End of the 100 Day Project
Day 100/100! WE MADE IT! :: It only took me 131 days 😂, but I didn’t give up thanks to you guys – your likes, comments, and shares were very motivating. :: Over the last 131 days, I’ve had an amazing time stretching my writing skills, reflecting on the positives of Saudi life, viewing my expat […]
A Room of Cultural Significance
Remember the sunken living rooms and conversation pits that were popular in the 1960s? (Mad Men taught me so much.) That’s what I’m reminded of when I’m in a Saudi “majlis.” :: The majlis is a large room in Saudi homes that is used to entertain guests. Cushions, usually resting on the floor, line the […]
The Wonder of WhatsApp
One of the most daunting aspects of the first few weeks in a new country is acquiring phone service and internet access. Of course we want these things ASAP in order to function well, connect with family, have a GPS to get around the city, do the daily NYtimes mini crossword puzzle – the essentials. […]
The Coveted Roses of Arabia
Would you have guessed that Saudi has over 800 rose farms? 🌹 According to lore, the first rose seedlings were a gift from a Sultan in Turkey during the Ottoman empire and, once planted in the mountains of Taif, the roses that grew smelled even more fragrant than the original Turkish variety. :: The rose farms of […]
Istrahas: Rest and Recreation
Istraha means “break” or “rest” in Arabic, and it’s also what they call homes/spaces that people rent, typically outside the city, to have a place to relax. :: These istraha properties usually have outdoor space, a pool, grills, and recreational activities (volleyball court, soccer, ping-pong, large TVs for streaming soccer matches…). They can be rented […]
Late Night Culture – Training Kids Early
When I was invited to a one year old’s birthday party for my Saudi friend’s daughter, I pictured a couple hours of celebrating her with cute decorations, a smash cake, some gifts… but I was a bit unprepared. :: My 1st mistake was arriving on time at 7pm. 😆 At the request of my friend, I brought […]
Nothing Says ‘America’ Like the Portion Sizes at The Cheesecake Factory
I can’t talk about our time in Jeddah without mentioning The Cheesecake Factory, or “The Cheesecake” as it’s called here. As cliché as it may be, it’s our place of choice for any celebratory occasion. :: The restaurant is more than just a hearty American meal and familiar atmosphere to me. Growing up, we didn’t […]
Perks of Expat Life: Frequent Travel
In our 3 years of living overseas, we’ve ticked quite a few incredible travel destinations off our bucket list, even though it feels like we’ve only scratched the surface of places we want to explore. :: Flights to Europe from Saudi can be relatively cheap, there’s minimal time change to deal with, and we often […]
The Art of the Saudi Picnic
Saudis originated as a nomadic Bedouin people, which is why I think their picnic game is so strong. They create the most beautiful outdoor setups and I aspire to reach their level of natural picnickery (should be a word). I’ve seen families park a car by the sea or by a park and, within minutes, […]
Window Shopping at the Gold Souks in Al Balad
Oil isn’t Saudi’s only underground treasure… Gold is mined along the west coast and is highly sought after in the kingdom (kingdoms and gold seem to go hand in hand, after all 👑). :: Husbands-to-be buy gold for their bride’s dowry, jewelry is gifted for special occasions, and tourists and pilgrims often spend time (and […]
