In 2003 I bought as a joke a “20Q” electronic toy for Abdullah. This electronic version uses artificial intelligence towards determining what word an individual is thinking. For example, if you are thinking of a pineapple, the 20Q would pose a series of questions which need to be answered yes; no; maybe; sometimes. Based on the answers, after 20 questions the game will suggest what it believes is the word the person is thinking about. Ironically this little game has a high percentage of correct answers.
Abdullah decided to take his 20Q to the embassy. I called him that day around 1pm when he typically takes lunch and heard all kinds of background noise of laughter and men speaking. I asked him if there was a function going on. He just laughed and said that he and most of his friends at the embassy were all congregated in his office playing 20Q and that they had been playing it for almost three hours! None of his colleagues had ever seen the electronic game and were insisting this little game could read their minds. It was an instant hit at the embassy and made Islamic Affairs a very popular department that day.
The next day I received a call from one of Abdullah’s colleagues. He was leaving for Saudi Arabia in two days and wanted to know if I could get him fifty 20Q’s so he could give them out to friends in Saudi Arabia. I went from Target to Walmart to Kmart and other toy places looking for 20Q’s. I was able to collect about 25 for him. When he returned from his trip to Saudi Arabia he shared with me and Abdullah that the game was a big hit among his friends in Saudi and that he would look for even more to take next time.
Filed under: America, culture, Entertainment, islam, Just for fun, Saudi Arabia, Saudi blogs, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, Saudi education, Saudi Living, Uncategorized Tagged: | America, blogging, culture, culture shock, customs, Fun, gender, islam, KSA, Saudi, Saudi Arabia, Saudi customs
So… employees, no, diplomats, at the high profile embassy were playing a children’s game for three hours? One that was available at Toy’s R Us in Jeddah many years ago and I am sure other Saudi cities?
How can I apply and work in DC and actually play all day long and eat and be marry and have a diplomatic passport?
Carol,
That was funny. So, now we know what kind of business women can do in Saudi Arabia with an assured success prospect!
When I saw the title I was expecting a negative story. So, I was pleased to read a humorous story.
Cute. So cute. It seems that you and Abdullah were very fun together. Carol, you inspire me.
Even officials occasionally need a time out for fun!