We’ve been in the States for 2.5 months now. It has been quite interesting on watching the reaction of individuals when they learn we are here from Saudi Arabia. I’ve come to expect the standard questions now such as: How can you live in such an oppressive country? When will the women of Saudi Arabia have more rights? How can you live where you have to cover from head to toe? When are women going to drive? Do you get to ride many camels? Is it really the best place to shop for gold? Are the Saudis friendly? Is it safe there? What do you eat? How do you shop?
These questions are part of the reason that I started this blog in the first place. But even more than answering just the peripheral questions such as those I’m typically asked cited above, I want to keep digging beneath the surface so that even if one never travels to Saudi Arabia or never has the opportunity to meet or know a Saudi, one can envision what it is like in the day-to-day average life in the Kingdom.
I want for the average American to know and feel the warm Saudi hospitality. I want for the average American to know, smell and taste the delicious and tasty dishes unique to the Kingdom. I would like for the average American to know and understand the fierce Saudi loyalty to family and tribe and understand why it is difficult to find a nursing home or retirement center for the elderly in Saudi Arabia.
True, it is not easy for an outsider to be accepted into an inner circle of a Saudi home but for anyone who is fortunate to have such an opportunity, they will never forget the warmth which envelopes them.
Yes, Saudi Arabia is indeed in the heart of Islam with the two holy mosques. However Saudi Arabia, its history and its people are also so much more with many tales to be heard and lessons to be learned.
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