I actually did it…blogging from Saudi Arabia

Whew…I actually did it.  I set my goal today that I would get all my postings transferred from myspace into wordpress.  It was quite a job but thankfully all the postings are now here.  As you will learn about me though,  I am not a technophile.  I enjoy writing but not all that great with adding bells and whistles.  As a result, I apologize in advance that I did not know how to add the earlier comments I have received to postings while hosting from myspace.

Already I can see the major difference in volume of traffic from myspace to wordpress and happy I’m here at last (thanks to John of Crossroadsarabia.org.)

I hope that you will enjoy reading my musings, views, experiences and perspectives on life in Saudi Arabia.  I try to be fair but not afraid to express my opinion either!

Children born of Saudi father and Foreign wife

October 18, 2007 – Thursday

Children born of Saudi father and foreign wife
Current mood:
contemplative
Category:
Travel and Places

When a Saudi man marries a foreign (ie, non-Saudi) wife, any children born from the marriage are viewed as Saudi citizens.  This is even in spite if a child has dual-citizenship.  If in Saudi, the Saudi citizenship prevails and the other citizenship is not taken into consideration.  While there are some benefits of dual nationality if in the case the marriage breaks up, the father automatically is given total custody of the children.  In fact, if the mother has not taken Saudi citizenship and in the event of a divorce, she may have no choice but to leave the Kingdom and without her children.  It will be up to the good auspices of the father whether he would allow her to return to the Kingdom to visit them or allow the children to go visit their mother outside of the Kingdom.  In most cases this situation typically results in a tragic series of events with mothers rarely if ever getting to see their children.If a foreign woman is going to marry a Saudi this is one of the many aspects in which her eyes should be wide open.  Saudi Arabia is not a place for everyone and hopefully one can determine whether or not a marriage will succeed before adding the complexity of children in the equation.In the case of the United States, while officials at the US embassy and consulates are emphathatic when they learn of cases where marriages have failed and now a mother is separated from her children, there is little they can do.  US officials must also respect and abide by the Saudi law.  In fact this aspect of law and ruling in Saudi Arabia is clearly spelled out on the US Embassy Riyadh web site and in the document which gets periodically updated and circulated by State Department about American women who choose to marry Saudis.So then the question may be, what is a woman to do who has married a Saudi, had children and for whatever reason the marriage has now failed?  First one hopes that a decent relationship can be maintained in that the mother can have access to her children.  When that is not the case she can make her case and circumstances known to organizations specializing in such incidents as well as to official organizations (respective embassy, Congressman) and the press.  But at the same time, the mother must be very careful so as not to further isolate herself from her child or cause further detriment to the situation.  I know…you are likely asking why must a mother exhibit such caution in her fight to have access to her own child?  Whether one likes it or not, these are the facts and law of the land in the Kingdom.  And especially so when the child is a female as women must always have the permission of their mahrem (male guardian) up to the day they die (if of Saudi citizenship).  In the case of Americans (and likely other nationalities) the embassy wants to know of such cases for their statistics and in the reports which are compiled.  But again, one should not get their hopes raised in any event on expecting their embassy to intervene in the case of a Saudi citizen and Saudi laws.This is an extremely sensitive subject and when writing about this very topic in the Kingdom, one has to be careful and stick to the facts.If you are not a member of myspace and wish to comment to this post (or any other post) you may email me directly.  Please put the subject of the posting in the subject of the email.  You may email me at: american_bedu(at)yahoo(dot)com. 

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Saudi Arabia and City Contrasts

October 16, 2007 – Tuesday

City Contrasts
Current mood:
cheerful
Category:
Travel and Places

If you were reading one blog solely about Riyadh and another solely about Jeddah you would likely come away thinking that not only are these two different cities but they must be in two different countries as well.  The contrast between the two is immense.  Perhaps if I had come first to Jeddah directly from the openness of the USA I would have eventually felt it was also conservative but after living in Riyadh for one year now I see and feel the vast differences between the two.Jeddah is much more open than conservative Riyadh.  Yes, the muttawa do have a presence in Jeddah but more subtle and not as blatantly visible.  In Jeddah one readily sees open and spacious restaurants where all patrons are mixed together and enjoying themselves.  For example last night we dined at a lovely restaurant where we sat with our friends, not only enjoying our meal but enjoying the exquisite view of the Corniche along with all of the other diners as well.Following our dinner we then went to an entertainment center which one could compare as a “Six Flags of Jeddah” and again, it was open without segregation.  Not only open but when we sat in a dining/snack area which overlooked a skating rink, we had a table of women behind us and many families and couples around as well.  This is not yet seen in Riyadh.  In addition, many of the tables to include the table of women were further enjoying the evening smoking hookahs which were provided on request.Even the women look and dress differently in Jeddah.  Naturally the abayas are still in evidence but with an added flair and style and more color.  Many of the women will elect to go without a hijjab or choose not to cover their face but only their hair.In Jeddah one sees couples strolling together and oftentimes holding hands.  I guess I would stress one sees much more togetherness and cohesiveness in Jeddah as compared to the conservative and sterile environment of Riyadh.Jeddah has an abundance of five star hotels many along the sea and in the city center.  I am surprised that so many major international events take place in Riyadh instead of Jeddah where visitors to the Kingdom are sure to come away with a positive and pleasing image.It is time for us to make our return back to Riyadh.  Naturally I’ll be looking forward to my next visit to Jeddah.

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Unfinished Love Story – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Unfinished Love Story
Current mood:
curious
Category:
Travel and Places

There is an unfinished villa on Andulus street in Jeddah that local lore refers to as the unfinished love story.  This villa can be seen clearly from the street and as the legend has it, it was being built by a Prince for the Princess who was the love of his life.  He loved her so much that he wanted the villa to be extra special and was having it built in the shape of a diamond. One can easily see the diamond shape of the structure as well as the majestic staircase which rises through the center of the villa from top to bottom.  However for unknown reasons the villa was never completed and continues to this day to stand as the empty diamind shell.  It has been this way for more than 30 years.  Rumint has it that both the Prince and this Princess are still alive but it is not known whether they have remained married.  One can only speculate on what transpired to leave this magnificent dwelling incomplete.

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Saudi weddings

Saudi weddings
Current mood:
good
Category:
Travel and Places

Like most weddings anywhere in the world, Saudi weddings come in all shapes, sizes and customs.  There is no “one size fits all” when describing what may or may not take place at a Saudi wedding.In general, segregation will be in practice at a Saudi wedding.  And another typical characteristic is that the Saudi wedding will start much later than a western wedding.  Lastly, the wedding party that one attends is more like a wedding reception.  The actual wedding which is an islamic ceremony is a very private function and guests are not in attendance.During Saudi weddings, the celebration for the men usuallly commences a few hours prior to the celebration for the women.  It is not unusual for the women’s wedding party to begin after 11pm.  From 11pm until circa 2-3 am it can be viewed as a party for the women who will enjoy themselves with conversation, food and dance until the bride will make an appearance.  Once the bride appears and she will usually be dressed in a traditional white wedding gown looking like a beautiful bride from anywhere in the world, she will be seated on a raised dais and the guests will take turns going up to greet her and congratulate her.  At a traditional conservative wedding she will not be accompanied by the groom.  This was one aspect of weddings which seemed at odds with me but is natural in the Saudi traditions.  While guests greet the bride, music and dancing will continue for a period.Once the music stops, the guests will then have dinner and by this time it is usually easily after 3am.  After taking dinner and desserts, guests are free to depart.  It would be considered very rude for a guest to depart a wedding before the dinner is served.Because of the extremely close bonds between mothers and daughters in the Kingdom some mothers have a difficult time at their daughter’s wedding.  They realize she is truly leaving the nest and making a new home after having been taken care of her entire life by her mother in her birth home.  As a result it is a very emotional time for a mother at the wedding.  Naturally she is pleased for her daughter but at the same time feels an aching emptiness in her heart that her daughter is leaving the nest.  This results in many tears shed by the mother at the reception.  She will gaze upon her daughter with love and pride as well as shed the tears for the times she knows she will miss.The guests at the wedding are all dressed in their finest as this is a time to see and be seen.  One will see all fashion styles although the tendency in the Kingdom for dress and makeup is more elaborate than one is accustomed to in the West.  It is a pleasure to sit and observe the differing styles.When going to a Saudi wedding make sure that there is nothing on the agenda early the next day.  One must have that time to sleep in and recuperate from the evening of celebration.Oh yes, I was also asked whether it is typical for a new Saudi husband and wife to take a honeymoon.  It certainly is and depending on the family and resources, a honeymoon make take place either within or outside the Kingdom.  Because 99.9 per cent of Saudi marriages are arranged this is usually the first opportunity for the new bride and groom to have uncensored one-on-one time together and begin to know each other better.10:05 AM 0 Comments0 KudosAdd CommentEdit Remove

Generosity at Eid in Saudi Arabia

October 13, 2007 – Saturday

Generosity at Eid
Current mood:
happy
Category:
Travel and Places

It is a pleasure to see the generosity and traditions of the Saudi people during Eid.  First, it is traditional after the special Eid prayers in the morning for families to gather at the patriarchal home.  Usually before the Eid meal is served the young children will line up in front of each adult family member who dispenses riyals to the children.Family members will also typically have a time where they will pass out “Eid gift bags” to the children as well.  These bags will be beautifully decorated and contain candies and various toys.Even the shopkeepers are generous at Eid providing Eid gifts with each purpose.  For example, during Eid many of the chocolate shops will give each customer who buys a selection of candies a free crystal candy dish with their purchase.My husband and I had our own beautiful experience of Eid giving as well.  We were beside our car with two young family members.  As we were getting the youngsters settled in to the back seat, we had the car door open.  A car was passing by us on the street and stopped.  The Saudi driver rolled down the passenger window and wished us an Eid Mubarak.  He was accompanied by his wife and son.  After exchanging Eid greetings, the young son got out of the car and presented us with two bags full of candy and toys for the children as Eid gifts.  They had never seen us before and vice versa but in the spirit of Eid they wished to show their kindness and generosity.  Those gifts kept the youngsters entertained on our drive to Jeddah and back!And of course during Eid one makes sure to give to the poor and needy.  It is traditional for my husband to go and buy large quantities of rice and other staples and then leave food at the doors of those who are not as fortunate.Eid is somewhat comparable to the Christmas holiday but unlike Christmas where one may receive many different gifts, at Eid each individual usually goes out and selects their own new clothes.  One may get 2-3 Eid outfits and these are complete outfits starting with undergarments, the outfit itself and then appropriate accessories (jewelry, shoes, belts, etc.) for each outfit.  During the three days of Eid celebrations family members wear these new outfits.

10:58 PM 3 Comments1 KudosAdd CommentEdit Remove

Jeddah by the Sea

More on Jeddah by the Sea
Current mood:
confused
Category:
Travel and Places

Today we traveled along the Corniche road in Jeddah which is the road which parallels the Red Sea.    It was a scenic drive and not surprisingly with many luxury apartment buildings, 5 star hotels, restaurants and rental chalets on each side of the road.  Also on this road is the King’s Jeddah palace as well as palaces of some other Royals too.  The Red Sea is quite scenic and the water has varying shades of blue from the brilliant aqua where the water is shallow to a royal blue indicating that the water is deep.Unlike seasides in many western areas there is not the traditional boardwalk where one sees the various restaurants, entertainment and games, instead one will see mosques which have been built out over the sea with a “boardwalk style” walkway leading to them.It is still hard for me to accept seeing the heavily cladded black abaya women with their hijjab and niqab sitting in the sun (or shade) at the seaside.  To me, the beach is where one should be able to freely feel the sand, the water, the sun on their skin, their face and not be so fully cladded.  Many of the men still wore their long thobes as well as they strolled along the water.  And not surprisingly the only swimmers we saw were male.10:43 PM 0 Comments0 KudosAdd CommentEdit Remove

Diplomatic bloggers

October 12, 2007 – Friday

Diplomatic bloggers
Current mood:
content
Category:
Travel and Places

I recently discovered a web page hosted by the British government which identifies and provides links to blogs maintained by British diplomats, to include the British Ambassador to Afghanistan.  I found these blogs to be interesting and good reads and thought I would share them.  I think this is a good and novel outreach for the British government to take the pulse of the area in which they serving and help put officials in touch with individuals whom they may not have had an opportunity to interact otherwise:http://blogs.fco.gov.uk/

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More on multi-colored camels and Saudi Arabia

October 11, 2007 – Thursday

More on multi colored camels
Current mood:
ecstatic
Category:
Travel and Places

Yes, it is a fact that I am fascinated by the camel whether it happens to be in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, UAE, Kuwait, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, China, Iran, Africa or else in the middle East or even in North America! Now pursuant to my earlier posting pondering about camels and their colors, I found the link which I’ve inserted below.  If anyone else enjoys learning more about camels as well as seeing a photo of a multi-colored camel  then you must click on the link below!  They are likely rare but apparently can be found! http://camellosafari.com/camels/camels_capacities/camels_capacities.html

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Saudis & Terror

Saudis & Terror
Current mood:
mellow
Category:
Travel and Places

One nice thing for me when traveling it gives me a good opportunity to catch up on reading.  Presently I am reading a book called “Saudis & Terror:  Cross-Cultural Views.”  The book is published by Ghainaa Publications of Riyadh (www.ghainaa.com) (966.1.248.7871).  The book is part of an international book project reflecting the various cultural views towards terror.  It is a compilation of contributions from international scholars all around the world.  In publishing the book, the publisher strived to meet 4 objectives:-clarifying the reality of terrorism and explaining its main concepts.-demonstrating the causes and motives of global terrorism.-illustrating the effects of capriciousness in the concept of terrorism and its international applications.-proving the possibility of the contributions of thinkers around the wrold in adopting a joint complementary position in regard to the core issues that affect man’s security and safety.Quite frankly I am finding it a dry read as it is a voluminous collection of research papers which all have the same primary theme.  However at the same time I find it an interesting and illustrating read, particularly given the subject matter and published in the Kingdom.  The book is written in English.I guess on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the best, I’d give it a rating of 5.5.2:23 AM 0 Comments0 KudosAdd CommentEdit Remove

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