Wearing the abaya is actually kind of nice, as I feel more appropriate and less stared at. Some very devout women wear a veil which covers their eyes and face. In the hotel I do not need to wear the abaya, but I do need to wear slacks below the knees and modest tops. I do not need to wear a head scarf or veil, even out of the hotel.
We heard from some colleagues about a new Lebanese restaurant that just opened up near the hotel, so we headed there for lunch - just as everything closed for the call to prayers. We came back to the hotel and waited 30 minutes before heading out again. This time the owners, all male members of a Lebanese family, welcomed us into their restaurant and put before us the MOST amazing spread of roast lamb, tabouleh, hummous, pita, and garlicky yogurt we have ever seen. It was delicious - and only about $20 for all four of us. Then we went to the supermarket and discovered many familiar products packaged like at home but with Arabic writing on one side. We also discovered about fifteen different types of dates. In general the people we encounter are either indifferent or, if South Asian, quite friendly. It was very hot and we were exhausted after the half-mile walk back to the hotel because of the heat.
Logan already has a playdate this afternoon with a five year old boy named Adam, whose mother is from Sri Lanka and father is from England. He has also met two other nearly five year olds, Charlotte and Tasha.
Tomorrow, Friday, is like our Sunday, a holy day, so we are all heading to the beach. KAUST School meetings start on Saturday and we get to visit the campus on Monday. Should be a good week. Hope the boys can stay busy. Sure wish we had our Ticket to Ride game! I am not sure that the glitzy Saudi malls would sell games such as that.
Love to all,
Jennifer
Dear Jennifer, David, Hayden and Logan,
ReplyDeleteYour five blog entries are terrific. We feel as though we're right there. I compiment you, Jennifer, on your easy adjustment to the abaya. It bodes well for your life in Saudi Arabia. We'll follow your blog with gusto. Love to all. Daddo/G
I'm Camilla Franklin's dad and a boardgame fan.
ReplyDeleteHere is a lead for a game store there
http://www.fanateer.com/
Please contact me via Camilla and I can get you more addresses or FedEx anything you want.
Also check here to see if anyone posts any info.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/428234
Cheers (franklin at dslnorthwest dot net)
Great! We will check out the game suggestions! Thanks a lot!
ReplyDelete