grateful for their kindness and hospitality. The Saudi's can really be a generous people--you just have to get to know them.
Now I enjoy futball. I watch some on TV--not a whole game--but some. Timmie is really getting into now. There's a match between North Korea and another team being held here in Riyadh in May. I really want to go to that one..can you imagine--North Korea. Rumor is that women can go. I'm not sure that I would want to take Laurie. I suppose if we sat in the expensive yellow seats--but then I'd miss the clapping, singing and dancing...the blue seats have more fun. If you’re not a fan…watch some on TV. But to really enjoy the game go see a match live and then hopefully you too will become a fan of futball.
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