Greetings from Saudi! It’s going exceedingly well, despite some surprising cultural norms around the way women dress and are treated (separate eating areas, separate meeting rooms etc). Being in Saudi has been a bit of a shock with all of the women in their burkas and abayas. It’s odd not to see women working in shops or driving. Women are still not allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia and up until a few months ago, they could not work in shops where men worked (‘mixing’ was illegal and now is just heavily frowned upon). That said, there are some incredible parts of the culture that are heart warming (emphasis on family is strong) and some surprising – like, they have Krispy Kremes here! It’s like an oasis in the desert to see American comfort food. In fact, we ate at a ‘South of the Border’ Mexican joint last night. That was hilarious. Saudi Arabia is a ‘dry’ country – no alcohol at ALL in the entire country yet look at the ‘chandelier’. It’s made out of empty beer bottles that they can’t drink here. And the coaster? Is it a ‘margarita’ if there is soley Lime Juice and a salt rim?
Food is another big part of the culture here. I’ve been eating a lot. It probably has to do with the no-waist abaya; there’s no waistband to remind me I’ve eaten too much. This is just a small fraction of the desserts that we had at one of our first functions here. Doesn’t it all look insanely good?
In our Hilton (a little liberal oasis), they have a small little non-head-scarf wearing area for the American women (though we do have to sit on our women’s section for all the educational classes behind one-way mirrors; we can see the men and the speaker but they can’t see us). My husband and I were able to meet some local dignitaries (as evidenced by their golden robes). My husband’s company does work in Saudi Arabia so it was great to strengthen his relationships in the country.
The head scarf is a strange thing for me to wear. I’ve always been an exceedingly opinionated, strong willed woman. To not have men look me in the eyes or take my order at restaurants is a new experience. My husband is always by my side on this trip as women traditionally are accompanied by a man. When we were in the hotel lobby the first day, I turned around and my husband lost me. With me turned around, I looked like every other woman in the lobby. He found me again, surprise, confusion and a whiff of panic in his eyes, “I thought I lost you. You can’t tell who you are from behind.”
Another difference here is that there are separate sections in restaurants for women & children and then one just for the men. My husband typically is the only man in the area. Many of the of the other men have left their women and children in the ‘family’ area and are seated by themselves in the ‘men only’ area. It’s just one of the interesting and different cultural norms that I am getting used to.
As if the schedules didn’t keep us busy enough, the internet is quite spotty and expensive in our room. I’ve been missing Facebook, Twitter and interacting with friends and customers on this blog and the Teach Soap forum. It’s yet another thing I took for granted in the States. I’ll try to post another update on Sunday. Until then, happy soaping! =)
This post took me back to our nearly 8 years in Saudi working for Aramco (Then it was Arabian American Oil Company before being nationalized by the Saudi government). We had more options of where we could go without abayas and husbands in the mid-
70's to mid 80's than they do now.
Thanks for sharing!
I am glad you are having fun and enjoying the experience. We are blessed to live where we live and enjoy the freedoms we do. Miss your posts, Amber is doing a wonderful job! I am loving the cupcakes and I think I HAVE to make some for Valentines Day.
Thanks and be safe.
Michelle in NV
Hi, Anne-Marie! Glad to hear that the trip is going well and you're getting along okay. I'll bet it's quite a culture shock. I remember seeing something about the men/women/family dining areas on an episode of Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations." Thank goodness there's a Krispy Kreme! Have a safe trip home.
What a fascinating cultural experience you're having! Thanks for sharing it with us. The food does look fabulous, but, oh my goodness, would my patience be tried with being treated like a second-class citizen. :}
So good to hear all is going well! I'm with Nicole on this ummmm fruit custard and pastry crust pretty enough for soap!
About the situation in the mid east, remember what the dormouse said!
A statue of patience Anne Marie! Thank you for sharing the experience with us!
Thanks for posting AM! I'd imagine a trip like this makes you very thankful for what you have at home. It is always interesting and educational to visit different parts of the world and experience their culture. I think it is the best part of travel. Although I think being in Saudi Arabia would take a lot of getting use to (referring to your hubby losing you because in birka you resemble everyone else-I'm guessing he wouldn't be allowed to approach different women and tap on their shoulders – I can see how that causes anxiety). Sounds like you are handling things very well. I look forward to reading more of your posts when you get home.
I enjoyed this post a lot. I suppose when in a state of culture shock, you can surprise yourself at how well you are able to adapt. S'all very interesting stuff.
x
Thank you for sharing your experiences with all of us. I find it all very interesting! There are probably days where we (women) all have said that we wish we could have a break from work. Well, after reading your post…I am so grateful that I have the choice to work or not. That I have the choice to sit where I want when out dining!
Enjoy your time, be safe and remember, you can always lose those few extra pounds later! Have fun now!
Dana
That would drive me bonkers honestly. I dont do well being treated like a second class citizen. When I notice Im being treated different (mainly because of my disabilities) I get very angry. I understand its cultural and not personal, but wow… I just dont think that stuff is for me, even if its just for a short trip. Kudos to you for being able to walk through that with such grace.
It's awesome to read about your experience. Talk about a culture shock for sure! The pics of the food are delightful! Very artistic and colorful – I'll bet it was hard to eat them!
Thank you for sharing. Very interesting. I would find it very difficult to be there under those circumstances but could deal with the cultural difference for such an amazing experience. There is always a touch of the US everywhere. I was surprised to see Krispy Kreme. Although with those amazing desert pictures, who needs Krispy Kreme.
Splendid! I was toying with the idea of warning you re: all the conservatism and the separation, but figured I'd leave it up to you to experience first hand. Glad to hear you went scuba diving – can't wait to hear about that! oh yeah and Saudis LOVE to eat haha!
So interesting! If I had to wear a big black robe and keep my opinions to myself I'd eat a LOT of those desserts 😉
Nice photos Anne-Marie. The food looks good. How about some pictures on a camel?
Thank you for taking the time & money to post from Saudi Arabia. It really gives you a lot of perspective on how we should push ourselves even more to do what we do everyday –
We miss you and can't wait for you and your husband's speedy return 🙂
Very interesting..thank you for sharing. My husband has been to Saudi Arabia a couple of times and it is always amazing to hear about the differences.
wow! the food pics would make awesome inspiration for some gorgeous M&P bars!
Anne-Marie,
Thank you so much for taking the time (and money!) to post and share!
We can't wait to have our Soap Queen back and we miss you!
I pray for you every day for safety and that this experience will rock your world. I am so glad Chris is there with you and you two can be together and experience this together!
We HEART our Soap Queen!
so different from what we have over here that is for sure! is that a krispy kreme donut shop you are standing in front of in the first picture 🙂
Wow, it really makes you realise how lucky we are here in the western world. I couldn't imagine not driving, not working … basically being treated like a second-class citizen. Thanks for sharing Anne-Marie.
P.S. Those desserts look divine!
Wow! What a mind blowing experience. Just reminds me that we are SO lucky.
Stay close to your hubby!! Maybe you could wear something on your back so he could recognize you!!
Jenn from KLEAN Bah & Body