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.
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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 yearly, but also by the week or day for a short getaway or event.
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We know a group of guys that chip in on the annual rent for an istraha and that’s their “man cave” hangout spot.
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This photo was taken at our first visit to that istraha, within 2 weeks of our arrival to Saudi. Back when I wore a black abaya and covered my hair 😆. I was still navigating how to dress and act in the presence of Saudi men, but considering most of these guys had studied in western countries (even some honorary Ohioans), they made me feel very comfortable. Comfortable enough to demolish me in rounds of ping pong. No mercy. 😅
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In the couple months before Sean had a job, he’d hang out at the istraha somewhat frequently and crawl into bed around 4am, trying not to wake me since I had to teach bright and early. Oh how he longs for those days.