The quiet days when fewer vehicles were out on the streets due to students studying for exams are over. School is out and now the streets are becoming more crowded each night and particularly after 9pm at night. The streets will remain crowded until the wee hours of the morning. The malls are again filled. Those students who are not on the streets driving around or in the malls are usually at home enjoying the internet. Many students like to use MSN messenger or frequently SMS each other. These messages go back and forth all night. School is out and again the relieved students have quickly turned their days and nights around. I understand that the harsh hot climate also encourages students to sleep all day and turn in to nocturnal creatures for the summer.
The Saudi students have an extra long summer vacation this year. While they would normally resume classes in September, because of Ramadan falling in mid-September, their classes will be delayed until after Eid (in October).
Some lucky students may depart the Kingdom for portions of the summer to take holidays elsewhere. A high percentage will remain here. Given the few activities available and the intense heat, it can be understood why the youth (and adults too) get their days and nights turned around.
There are few summer programs for the youth here. I have seen some notices for short term (one week long) programs for youth but I also note that they are expensive too. One of the local hospitals has a 6 week volunteer program for youth to assist children with cancer. This program is daily, five days a week from 0900 – 1300 hours. I think it is an excellent program and opportunity for the youth. I hope many will participate in spite of the hours being earlier what many of them are accustomed to.
Filed under: culture, Entertainment, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs
I’m a Saudi guy , and I would like to tell u,Carol, that I really enjoy reading ur blog , where it becomes a daily habit to read what’s new here . This is the first time I participate here . I would like to tell that the climate hardship can stand as a first reason to spend the summer with no real working! I do believe that there r some programms for, especially, university students at summer, but still the main reason to not thinking about participating in them, at least to me, is the heat. As student, i was thinking to take a summer course, but for me, the weather is really problem. what i would like to suggest that why don’t they put summer programs to be at evening. In summer , i really like to enjoy my time, where i’ll have time to do delayed things. For example, reading, going to gym, having more time with my family and friends. I always think that a summer is a chance to escape from seriousness, although it is short-term escaping!!!!
Welcome Coffeeboy and I’m so happy to have you as a Saudi guy participating! Please do not make this your one and only comment!
You’re right; the heat can indeed be a real show-stopper. I just hate seeing students have days and nights turned around. I’ve no qualms or gripes about anyone wanting to sleep in but I do think that going to bed around 6am and sleeping in until 4pm though is a little extreme and just not good for the body.
I agree, but as a mother it’s hard to prevent unless children are enrolled in activities with specific hours. We were in the Eastern Province last weekend and there were families picnicking on the Corniche (and children playing on the park swings) at 3:00am! The heat makes such activities impossible during the day.
I’d like to know which hospital is offering the volunteer program. If it’s too late for this year, perhaps we can keep it in mind for next. Often such programs are advertised only in Arabic or we hear about them too late.
King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh is/was having a volunteer program for young women (high school/college age) to assist with children with cancer.
For those in the Kingdom, also be sure and contact your local Chamber of Commerce to learn about various activities taking place.
Alternatively think of even starting your own activity for kids. Depending on age, one could start a reading club, painting club or a number of different activities/projects.