There are not a lot of recreational activities in Saudi Arabia. Gender segregation is enforced very strictly not only by the government but by the people that reside here as well. One fun weekend activity would be to have an Istaraha party. An Istaraha is a small house with a giant walled in yard. Most…
Tag: experience
Today in class we were discussing the presentations that are coming up next week. We went through lists of requirements and topic choices, picked the order to present in, and talked through any concerns students may have. “If anyone needs to ask me a question about their presentation, or if you want to show it…
The new normal
I spent my vacation in USA and it was so liberating. I was able to do all the things I can’t do here in Buraidah, like go to a restaurant, watch a movie in a cinema, drive, so on…. Basically the normal things that we in the west take for granted. Readjusting into society…
Sassin’ the Sheik
So, if you didn’t read part one, maybe head on over and do so before you read this post. M had left to find the other sheik he had spoken two. He had made two separate trips to the courthouse to speak to this man about our marriage, and he had agreed to marry us….
What to pack?
Most of you reading this probably read my blog regularly enough to know I work for Al Khaleej Training and Education. If you are new, you probably didn’t know that, and odds are you are a new hire who wants to know more about the company and found my blog through google. Already I did…
Cinnabae
Part of why I wanted to move to KSA was so that I could have many new experiences. New culture, new people, new language, new food: so, it makes it that much more ironic that the best food I have found here is actually available back home. I finally am forced to face the realization…
Kentucky?
Usually I love love love cooking and doing kitchen things, but here I have been too lazy and disorganized to make food. And usually in my own country I never ever eat KFC, but here I seem to eat it on a semi-regular basis. Clearly I am a changed woman. I kind of dreaded ordering…
Mashaallah
Before I came to Saudi, I guess you can say I had some preconceived notions and stereotypes about what to expect. Well, let me just say that my students have really shattered them. They are all so amazing, kind, smart, and unique. Really, each girl has something so special about her. All of them are…
Silence
“Prayer time. Everything’s closed. It should be reopened soon, if you want to wait here.” There was an eerily calm about the place, the entire place was nearly vacated except for a few people sitting quietly on benches, waiting for the stores to reopen. “Over there is a supermarket, so you can get any food…
Yesterday I gave my class a writing prompt. I asked “If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you want to live? Why?” One of my students answered “For me I want to live in USA. It has Hollywood and Justin Beiber is there.” What?
Why Saudi Arabia?
Since I have made the ‘official announcement’ about my job offer, a ton of people have asked me, “Why did you choose Saudi Arabia?” This is probably the number one question I’ve gotten since getting hired. And I’ve gotten a lot of questions. So here I will address the newly famous question, “Why Saudi Arabia?” Every time…
Kendra in KSA 