This post is going to be slightly different. Rather than me write an article based on observations, views or perspectives, I am going to ask YOU a series of questions to answer. This will help me in knowing what you like or do not like about American Bedu as well as areas or subjects that may either be getting too much attention or not enough attention. It’s a little bit like me interviewing each American Bedu reader. And to be fair, anyone who takes the time to thoughtfully answer my questions may feel free to ask a question of me!
1. Are you male or female?
2. What is your nationality?
3. Where are you presently located?
4. What is your age range? (20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s)
5. Are you married or single?
6. Are you a student?
7. If you are working, what sector or industry do you work?
8. How did you find American Bedu blog?
9. How long have you been following American Bedu blog?
10. What keeps you interested and coming back to American Bedu blog?
11. What do you like best about American Bedu blog?
12. What do you like least about American Bedu blog?
13. What has been your favorite post on American Bedu blog?
14. What has been your least favorite post on American Bedu blog?
15. What subjects do you enjoy reading about most on American Bedu blog?
16. Do you believe American Bedu blog is informative?
17. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, how do you rate American Bedu blog as a resource about Saudi Arabia?
18. Are there any subjects or aspects of American Bedu blog that are lacking in regards to Saudi Arabia?
19. How can American Bedu continue to improve her blog?
20. How many other Saudi blogs do you follow and where do you rate American Bedu among them?
Thank you for taking the time to respond to these questions. Your answers will help American Bedu blog to continue to grow.
Filed under: America, culture, expat, expatriates, Freedoms, friendship, Interview, politics, relationships, Saudi Arabia, Saudi blogs, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, Saudi education, Saudi Living, Uncategorized Tagged: | America, blogging, culture, culture shock, customs, gender issues, heritage, history, KSA, Relationship, Saudi, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs
Okay AB! I’ll try and answer all your questions. Here goes:
1. Gender: Female
2. Nationality: American (U.S.)
3. Current Location: US
4. Age Range: 20s
5. Marital Status: Single
6. Student?: Nope, just finished my MSc!
7. Sector/Industry: I’m not currently working, but am likely to go for one of two industries: performing arts and/or fashion.
8. How did you find American Bedu blog?
I found this blog when I was looking up information on Saudi students marrying foreigners. I had heard some of my Saudi friends talk about it previously and later, I ended up in a relationship with one of them. So naturally, I wanted to educate myself as much as possible!
9. How long have you been following American Bedu blog?
Since about May/June 2010.
10. What keeps you interested and coming back to American Bedu blog?
I like the informative topics on life in KSA since information is hard to find. I like the regulars on the blog, too, as they are very kind and caring people as far as I can tell. And of course, AB is very sweet, intelligent and open-minded herself.
11. What do you like best about American Bedu blog?
It is very informative on a variety of topics. I like the interviews and news updates on KSA.
12. What do you like least about American Bedu blog?
Hmm…this is a tough one! Probably the occasional situation when people end up in an argument on here and start hurling personal insults or stay very close-minded about a given topic. I can’t stand it when people don’t listen or write someone off just because they’re different. But that has more to do with the people commenting and not really anything to do with the topics.
13. What has been your favorite post on American Bedu blog?
I really don’t know. There have been quite a few that I like.
14. What has been your least favorite post on American Bedu blog?
There are the occasional ones that I find boring, but others still seem to enjoy them so I think they are still good topics.
15. What subjects do you enjoy reading about most on American Bedu blog?
I like hearing about important news of Saudi Arabia. I like hearing an informative view on what life is like there without it being too biased.
16. Do you believe American Bedu blog is informative?
Overall, yes. But I also like that it is entertaining as well. I think there’s a good mix of being informative with also being entertaining.
17. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, how do you rate American Bedu blog as a resource about Saudi Arabia?
Probably an 8 or 9.
18. Are there any subjects or aspects of American Bedu blog that are lacking in regards to Saudi Arabia?
I honestly don’t know. I am sure there are because you can’t cover everything all at once, but I really don’t know.
19. How can American Bedu continue to improve her blog?
Just continue to see what people want and to also throw in her own mix of what she views as being important to post about. Basically to just keep doing what she’s already doing!
20. How many other Saudi blogs do you follow and where do you rate American Bedu among them?
I subscribed to a few but haven’t been keeping up with them so I can’t really say. Sorry! Also, since I can’t read Arabic yet, I’m limited to the ones in English.
I’m not sure I helped much AB! If I think of anything to add, then I’ll try to.
1. Are you male or female? male
2. What is your nationality? American
3. Where are you presently located? US Minnesota
4. What is your age range? 50’s
5. Are you married or single? married
6. Are you a student? recycled to ignorant
7. If you are working, what sector or industry do you work? communications
8. How did you find American Bedu blog? no longer sure
9. How long have you been following American Bedu blog? since mid 2008 (at least)
10. What keeps you interested and coming back to American Bedu blog? the varied subject matter
11. What do you like best about American Bedu blog? articles about culture
12. What do you like least about American Bedu blog? anything about women’s fashion (what saudi brides wear for example)
13. What has been your favorite post on American Bedu blog? no single favorite, I liked the series on you and your husbands health
14. What has been your least favorite post on American Bedu blog? articles in which the host wants the readers to write a story
15. What subjects do you enjoy reading about most on American Bedu blog? food, family issues, Saudi politics
16. Do you believe American Bedu blog is informative? yes
17. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, how do you rate American Bedu blog as a resource about Saudi Arabia? 8
18. Are there any subjects or aspects of American Bedu blog that are lacking in regards to Saudi Arabia? no for what I need
19. How can American Bedu continue to improve her blog? not sure, I don’t know how you keep up the inspiration
20. How many other Saudi blogs do you follow and where do you rate American Bedu among them? 6 regularly (yours, susie of Arabia, Saudi Jeans, Hala in USA, saudi alchemist,crossroads) maybe 4 irregularly
Gender: Female
Nationality: American
Location: Centre Hall, Pennsylvania near Penn
State University.
Age: 30
Martial Status: Married with a toddler boy.
Work: Office work with Student Housing
University Degrees: Ba’s in History, Anthropology, and going back for Early Childhood Education.
How did I Discovered Americanbedu? I don’t know, I believe it was through Arabnews and Saudi Gazette, and then researched other websites. I like to read other nation’s news for a round about open view of what is going on in the world.
As for blogs, Saudi Jeans was one of the first I discovered and Susie’s big Adventure.
What do I like the best? Your interviews with Saudi’s and those who live there or have lived there! Your daily updates and you have not deserted your blog.
What I like the least, I hate to admit this, but I am not a cook and recipes do nothing for me. I would starve if it wasn’t for my husband. He and his father are the cooks in the family.
Question 16: Your topics are presented in a way which creates discussion and opening of opinions. Answers are neither right nor wrong but to be analyzed and discussed. Sometimes I see comments to be close minded but there is a little bit of hope that being exposed to a difference of opinion will enrich any mind.
17: I can’t find any other place where I can meet Saudi’s as individuals and hear their stories versus the news stories I read. Saudi Arabia is a paradox to me. Instead of being mysterious creatures, they have names and stories. I rank American Bedu as a 9 including the recipes.
18. I don’t understand how much of an impact Tribes play in Saudi Arabia? Are they still powerful or has their power and influence decreased do to outside exposure?
19: I’m thankful you keep updating it everyday, This is the first time I am participating and when I read everyone’s comments I feel as if they are my friends and neighbors though have been afraid of posting myself.
20. I read Saudi Jeans, Susie’s Big Adventure, Sand gets into my eyes, and a few other I started and stopped. The main reason because they do not update their blogs much. I rate you very high and you have no idea how much I enjoy reading your topics.
Here are my answers American Bedu!
1) Female
2) US
3) US
4) Early 20’s
5) Single
6) MA Student
7) Along with being a Master’s student, I have a teaching assistantship at my university. I teach Introduction and Elementary Spanish 101 and 102.
8) Along with StrangeOne, I also found American Bedu almost two years ago when I began dating a Saudi and wanted to learn more about the culture and googled something along the lines of “Saudi-American Marriages and Relations”
9) Nearly two years ago
10) I really enjoy the plethora of topics you present on this blog, and in such a diplomatic and respectful way. I am so entranced with the Saudi culture and have learned more on this blog about Saudi Arabia than any other of my International Studies courses taught in my MA or undergraduate years!
11) I enjoy the variety of topics on this blog especially themes on: intercultural marriage, women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, Islam, and your personal stories and battles that you share with your (many) viewers.
12) The ignorant comments of some of your commentators (but obviously that has nothing to do with your writing and presentation of American Bedu).
13) I thoroughly enjoy reading about the youth in Saudi Arabia, Saudi students abroad, family and Saudi culture, and as a hopeless romantic, the memories of you and your dear late husband (rest his soul) in Pakistan, Dubai, Saudi, and the US. I also found one of your posts very interesting discussing the many different sides of the Saudi male (from being very caring to distant, etc.)
14) Probably the American food recipes just because I prefer Middle Eastern food!
15) Women’s rights, Saudi-American marriages and relationships, the Saudi Family
16) Absolutely!
17) 10, hands down.
18) Not that I can think of…?
19) I would love to hear about your conversion to Islam. (This is also my question)
20) I follow yours and Susie of Arabia and immensely enjoy both of them.
1. Are you male or female?
Female
2. What is your nationality?
Saudi
3. Where are you presently located?
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
4. What is your age range? (20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s)
Just at the beginning of my 30’s
5. Are you married or single?
Married
6. Are you a student?
No, but hope to be again soon.
7. If you are working, what sector or industry do you work?
8. How did you find American Bedu blog?
I was searching for sites about Saudi a few years ago and came across it.
9. How long have you been following American Bedu blog?
A couple of years now
10. What keeps you interested and coming back to American Bedu blog?
The questions you ask and the discussions that ensue as a result of them. As well as the interesting articles in general.
I am also interested in hearing what’s new in your life.
11. What do you like best about American Bedu blog?
It’s honest, personal and doesn’t have an agenda.
12. What do you like least about American Bedu blog?
I don’t agree with some of the opinions but I don’t think that is something I dislike. How boring would we be if we all agreed!
13. What has been your favorite post on American Bedu blog?
Not sure really, too many to choose from. But I do enjoy the interviews because they start so many discussions. I also like the posts that deal with extremely important subjects like your recent one on Aids.
14. What has been your least favorite post on American Bedu blog?
In general, I am bored of the topics that discuss the Abaya and wearing the abaya. Its a cultural thing and if they were to turn around today and say no one has to wear one anymore, the majority would still keep them on. I am talking about the abaya and not the face cover of course (Although that is also a cultural things and some will keep it). I would rather read posts on what is being done to help Saudi progress and how we can help support the effort in a productive way.
15. What subjects do you enjoy reading about most on American Bedu blog?
Social and cultural issues. I am also interested in reading the interviews.
16. Do you believe American Bedu blog is informative?
Yes
17. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, how do you rate American Bedu blog as a resource about Saudi Arabia?
It is the most informative and well rounded blog I have read s far.
18. Are there any subjects or aspects of American Bedu blog that are lacking in regards to Saudi Arabia?
More Saudi input. But I know it is difficult to find Saudi’s who want to be interviewed.
19. How can American Bedu continue to improve her blog?
Same as above, more of the Saudi point of view.
20. How many other Saudi blogs do you follow and where do you rate American Bedu among them?
about 6 I think, Most I met through their comments on my Blog. 4 of the blogs are written by Saudi’s so they are different in a way to American Bedu. The fifth is by an american convert to Islam who married a Saudi. But she tackles more home making subjects. Yours is the only blog I follow. by a non saudi that covers the subjects you do.
1. Are you male or female? Female
2. What is your nationality? American
3. Where are you presently located? Riyadh, KSA
4. What is your age range? (20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s) 30’s
5. Are you married or single? Married
6. Are you a student? Yeah, everyday – School of Life…
7. If you are working, what sector or industry do you work? Not working
8. How did you find American Bedu blog? Google search
9. How long have you been following American Bedu blog? 2 years
10. What keeps you interested and coming back to American Bedu blog? It is very informative.
11. What do you like best about American Bedu blog? See previous answer…
12. What do you like least about American Bedu blog? I do not have any dislikes about the blog.
13. What has been your favorite post on American Bedu blog? There are way too many…
14. What has been your least favorite post on American Bedu blog? Every post is useful.
15. What subjects do you enjoy reading about most on American Bedu blog? I like everything, for general information….
16. Do you believe American Bedu blog is informative? Absolutely! I had so many questions and fears before coming to KSA, all of them disappeared after reading the blog 17. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best , how do you rate American Bedu blog as a resource about Saudi Arabia? 10
18. Are there any subjects or aspects of American Bedu blog that are lacking in regards to Saudi Arabia? Not really, everything is pretty much covered. If any questions – :Dear Bedu” is the place to ask them.
19. How can American Bedu continue to improve her blog? Just keep on bloggin…
20. How many other Saudi blogs do you follow and where do you rate American Bedu among them? Tried several, this one is the best.
1. Female
2. Canadian
3. Nova Scotia, Canada
4. Early 20’s
5. In a Relationship with a Saudi Student
6. Yes
7. Tourism
8. Google
9. About a half year
10. A variety of topics are covered, and I enjoy the different opinions of your readers. It’s updated frequently so I have something new to read and ponder daily.
11. See Above ^
12. Sometimes topics are covered that are not of my interest- but I beleive that it is important that you keep writing about the things that are important to you.
13. I generally enjoy reading anything that accurately reflects current Saudi life, relationships and interviews with those who live in the Kingdom.
14. I can’t think of any one in particular. I know from time to time opinions are expressed that I don’t agree with… but that keeps me thinking, so it’s not a bad thing.
15. Daily Saudi life, culture, opportunities for foreigners in the KSA, relationships, your own experiences
16. I think it’s a mixture of fact and opinion. It is informative in a way that it generally exposes me to things I wasn’t aware of. I usually then read about whatever topic caught my fancy on random sites across the web to form a little opinion of my own.
17. :: 7 :: – It’s a good resource for foreigners and it has taught me a lot about Saudi culture. For what this blog is, I think it’s great. But I also enjoy reading thoughts and opinions (actual written words, not paraphrase) of Saudi people (which is why I love the interviews).
18. Considering this is generally the place where I learn about Saudi Arabia, It’s hard to say. Continue to touch on the hard topics.
19. I really would love to see some photos of places in Saudi Arabia that are dear to you, and that would be interesting for those outside the Kingdom.
20. I perused a few, but found AmericanBedu to be the best. The one’s you have linked to this blog are good, but I always check AB first.
Hope my answers will be of any help.
1-Female
2-Romanian,currently doing my Masters in the UK
3-Colchester,UK
4-In my 20s
5-Single
6-Yes,Master student
7-Studying
8-Google search while I needed some info on Saudi
9-1 year ago I first came across, I followed it regularly since summer 2010
10-The stories/reportage
11-True life experiences
12-I dislike there is so much appraisal of some rulers, not particularly known for their democratic views
13-There are many, but I like those about the enduring love between Carol and Abdullah
14-I don’t know, maybe see answer 12
15-About the saudi society etc
16-Yes,it is
17-8
18-I don’t live there, so I can’t pronounce myself on that
19-Just keep on writing
20-I don’t follow others regarding Saudi Arabia
1. Are you male or female? female
2. What is your nationality? American
3. Where are you presently located? North Carolina
4. What is your age range? 30s
5. Are you married or single? married
6. Are you a student? not formally, but I love to learn by reading books/blogs and talking to others
7. If you are working, what sector or industry do you work? administrative
8. How did you find American Bedu blog? I think it was recommended by WordPress when a friend and I were thinking of writing a blog together and checking out blog sites
9. How long have you been following American Bedu blog? September 2008 if I remember correctly
10. What keeps you interested and coming back to American Bedu blog? the variety of topics and people commenting; I like the interaction with others from around the world
11. What do you like best about American Bedu blog? learning about different ways of thinking and doing things and also the reaction from the readers
12. What do you like least about American Bedu blog? when Mother Hen Bedu is forced to step in to calm those who have started misbehaving- (I know it’s bad when you have to step in since you are very tolerant in what is allowed)
13. What has been your favorite post on American Bedu blog? I can’t think of any specific favorite as there have been a number of good ones of different varieties.
14. What has been your least favorite post on American Bedu blog? I’m not big on the stories like Jerry mentioned probably because I’m just not creative enough to participate in them! But I like that you provide them for people who enjoy exercising their creativity.
15. What subjects do you enjoy reading about most on American Bedu blog? Islam, Christianity, your family, Abdullah, your Saudi family’s experiences in America and what took their attention, polygyny, hijab
16. Do you believe American Bedu blog is informative? yes
17. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, how do you rate American Bedu blog as a resource about Saudi Arabia? 9
18. Are there any subjects or aspects of American Bedu blog that are lacking in regards to Saudi Arabia? The only “deficiency” is that there are not interviews about polygamous men and their thinking or first and second wives and maybe children of polygamy…actually there may be posts like this, but they are not coming to mind. I consider this something you would offer, but you haven’t had any volunteers since Saudis tend to be private about these aspects!
19. How can American Bedu continue to improve her blog? I think you do a great job and provided a wide variety of posts so that almost anyone dropping by could find something interesting to read.
20. How many other Saudi blogs do you follow and where do you rate American Bedu among them? I read 5 or 6 others and this one is among the best especially in providing a variety and updating frequently. I enjoy reading about Saudi from an American’s point of view. It’s nice to appreciate many aspects of Saudi culture as I read about it through the eyes of one who truly loved living there and loved the people. I’m glad, too, that you don’t whitewash Saudi and make it all seem wonderful when it’s not. I think you offer a nice and realistic balance. Some blogs are too harsh while others seem all about making excuses or putting Saudi onto a pedestal when it has huge problems just like any other country.
1. Are you male or female? Female
2. What is your nationality? American ( indian)
3. Where are you presently located? US
4. What is your age range? 40′s
5. Are you married or single? married
6. Are you a student? lifelong , but technically NO
7. If you are working, what sector or industry do you work? Medicine
8. How did you find American Bedu blog? by accident.
9. How long have you been following American Bedu blog? since early 2008 (at least)
10. What keeps you interested and coming back to American Bedu blog? Saudi arabia
11. What do you like best about American Bedu blog? articles about people livingin saudi
12. What do you like least about American Bedu blog? religious fights
13. What has been your favorite post on American Bedu blog? I like th einterviews
14. What has been your least favorite post on American Bedu blog? topics on polygamy
15. What subjects do you enjoy reading about most on American Bedu blog? food, life, different family ways ,Saudi politics
16. Do you believe American Bedu blog is informative? yes
17. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, how do you rate American Bedu blog as a resource about Saudi Arabia? 8
18. Are there any subjects or aspects of American Bedu blog that are lacking in regards to Saudi Arabia? not for my needs.
19. How can American Bedu continue to improve her blog? just write about your experiences there and also about subjects that open dilogue – even though they may be controvercial.
20. How many other Saudi blogs do you follow and where do you rate American Bedu among them? yours.
1. Are you male or female? …Female
2. What is your nationality? …Canadian
3. Where are you presently located? …British Columbia, Canada
4. What is your age range? (20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s) …60’s
5. Are you married or single? … Married
6. Are you a student? … No but always learning
7. If you are working, what sector or industry do you work? … business owner
8. How did you find American Bedu blog? … searching for info on KSA before travelling there.
9. How long have you been following American Bedu blog? … three years
10. What keeps you interested and coming back to American Bedu blog? … It’s informative and interesting for the most part.
11. What do you like best about American Bedu blog? … the variety of subjects discussed and without sugar-coating.
12. What do you like least about American Bedu blog? … when readers and commentors take things personally and get into pissing matches.
13. What has been your favorite post on American Bedu blog? … I don’t have a favorite but tend to like the social and political topics.
14. What has been your least favorite post on American Bedu blog? … I don’t like the posts where the readers are to write/finish a story.
15. What subjects do you enjoy reading about most on American Bedu blog? … social and political topics but I like just about all of your topics.
16. Do you believe American Bedu blog is informative? … Yes!
17. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, how do you rate American Bedu blog as a resource about Saudi Arabia? … 8 to 9
18. Are there any subjects or aspects of American Bedu blog that are lacking in regards to Saudi Arabia? … I think someone mentioned this earlier but I’d like to hear from some polygamous men.
19. How can American Bedu continue to improve her blog? … Keep doing what you are doing!
20. How many other Saudi blogs do you follow and where do you rate American Bedu among them? … I follow two others and this falls at around 9 for me.
1. Female
2. American
3. USA
4. 40’s
5. Divorced
6. Studying Pyschology and Journalism
7. Sales Clerk
8. Browsing blogs on Islam/Arabs
9. 3 years or so
10. Interesting to read other people’s opinions about the middle east/Arabs/Islam
11. Some of the people are very interesting and have worthy comments to read
12. When commentors get personal, start name calling, and the blod administer does nothing to reprimand them.
13. Any post that starts and ends without pissy comments…and in which everyone joins in and makes it fun.
14. I don’t like the posts that from their very nature are going to get people riled up from the start because we all already know how heated the topic is and it’s been done a million times elsewhere.
15. I like topics that will allow those that have actually been in the middle east and know what life is like there…to inform those that haven’t and only have FoxNews information to go by.
16. For the most part yes….depends on the subject.
17. 7
18. The voice of actual Saudi’s on the blog would be nice. There are a few but there needs to be more in order to really engage the subject matter.
19. Monitor better, more pics.
20. I follow several but I don’t really compare them to each other as they all tend to come from a different perspective and angle.
1. Are you male or female? Female
2. What is your nationality? Iranian American
3. Where are you presently located? Orange County
4. What is your age range? (20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s) 25
5. Are you married or single? Engaged
6. Are you a student? Yes
7. If you are working, what sector or industry do you work? Yes, I’m a part owner of an eletronic company…however my major is Poli Sci…so I plan on having the company as a back up for a career I really want
8. How did you find American Bedu blog? I search Marrying Saudi to non-Saudi and found FHWS Blog in which American Bedu was listed under
9. How long have you been following American Bedu blog? For about a year, everyday❤
10. What keeps you interested and coming back to American Bedu blog? Everything! Carol you cover all kinds of topics, from cooking, to marriage, to politics, to personal entries (which I love), to medical news…just everything. I love it, there also is no "ranting", it’s the fairest blog I’ve ever seen about any topic.
11. What do you like best about American Bedu blog? Everything
12. What do you like least about American Bedu blog? Nothing
13. What has been your favorite post on American Bedu blog? Umm…I like the interviews a lot and I like the personal entries a lot because I always wonder how you are doing and if everything is okay…but to be honest, I love it all
14. What has been your least favorite post on American Bedu blog? None
15. What subjects do you enjoy reading about most on American Bedu blog? Mainly I enjoy reading about the pros and cons of KSA, but again, I enjoy reading the blog all the time
16. Do you believe American Bedu blog is informative? VERY!
17. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, how do you rate American Bedu blog as a resource about Saudi Arabia? 10!!! Even my Saudi reads your blog all the time, he adores you!❤
18. Are there any subjects or aspects of American Bedu blog that are lacking in regards to Saudi Arabia? My other half said he’d like to stress how important it is to learn arabic, that it makes a huge difference to them when an effort is made by an American to learn arabic, my dad said the same
19. How can American Bedu continue to improve her blog? Keep on writting❤
20. How many other Saudi blogs do you follow and where do you rate American Bedu among them?
I use to read a few, but ever since I found this blog I rarely check the others due to the fact that the others were either really religious, and to me it was kind of confusing culture and religion (to the point where it seemed like if they got hit by a car they would assume it was a shooting star and write it as such) or really mean towards KSA, which seemed unfair. I just love how fair and interesting and how interactive this blog is. I really haven’t read anything like it. I adore it❤ Thank you so much!
1. Female
2.American
3. Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
4.50’s
5.Married
6. Student of Life
7.Housewife at present while in KSA. Behavior Specialist by profession in USA. I worked with juvenile delinquents.
8.Through another blog.
9.Oof …Maybe 2 yrs now.
10. You discuss topics of interest concerning the Kingdom.
11. You provide a neutral platform.
12.When you speak of your experiences here in the Kingdom, it comes from the perspective of privilege. Most of us here are not former diplomats. We are just ordinary people doing our best to find our way through the contradictions of the culture.
13.Bunches of ‘favorites’.
14. None
15.Expat experiences and women issues.
16.Yes, very much so. I recommend it to my friends who wish to get a truer picture of the Kingdom.
17. 9
18. The intolerance of other religions being practiced here.
19. Please just keep in mind answer #12.
20. 4 other blogs. AB rates #1 most of the time.
1. Are you male or female? Female (which rocks)
2. What is your nationality? American (Mixed with Puerto Rican)
3. Where are you presently located? Saint Louis, MO
4. What is your age range? (20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s) 42 and proud of it!
5. Are you married or single? Single thank God.
6. Are you a student? Not a student but hold two masters and 1 bachelor’s
7. If you are working, what sector or industry do you work? I work for the US Federal govt as a civilian employee and Army Reserve soldier
8. How did you find American Bedu blog? I cannot remember, it’s been awhile since I found it.
9. How long have you been following American Bedu blog? At least two years or more.
10. What keeps you interested and coming back to American Bedu blog? Middle East enthralls me and I love your diverse postings and I pray every day for your well-being.
11. What do you like best about American Bedu blog? That you discuss a variety of topics, even the sensitive ones. You tell it like it is and I admire that most about you. Your honesty.
12. What do you like least about American Bedu blog? Cannot think of anything at the moment.
13. What has been your favorite post on American Bedu blog? About your husband.
14. What has been your least favorite post on American Bedu blog? None at the moment.
15. What subjects do you enjoy reading about most on American Bedu blog? Too man y to remember.
16. Do you believe American Bedu blog is informative? EXTREMELY so.
17. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, how do you rate American Bedu blog as a resource about Saudi Arabia? 10+
18. Are there any subjects or aspects of American Bedu blog that are lacking in regards to Saudi Arabia? No, you cover them well.
19. How can American Bedu continue to improve her blog? I would ask questions to little children of Saudia to get their perspective on their country and customs.
20. How many other Saudi blogs do you follow and where do you rate American Bedu among them? I follow Suzie of Arabia.
To all those who have replied thus far to the questions, thank you very much! This is so helpful to me. I did not realize that there were some who really disliked the “finish the story” kind of posts. I will keep that in mind.
I also like the suggestion of getting some views from children. Does anyone have young children or grandchildren (ages 5 – 10) that I can prepare questions for? I’d be happy to email them and at a certain date, post all the responses. If you have a child in the suggested age group, email me at [email protected] and I’ll send a questionnaire.
I would like to interview a Saudi man who has more than one wife but he has been elusive.
Islam…. I was born and raised Catholic. However when I was about 8 I asked a nun why must Catholics go to the priest and confess their sins and ask forgiveness rather than talk to God directly. I can never forget the response. My knuckles were slapped with a ruler and I was told to not ask such silly questions…”that’s the way it is.” That started by withdrawal. Then when I was divorced later in life I found I could still attend the church but could no longer receive communion…however the church was more than eager to accept my money. That was when I turned away and started a search and long review of other religions. I visited and “tried” many churches in the Christian faith yet at the same time became curious about Islam. I started reading more and more about Islam and became friends with American Muslims. When I was finally posted overseas and living in a Muslim country, I met “Muslim born Muslims” and learned even more about Islam. The way Islam was presented to me made sense. That is my story about Islam.
1. Are you male or female? female
2. What is your nationality? brazilian
3. Where are you presently located? south america
4. What is your age range? (20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s) 20’s
5. Are you married or single? single
6. Are you a student? just got my bachelor
7. If you are working, what sector or industry do you work? teaching/languages
8. How did you find American Bedu blog? just looking for blogs about expat workers
9. How long have you been following American Bedu blog? about 2 yrs now
10. What keeps you interested and coming back to American Bedu blog? daily new posts and good debates
11. What do you like best about American Bedu blog? posts about saudi culture, such as behaviour codes and dress codes
12. What do you like least about American Bedu blog? i have no complains lol?
13. What has been your favorite post on American Bedu blog? the ones about saudi culture and internal debates
14. What has been your least favorite post on American Bedu blog? none yet
15. What subjects do you enjoy reading about most on American Bedu blog? i love it when other readers debate
16. Do you believe American Bedu blog is informative? a lot
17. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, how do you rate American Bedu blog as a resource about Saudi Arabia? 9
18. Are there any subjects or aspects of American Bedu blog that are lacking in regards to Saudi Arabia? not really
19. How can American Bedu continue to improve her blog? just keep it the way is going
20. How many other Saudi blogs do you follow and where do you rate American Bedu among them? i follow a couple more, and so far this is the best one, specially cause of the amount of posts and the variety of topics
1. Are you male or female?
Male
2. What is your nationality?
Danish
3. Where are you presently located?
Denmark
4. What is your age range? (20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s)
50′
5. Are you married or single?
Divorced
6. Are you a student?
M.A. Modern History B.A. Information Technology
7. If you are working, what sector or industry do you work?
Have worked in Telecommunications,
8. How did you find American Bedu blog?
Some other blog ( saudi jeans)
9. How long have you been following American Bedu blog?
on of a year
10. What keeps you interested and coming back to American Bedu blog?
exiting discussions (mostly) and well written articles by ‘bedu’
11. What do you like best about American Bedu blog?
same
12. What do you like least about American Bedu blog?
even weird opinions are interesting
13. What has been your favorite post on American Bedu blog?
–
14. What has been your least favorite post on American Bedu blog?
–
15. What subjects do you enjoy reading about most on American Bedu blog?
–
16. Do you believe American Bedu blog is informative?
yes
17. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, how do you rate American Bedu blog as a resource about Saudi Arabia?
–
18. Are there any subjects or aspects of American Bedu blog that are lacking in regards to Saudi Arabia?
–
19. How can American Bedu continue to improve her blog?
I don’t think so, a blog work best when it’s an expression of the blogowners personality
20. How many other Saudi blogs do you follow and where do you rate American Bedu among them?
Sorry, I don’t like to compare
Thank you for the incoming responses to the questionnaire. I also wish to remind readers that if they have a child or grandchild between the ages of 5 to 10 I have questions prepared for the child’s view. To receive these questions email me at [email protected]
I think the children’s responses will be a joyful and entertaining post to read.
1. Are you male or female? Male
2. What is your nationality? Indian
3. Where are you presently located? City of the Beatles, UK
4. What is your age range? (20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s) Just reached 20’s, phew! Writing “10’s” would have been embarassing.
5. Are you married or single? single
6. Are you a student? Yup
7. If you are working, what sector or industry do you work? Civil aviation
8. How did you find American Bedu blog? The local Bedu directory
Can’t remember but likely to be Saudi Jeans, which introduced me to the blogosphere 3 years back.
9. How long have you been following American Bedu blog? 3+ yrs
10. What keeps you interested and coming back to American Bedu blog? Discussions in the comments’ section of the post.
11. What do you like best about American Bedu blog? Daily posts!
12. What do you like least about American Bedu blog? Again, daily posts(!), which means a long backlog if I miss out on reading a few days. But hey, I’m not complaining. Can’t think of anything else. Also, the mention of the word ‘Saudi Arabia’ in each and every blog post title. I have to confess, it’s a pet peeve of mine
13. What has been your favorite post on American Bedu blog? A long list.
14. What has been your least favorite post on American Bedu blog? All the love stories. Just because I think it has got no relevance to my life. But again, it’s just me. And also the fact that almost every post leads to the same heart breaking end.
15. What subjects do you enjoy reading about most on American Bedu blog? Local travel stories and all things current affairs.
16. Do you believe American Bedu blog is informative? Ofcourse! Especially to people moving to Saudi from the west. I might have to stress on the word ‘west’.
17. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, how do you rate American Bedu blog as a resource about Saudi Arabia?
9/10 as a resource for foreigners coming from the west.
(7 or 8)/10 otherwise.
18. Are there any subjects or aspects of American Bedu blog that are lacking in regards to Saudi Arabia? Can’t think of any.
19. How can American Bedu continue to improve her blog? Maybe a theme change. No? Okay then.
20. How many other Saudi blogs do you follow and where do you rate American Bedu among them? A lot and AB is definitely in the top 5.
1. Are you male or female? Male
2. What is your nationality? American
3. Where are you presently located? MI
4. What is your age range? (20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s) 40’s
5. Are you married or single? Married – 25+ yrs.
6. Are you a student? No. Professional, which means you are always a “student” in some sense.
7. If you are working, what sector or industry do you work? Law
8. How did you find American Bedu blog? So long ago that I am unable to recall.
9. How long have you been following American Bedu blog? Years.
10. What keeps you interested and coming back to American Bedu blog? I enjoy the diverse subjects/topics that you write about. I enjoy reading the reader response, the way you manage and interact with your commentators. I find reading your blog to be intellectually challenging, frequently enlightening or illuminating, and I also find it uplifting, especially when I read the thoughts, comments, views, perhaps confessions, of persons from different religious and cultural backgrounds, and I am struck by the similarities and commonality of all of us.
11. What do you like best about American Bedu blog? Hard to say, but since I must, I would say that some of the discussions in the comments section between you and your readers are better than any seminar or classroom discussion one could ever hope for.
12. What do you like least about American Bedu blog?
13. What has been your favorite post on American Bedu blog?
14. What has been your least favorite post on American Bedu blog?
15. What subjects do you enjoy reading about most on American Bedu blog?
16. Do you believe American Bedu blog is informative?
17. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, how do you rate American Bedu blog as a resource about Saudi Arabia?
18. Are there any subjects or aspects of American Bedu blog that are lacking in regards to Saudi Arabia?
19. How can American Bedu continue to improve her blog?
20. How many other Saudi blogs do you follow and where do you rate American Bedu among them? I would be following In The Making, but alas, the author’s life is now too full with responsibilities for her blog to continue as it did. I suppose that although I have an interest in Saudi Arabia, my interest is more in people, religion, and relationships, and when I find a blog that is, well, “authentic” for lack of a better word, I am attracted to it.
I suppose, if I am totally honest, I absolutely love strong women, and I am attracted to blogs authored by them. Perhaps it is just conditioning, since I was raised by a strong woman, my mother, and I loved the stories told by her mother, my grandmother, growing up on a farm in South Dakota, who lived at a time when woman did not have the right to vote, who left the farm, went to the “big city” Chicago, alone, to go to college. These women would say exactly what Oby and others said in the comments to the subsequent post on “Saudi Arabia: A Saudi Student Love Story and Heartache in Progress” Who can resist a woman who, when providing counsel to a younger women, presents as a starting point: “The man has to have a spine.”
And, she follows this up with: “I found if I didn’t lay down the law to my honey he would have wrung his hands and might never have done it.”
I just love that. It is absolutely the truth, and I can’t help laughing out loud when I read it.
You have an outstanding blog, with interesting and respectful commentators. The only problem I have with it is that I have to stay away for my own protection, since I could spend way to much time here if I didn’t excercise self restraint.
@AGA, thank you very much for your feedback!!
[…] I had asked American Bedu readers a series of questions to help me be a better blogger and provide readers with more of what they wished to know about. […]
1. Are you male or female?
-Female
2. What is your nationality?
-Saudi
3. Where are you presently located?
-I’m in VA helping my siblings settle in to college, but my hometown is Riyadh
4. What is your age range? (20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s)
-Teen
5. Are you married or single?
-Single
6. Are you a student?
-Yes
7. (i don’t work)
8. How did you find American Bedu blog?
-I actually forgot !
9. How long have you been following American Bedu blog?
-from mid 2009
10. What keeps you interested and coming back to American Bedu blog?
-because you give me an interesting prospective of Saudi Arabia that i never thought of looking into before.
11. What do you like best about American Bedu blog?
– that you don’t sugarcoat anything, you tell it like it is.
12. What do you like least about American Bedu blog?
– that you don’t look into the prospective of teens.
13. What has been your favorite post on American Bedu blog?
– a lot !
14. What has been your least favorite post on American Bedu blog?
– the post about you telling us that your husband has passed away.
15. What subjects do you enjoy reading about most on American Bedu blog?
– general Saudi life
16. Do you believe American Bedu blog is informative?
– absolutely !
17. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, how do you rate American Bedu blog as a resource about Saudi Arabia?
– 7.
18. Are there any subjects or aspects of American Bedu blog that are lacking in regards to Saudi Arabia?
– none that can think of.
19. How can American Bedu continue to improve her blog?
– by being the way it is!
20. How many other Saudi blogs do you follow and where do you rate American Bedu among them?
only one other one, but it’s on a different topic so i cannot compare.
thank you for taking your time in reading this !!
Shukran aleki Anoud for taking the time to respond. Thank you as well for opening my eyes on the subject of including topics for teens. As a teen, what kind of subjects would you like to see on American Bedu? Activities? Schools?
I hope you are enjoying your time in Virginia. That was one of my former “stomping grounds.” Abdullah and I had our first home together in Northern Virginia.
Best Regards, Carol
1. Are you male or female? Female
2. What is your nationality? New Zealander
3. Where are you presently located? NZ
4. What is your age range? 30’s
5. Are you married or single? married to a saudi with 4 children
6. Are you a student? no
7. If you are working, what sector or industry do you work? Ex teacher doing online proofreading
8. How did you find American Bedu blog? google searching for information on saudi marriages
9. How long have you been following American Bedu blog? since early 2009
10. What keeps you interested and coming back to American Bedu blog? Up to date info on ksa
11. What do you like best about American Bedu blog? so many; articles on the recent political issues,fashion,marriage to the unique specimens,food,culture and customs,the photos/pictures
12. What do you like least about American Bedu blog?
13. What has been your favorite post on American Bedu blog? marriage to a saudi and all their interesting cultural tidbits .
14. What has been your least favorite post on American Bedu blog? topics on polygamy,it gets my blood boiling
15. What subjects do you enjoy reading about most on American Bedu blog?
16. Do you believe American Bedu blog is informative? yes
17. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, how do you rate American Bedu blog as a resource about Saudi Arabia? 10! you are doing a fantastic job
18. Are there any subjects or aspects of American Bedu blog that are lacking in regards to Saudi Arabia? no you cover all aspects
19. How can American Bedu continue to improve her blog? more stories from the saudi women even though quite hard to achieve
20. How many other Saudi blogs do you follow and where do you rate American Bedu among them? yours.just yours
Dear Umm Yara,
Thank you very much for taking the time to answer the questions. I laughed out loud with your description of the Saudi spouse as a “unique specimen!”
I appreciate the feedback from you.
1. Are you male or female? Female
2. What is your nationality? Filipino
3. Where are you presently located? Philippines
4. What is your age range? (20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s) 20’s
5. Are you married or single? Married
6. Are you a student? nope. i graduated with a degree in Tourism
7. If you are working, what sector or industry do you work? restaurant industry
8. How did you find American Bedu blog? While i was having some problems about getting married to a Saudi man,
9. How long have you been following American Bedu blog? about a year now
10. What keeps you interested and coming back to American Bedu blog? The useful and helpful information about culture, tradition and what abouts of Saudi Arabia and the people living there.
11. What do you like best about American Bedu blog? The posts about marriage and family
12. What do you like least about American Bedu blog? none
13. What has been your favorite post on American Bedu blog? Your love story.
14. What has been your least favorite post on American Bedu blog? none
15. What subjects do you enjoy reading about most on American Bedu blog? marriage and relationships
16. Do you believe American Bedu blog is informative? yes
17. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, how do you rate American Bedu blog as a resource about Saudi Arabia? 10
18. Are there any subjects or aspects of American Bedu blog that are lacking in regards to Saudi Arabia? none. everything is covered.
19. How can American Bedu continue to improve her blog? its great the way it is
20. How many other Saudi blogs do you follow and where do you rate American Bedu among them? nothing is compared to ur blog.