I’ve lived in the US as a child, pre 9/11 in Kansas. And in such a “redneck” part of the country, my family and I were subjected to some racial incidents, the most memorable of which is a man spitting on my father’s BMW after finding out the owner was Arab. Another that really sticks [...]
Entries from July 2008
July 22, 2008
It’s 1429!
In case some of you didn’t know, it is NOT 2008 in Saudi Arabia, it is 1429. In government circles, schools and most universities, they follow the Islamic calendar (Hijri) which started when the prophet Mohammed PBUH made the pilgrimage from Makkah to Madinah. If you think I’m exaggerating check the English newspapers in Saudi [...]
July 19, 2008
Romantically Challenged
With all this gender segregation and emphasis on sex and femininity, you would think that Saudis would be very romantic and passionate. In the same vein of Latinos is the way Saudis come across when they’re trying to woo a woman, but trust me, that wears off pretty quick. Marriage here is really just the [...]
July 7, 2008
Women Travel Documents
Yes it is true. If you are a woman you have to have special travel documents. If your main mahram (legal male guardian) is with you then him escorting you will suffice. But if you happen to be a Saudi woman and need or want to leave the country without your main mahram, you have [...]
July 1, 2008
Wedding Season
Right after Final exams, we have the wedding season. All the halls are booked even on weekdays and all the furnishing stores have sales and special offers for newlyweds. Don’t even try a walk-in to a salon on Wednesday and Thursday or you’ll probably have to sit a couple of hours waiting, only to be [...]
