Tonight we were in one of the malls—had just finished buying Timmie some pants (he’s become a GAP kid) and we were eating. We were chatting and looking around. I saw this Saudi man with his family. He was looking at me—a slight smile on his face and a small wave.
I looked—he seemed familiar—but who was he. I gave a small wave back. Laurie asked me if I knew the man. I was about to answer her that I wasn’t sure—and then….I realized who it was. It was a Saudi officer student of mine—when I used to instruct at Goodfellow. Then he was Capt Misfer—now he’s a Maj.
I’d never seen him in Saudi dress. He had the same easy going attitude and smile. He seemed happy to see us. He chatted with Timmie. Of course he and I chatted. I got to see Misfer’s three beautiful children. It was just awesome to see him.
Misfer asked me how long I’ve been in Saudi. I told him 6 months—he said it was time I started wearing a thobe. I chuckled at that.
He and his family and are going to be here for 4 months. Laurie and I are going to make a special effort to have them over.
Wow! It was awesome seeing a friendly and familiar face in the big bustling city of Riyadh.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Grocery Shopping
I’ve always loved grocery shopping—or I think I always loved it. Mom would take me to the grocery store and I thought it was awesome. The card store—with all the potpourri and candles—get me out of there (now I appreciate the card store). But there this is whole different adventure while shopping for food.
We normally shop at Carrefour (the second largest in the world) or Danube—both are French. The shelves are all nicely stocked. Danube seems nicer to us—cleaner and higher class—kind of like a Target in the States.
As I was shopping the other day and was in the fruits and vegetables section I looked around—food from everywhere. Potatoes from Lebanon, grapes from Syria, garlic from China, watermelons from Saudi, avocadoes from the US (or Saudi—and the Saudi ones are so good—and much cheaper than the US) and so on. It was the UN of food.
Then I wandered down the other aisles—Coca-Cola from Saudi, Campbell’s soup, cereals from the UK and US, candy from all over the world and pasta from Italy.
The cheese counter—I’ve never seen so many different types of cheese—from the UK, France, Denmark (British cheddar—awesome—melts very nicely on Sheppard’s pie. Then there’s the spreadable cheese—I’m kind of scared of that.
The water aisle has water from New Zealand—and it does taste good. Of course there’s Evian and there’s even water from Saudi.
It just amazes me the variety of foods—and it is a variety—you should all the different rice. I love going grocery shopping here—everything is so fresh. I made homemade chicken soup with fresh chicken from Saudi, potatoes from Lebanon, carrots from Australia and onions from…I forget and broth from Campbell’s. It was yum yum good!
We normally shop at Carrefour (the second largest in the world) or Danube—both are French. The shelves are all nicely stocked. Danube seems nicer to us—cleaner and higher class—kind of like a Target in the States.
As I was shopping the other day and was in the fruits and vegetables section I looked around—food from everywhere. Potatoes from Lebanon, grapes from Syria, garlic from China, watermelons from Saudi, avocadoes from the US (or Saudi—and the Saudi ones are so good—and much cheaper than the US) and so on. It was the UN of food.
Then I wandered down the other aisles—Coca-Cola from Saudi, Campbell’s soup, cereals from the UK and US, candy from all over the world and pasta from Italy.
The cheese counter—I’ve never seen so many different types of cheese—from the UK, France, Denmark (British cheddar—awesome—melts very nicely on Sheppard’s pie. Then there’s the spreadable cheese—I’m kind of scared of that.
The water aisle has water from New Zealand—and it does taste good. Of course there’s Evian and there’s even water from Saudi.
It just amazes me the variety of foods—and it is a variety—you should all the different rice. I love going grocery shopping here—everything is so fresh. I made homemade chicken soup with fresh chicken from Saudi, potatoes from Lebanon, carrots from Australia and onions from…I forget and broth from Campbell’s. It was yum yum good!
Honk!
I know that every car comes with a horn. In the US I’ve even used the horn—but only on occasion. I used it mostly in San Angelo—I got tired of waiting while someone talked on their cell phone and the light was green OR waiting for that “mature” person to find to gas pedal (it’s on the right). But, only occasionally did I use the horn. I loved to hear the Mercedes horn—that was awesome and vintage.
Here in Riyadh honking the horn is part of life. I’ve been here six months now and have noticed that there are three types of honks—the “reminder”, irritation and mad.
The “reminder” is that—to remind the person that the light is green and it’s time to go—even the guy in the back honks (for some reason there’s a hesitation on going on green—not with me), to remind the person backing up not to hit you, that a person is gliding into your lane (they may not see the lines on the road and realize that there are only three lanes and not five), that you want to pass a person, etc.. The “reminder” is a nice gentle honk—or series of honks. No malice is meant—just little love taps.
The irritation is that—someone has irritated you and you want them to know. The driver came around the corner without looking (very common here), the person didn’t stop at the stop sign, the “Saudi sweep” happened (someone from the right lane decides they have to turn left and they “sweep” in front of the other cars going straight—lots of honking—very common), a driver changed lanes without using the signal (that depends on how close they cut you off). The irritation honk is longer—or may be a series of longer honks—it depends on the mood of the driver.
The mad honk—you know it. The horn is blasted for a long time. If the driver could up the volume he would. The mad honk isn’t a common occurrence but when it does occur—wow. The mad honk happens when someone in the left lane thinks you are going too slow and they want you out of the way (we’re going 120km and all the lanes are full—but I know you’re important). It can also happen when a car is backing up and not looking (just recently that happened to me—but nothing happened to my car). The mad honk could also happen when a car is zooming along and then cuts you off (I’ve heard some mad ones—and then the race is on). Again, the mad honk doesn’t happen often—but it does happen.
I used to not honk at all—it wasn’t polite. Then when Laurie and Timmie got here I honked all the time—as if I was now free to honk—forget politeness. I’ve toned down my honking—but I do honk. I wonder if I’ll honk when we come back and visit the US? Oh well—honk if you love Saudi—honk honk!
Here in Riyadh honking the horn is part of life. I’ve been here six months now and have noticed that there are three types of honks—the “reminder”, irritation and mad.
The “reminder” is that—to remind the person that the light is green and it’s time to go—even the guy in the back honks (for some reason there’s a hesitation on going on green—not with me), to remind the person backing up not to hit you, that a person is gliding into your lane (they may not see the lines on the road and realize that there are only three lanes and not five), that you want to pass a person, etc.. The “reminder” is a nice gentle honk—or series of honks. No malice is meant—just little love taps.
The irritation is that—someone has irritated you and you want them to know. The driver came around the corner without looking (very common here), the person didn’t stop at the stop sign, the “Saudi sweep” happened (someone from the right lane decides they have to turn left and they “sweep” in front of the other cars going straight—lots of honking—very common), a driver changed lanes without using the signal (that depends on how close they cut you off). The irritation honk is longer—or may be a series of longer honks—it depends on the mood of the driver.
The mad honk—you know it. The horn is blasted for a long time. If the driver could up the volume he would. The mad honk isn’t a common occurrence but when it does occur—wow. The mad honk happens when someone in the left lane thinks you are going too slow and they want you out of the way (we’re going 120km and all the lanes are full—but I know you’re important). It can also happen when a car is backing up and not looking (just recently that happened to me—but nothing happened to my car). The mad honk could also happen when a car is zooming along and then cuts you off (I’ve heard some mad ones—and then the race is on). Again, the mad honk doesn’t happen often—but it does happen.
I used to not honk at all—it wasn’t polite. Then when Laurie and Timmie got here I honked all the time—as if I was now free to honk—forget politeness. I’ve toned down my honking—but I do honk. I wonder if I’ll honk when we come back and visit the US? Oh well—honk if you love Saudi—honk honk!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Happy Birthday Timmie!
Happy Birthday Timmy! Timmy turned 8 on 3 Oct—wow. When Timmie was born I told Laurie that if we could keep him alive for the first year then he’d be ok. Now he’s 8—and he’s an awesome young boy.
Timmie decided that he wanted “Chinese stuff" for his birthday. I didn’t even know what that meant—and we’re in Saudi not China. However, there is a Chinatown in two of the malls—and they do have "Chinese stuff." Off Laurie and I went—one night—to buy Timmy his “Chinese stuff.” We ended up buying him a jade dragon (he was born in the year of the dragon) and two Chinese lanterns. We also saw a globe that Timmie had been eyeing--so we got that also.
Then we went to SACO World—which is the Home Depot of the Kingdom. There we got him a new bike—very nice.
We discussed getting him a mobile—sometimes Laurie doesn’t ride the bus and sometimes I don’t leave the office right at 230. I wanted a way to get in touch with Timmie the days Laurie doesn’t ride the bus. So we decided to get him a mobile—nothing fancy. We let him pick it out but we set a price range—and of course we set some rules on when to use the phone. I’ve never seen a child so excited about getting a mobile. He wanted to put everyone’s number in it. He’s already taken a picture with it—a camel in the back of a truck—here in the city.
Timmy had a small birthday party with children from the compound over. Laurie organized games—she’s always great at that. Laurie created a ninja theme—in keeping with the “Chinese stuff.” The children had fun. Then there was a Krispy Kreme donut cake—pretty cool (the Krispy Kreme guy asked me today how Timmie enjoyed his donut cake). Presents were opened—and he got a lot of cool things from his friends. Then everybody went home—I was exhausted.
Wow—8 years old and a birthday party in Saudi—how awesome is that!
Happy Birthday Timme!
Timmie decided that he wanted “Chinese stuff" for his birthday. I didn’t even know what that meant—and we’re in Saudi not China. However, there is a Chinatown in two of the malls—and they do have "Chinese stuff." Off Laurie and I went—one night—to buy Timmy his “Chinese stuff.” We ended up buying him a jade dragon (he was born in the year of the dragon) and two Chinese lanterns. We also saw a globe that Timmie had been eyeing--so we got that also.
Then we went to SACO World—which is the Home Depot of the Kingdom. There we got him a new bike—very nice.
We discussed getting him a mobile—sometimes Laurie doesn’t ride the bus and sometimes I don’t leave the office right at 230. I wanted a way to get in touch with Timmie the days Laurie doesn’t ride the bus. So we decided to get him a mobile—nothing fancy. We let him pick it out but we set a price range—and of course we set some rules on when to use the phone. I’ve never seen a child so excited about getting a mobile. He wanted to put everyone’s number in it. He’s already taken a picture with it—a camel in the back of a truck—here in the city.
Timmy had a small birthday party with children from the compound over. Laurie organized games—she’s always great at that. Laurie created a ninja theme—in keeping with the “Chinese stuff.” The children had fun. Then there was a Krispy Kreme donut cake—pretty cool (the Krispy Kreme guy asked me today how Timmie enjoyed his donut cake). Presents were opened—and he got a lot of cool things from his friends. Then everybody went home—I was exhausted.
Wow—8 years old and a birthday party in Saudi—how awesome is that!
Happy Birthday Timme!
Happy Birthday to me
Happy Birthday me! I turned 43 on 22 Sept—awesome. Growing up I often thought that people 30 and above were old—except my parents. My parents always seemed youthful and energetic. They always seemed to be on the go—balls, dances an dinner parties. My parents never looked their age. Even when my Mom died she looked so young. Today at 63 my Dad still has that youthful look to him.
I asked Laurie if I looked any older—she said I had a few more grey hairs—but that I still looked youthful. That made me feel good—even though I saw a slight smile when she was telling me this.
If you though that me buying gifts for Laurie was a challenge—poor Laurie. I gave her the list and off we went—the whole family. I enjoyed seeing Laurie and Timmie buy my gifts. I’m glad I could help pick out my cake. Laurie told me how lame she felt. But really it was fun to me. This is still all new to us—and Ramadan kind of threw us a curve.
This is our first year for birthdays in the Kingdom—next year we’ll know not to look for Target or wait until the last minute. Next year it’ll be Ramadan again—so it’ll be another year of night shopping—but we’ll be better prepared.
But hey—I’m a youthful 43 years old—and you can’t buy that.
I asked Laurie if I looked any older—she said I had a few more grey hairs—but that I still looked youthful. That made me feel good—even though I saw a slight smile when she was telling me this.
If you though that me buying gifts for Laurie was a challenge—poor Laurie. I gave her the list and off we went—the whole family. I enjoyed seeing Laurie and Timmie buy my gifts. I’m glad I could help pick out my cake. Laurie told me how lame she felt. But really it was fun to me. This is still all new to us—and Ramadan kind of threw us a curve.
This is our first year for birthdays in the Kingdom—next year we’ll know not to look for Target or wait until the last minute. Next year it’ll be Ramadan again—so it’ll be another year of night shopping—but we’ll be better prepared.
But hey—I’m a youthful 43 years old—and you can’t buy that.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Mechanic
When I was provided a contract to come over here one of the lines said that the company would provide transportation. That could have meant anything from a bus to a carpool. So I was curious as to what kind of transportation. The company, AEC, gives us cars to drive--awesome. I’m one of the few that does carpool—and that’s ok.
The cars that we get are all Toyota. A lot of people have the Camry but some of us have the Corolla. I'm not in love with the Corolla but I'm not going to complain about a free car and gas ( get 100SAR a month for gas—and I’ve never turned in receipts for that much and I drive all over Riyadh—work, shopping, eating out, the school to pick up Laurie and other places). I'm also not going to complain because the company provides a mechanic to take care of the cars. You read right--a mechanic.
When the Corolla reached a 1,000 km I called the mechanic. His accent is a little heavy and it was a little difficult to understand him at first. What I figured out was that he would meet me at the compound and pick up the car--awesome (or brilliant as my UK friend would say). He called me when he got here and I meet him at the gate--gave him the car and off he drove. I found out that I should have asked for a “trader” car while he had mine--live and learn. The mechanic brought the car back the next evening.
Two weeks ago I had a flat tire--bummer. I called the mechanic and he said he would come and fix it--then he realized he can't come onto the base. I told the mechanic not to worry--I would change the tire and then he could come and pick up the flat when I got home. I did and he did. That day he also asked me how many km were on the car and I told him 6,000--which meant it was time for its next check. But the timing wasn't convenient for either of us. I asked if I could wait until the break (which is from today until 11 Oct for me—if only I had gotten our exit / entry visas we could have gone somewhere—I’ll know better for next year) and he said yes.
Today I got a phone call--it was the mechanic. He said he would come and get the car at 330--but this time I told him I was going to need a "trader." The mechanic called again at 330--he was here. So I drove to the gate. He was in a new 2008 Hyundai Sonata--wow is it nice. We traded.
Just another perk about being here--someone picks up the car the company is providing, gives you a "trader" and brings your car back after he's finished. What a great thing--to have the mechanic pick up and deliver the car from your house--brilliant.
The cars that we get are all Toyota. A lot of people have the Camry but some of us have the Corolla. I'm not in love with the Corolla but I'm not going to complain about a free car and gas ( get 100SAR a month for gas—and I’ve never turned in receipts for that much and I drive all over Riyadh—work, shopping, eating out, the school to pick up Laurie and other places). I'm also not going to complain because the company provides a mechanic to take care of the cars. You read right--a mechanic.
When the Corolla reached a 1,000 km I called the mechanic. His accent is a little heavy and it was a little difficult to understand him at first. What I figured out was that he would meet me at the compound and pick up the car--awesome (or brilliant as my UK friend would say). He called me when he got here and I meet him at the gate--gave him the car and off he drove. I found out that I should have asked for a “trader” car while he had mine--live and learn. The mechanic brought the car back the next evening.
Two weeks ago I had a flat tire--bummer. I called the mechanic and he said he would come and fix it--then he realized he can't come onto the base. I told the mechanic not to worry--I would change the tire and then he could come and pick up the flat when I got home. I did and he did. That day he also asked me how many km were on the car and I told him 6,000--which meant it was time for its next check. But the timing wasn't convenient for either of us. I asked if I could wait until the break (which is from today until 11 Oct for me—if only I had gotten our exit / entry visas we could have gone somewhere—I’ll know better for next year) and he said yes.
Today I got a phone call--it was the mechanic. He said he would come and get the car at 330--but this time I told him I was going to need a "trader." The mechanic called again at 330--he was here. So I drove to the gate. He was in a new 2008 Hyundai Sonata--wow is it nice. We traded.
Just another perk about being here--someone picks up the car the company is providing, gives you a "trader" and brings your car back after he's finished. What a great thing--to have the mechanic pick up and deliver the car from your house--brilliant.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
In the US when most of go to the mailbox to check mail we find bills, flyers, magazines and sometimes a letter or card from friends and family (the bills and flyers make us sigh—but the letter or card normally bring a smile to our faces). Today our communication is changing and most us now use e-mail to send a receive "letters" from each other. I'm not knocking e-mail--I love it. But, there's something really special about a handwritten card, letter or note that you get in the mail.
When I was in the Air Force my Dad wrote me faithfully. No matter where I was in the world I knew I would get a letter from Dad at least monthly--and sometimes weekly. I started keeping them--hoping that one day I'll go back and re-read them (right now they're all boxes in San Angelo--in storage). When I married Laurie she sent letters and cards when I was in Korea for our first year of marriage (though she preferred e-mail—and I saved those).
Now we're overseas living in an area where getting the mail is iffy at best. My company gave us a stateside address and then from there they send the mail over here. Then the company picks up the mail and eventually I get it.
The first time I got mail here it was really exciting. It made it! The system works. When Laurie and Timmie got here Grandma Tanner sent them a card--I got teary eyed--she was the first person to send a real letter--handwritten, enveloped addressed and stamped--from the US! Grandma Tanner then sent Laurie a birthday card--and that was exciting.
This week Laurie and I got cards from Dad and Myrna. I went to the company office on Wed to drop off some paperwork and pictures of us (more pictures--if you ever work over here bring at least 20 passport size photos of yourself--you'll use them all). While at the company office Mr. Saad said "Mr. Tim, you have mail." He gave me an envelope--I opened it--house payment--rental receipt--and two cards with my Dad's handwriting. I opened mine. It was a birthday card and there was even a check in it. I have to admit that my eyes teared up just a little. It reminded me of how important mail is--communication with family friends is--we all need and want to stay connected.
Our family is having great adventures here--last night Laurie and I "found" 4 stores that we had been looking for--I think it was because it was 11 at night and the bright lights got our attention. But we still love getting mail--real mail--from families and friends back home in the US. It brings a little of the US to Saudi and reminds us of home—that place that can seem so far away.
Thanks Dad and Grandma Tanner for the cards and letters you've sent. We got mail!
When I was in the Air Force my Dad wrote me faithfully. No matter where I was in the world I knew I would get a letter from Dad at least monthly--and sometimes weekly. I started keeping them--hoping that one day I'll go back and re-read them (right now they're all boxes in San Angelo--in storage). When I married Laurie she sent letters and cards when I was in Korea for our first year of marriage (though she preferred e-mail—and I saved those).
Now we're overseas living in an area where getting the mail is iffy at best. My company gave us a stateside address and then from there they send the mail over here. Then the company picks up the mail and eventually I get it.
The first time I got mail here it was really exciting. It made it! The system works. When Laurie and Timmie got here Grandma Tanner sent them a card--I got teary eyed--she was the first person to send a real letter--handwritten, enveloped addressed and stamped--from the US! Grandma Tanner then sent Laurie a birthday card--and that was exciting.
This week Laurie and I got cards from Dad and Myrna. I went to the company office on Wed to drop off some paperwork and pictures of us (more pictures--if you ever work over here bring at least 20 passport size photos of yourself--you'll use them all). While at the company office Mr. Saad said "Mr. Tim, you have mail." He gave me an envelope--I opened it--house payment--rental receipt--and two cards with my Dad's handwriting. I opened mine. It was a birthday card and there was even a check in it. I have to admit that my eyes teared up just a little. It reminded me of how important mail is--communication with family friends is--we all need and want to stay connected.
Our family is having great adventures here--last night Laurie and I "found" 4 stores that we had been looking for--I think it was because it was 11 at night and the bright lights got our attention. But we still love getting mail--real mail--from families and friends back home in the US. It brings a little of the US to Saudi and reminds us of home—that place that can seem so far away.
Thanks Dad and Grandma Tanner for the cards and letters you've sent. We got mail!
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