Family Section

As I mentioned in my previous Kingdom Post, here things are, well, just a little different.  Men and women don't date, socialize or "hangout;" they aren't allowed to intermingle unless they are family members. So, in public places, people are segregated. Grocery stores have family lines and male only lines; restaurants have family sections and single male sections, etc. 

So, if my husband goes out on his own, he has to go to the single males area vs when he is out with Marc and me, he goes in the family section. If the roles are reversed, it's the family section for me. 

We recently visited a McDonald's in town and I was able to snap some photos. As you can see, in the family section, every table is private and each family is surrounded by 3 walls with an entrance that is closed by a curtain. This allows women to eat with their families without being viewed by other men. 

I have to admit-the privacy is great, but it does put a cramp on people watching. 

The Abaya

Abaya and Hijab head scarf

One of the first questions people asked me when I said I was moving to Saudi was, "Do you have to wear a burqa?;" or the not-so-politically correct version "Do you have to wear the Ninja outfit?".  So, imagine the confusion when I replied that I indeed have to wear an Abaya.  But what is an Abaya? What is the difference between a burqa and an Abaya? Well here is your answer. 

A traditional Abaya is a black sheet like covering that is worn over one's clothing.  It covers from the neck down to the wrists and ankles.  While it is made in all different shapes and colors, Saudi requires it to be black.  That's not saying that it has to be plain; most Abayas can be bedazzled or have colorful lace trim, if one desires. The point behind the Abaya (and burqa) is to conceal a woman.  It is to prevent impure thoughts, and conceal oneself from anyone but her husband.   This is supported by the Muslims belief and the words of the Quran 33:59 "O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters, and the believing women, to cover themselves with a loose garment. They will thus be recognized and no harm will come to them".

Women would accompany the Abaya with a Hijab, which is a scarf that covers the head; and/or a Niqab which covers the face.

The burqa, well, I think the photo is pretty self explanatory. It covers-everything, no skin, no eyes nodda-nothing.

I have to admit, when I first found out we were headed to Saudi I was not happy.  Who wants to wear a black robe on top of your normal everyday wear; especially in the desert heat!?  Not to mention, they are plain, drab and just not very stylish at all-at the time that was my knowledge.  Since arriving though, my opinion has been altered a little.  I figured out that they could be bedazzled and stylish.  I even found some designer ones out of Europe, and ordered one before I left the states.  I'm sure glad I found those.  Most of the Abayas I have found here are all polyester....again, who the heck wants to wear a black polyester sheet!?  I digress; but, the designer ones are cotton.  GO me! I should get a discount considering all the new customers they have from the other diplomats now ordering, but oh well. Now when I know I'm going out, I don't have to get so dressed up.  Prime example: if we went to the mall in the states, I'd make sure I was dressed cute and head out.  Here?  HA!  I fix my makeup and hair, I can throw some yoga pants and a tank, and head out.  Forget ironing that shirt I forgot to take out of the drier, or my cute jeans....the abaya is the great equalizer.  Things change when I know I'm going to the mall on the "ladies only" floor; but, I'll get into that in another post.  For now, I'm learning to love my abaya and hijab.

Welcome to the Kingdom!

We have started a new adventure in Saudi! During this adventure I hope that you will follow my post and I will do my best to update you on my cultural experiences.

Saudi Facts:

Often referred to as the Kingdom, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or "KSA", or Saudi.

Considered the largest Arab state (approximately 870,000 sq mi)

• Government: Monarchy
• King: Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz

• Founded: September 23, 1932

• Capital City: Riyadh 

• Language: Arabic

• Religion: Islam
• The Kingdom is home to 2 of Islam Holy Lands
• Mecca 
• Medina  

• Currency: Saudi riyal "SAR" 
• Current Currency Conversion: 
• $1 US Dollar = 3.75 SAR or 
• 1 SAR = $0.27 US

• Estimated Population Breakdown:
• Saudis: 16 Million
• Registered Expats: 9 Million
•  Illegals: 2 Million

• Major Export: Oil

Most common questions asked since I arrived:

• Do I have to cover?
• Yes.  When I am not on our compound I do have to cover myself by wearing an Abaya (I'll explain the abaya in another post).  I also carry a Hijab or scarf to cover my head in the event I run into the Mutaween (Saudi's Religious Police.)  If I'm on a walk on the compound I do dress modestly, the reason being  I have found that even in a pair of capris and crew neck t-shirt attracts A LOT of attention, as if I'm a supermodel walking down the beach in a thong kinda looks.

• What kind of food do you eat?
• For the most part I can find many of the comforts of home here.  Fruits, veggies, mayo and mustard, it is no different here.  Now, thats not saying I can find my favorite brand, but I can find what I need. There are two things however, that you will NOT find: Pork and Alcohol.  Both are banned in the Kingdom and are illegal. 
• Another point along the lines of food are the restaurants, they have American chains here. Pizza Hut, Little Caesars, Taco Bell, KFC, Firehouse Subs, Chilli's, Outback, Applebees, Starbucks, Subway, Dunkin Doughnuts, Krispy Kreme, Baskin Robbins and TGI-Fridays are all here. 

• Can I drive?
• No.  Women are not allowed to drive in the Kingdom, it is illegal.  There has been a big movement to get them to change this law, but me personally I'm glad I can't.  

•  What is the work week like?
• The work week is really no different than in America except, the work week is Sunday-Thursday.  Friday is the Islamic Holy day and everything is shut down until after 2 or 3 in the afternoon. There are exceptions and that is during Ramadan. 

• What is your house like?
• Our house is really no different than an American home.  We do not need converters for our appliances etc because our house is 110v. We have a nice patio and American appliances.  We even have a nice park near by to go to. 

• Do you drink the water?
• No.  While the water here is safe to shower, brush your teeth and wash dishes with, it still not OK to drink.  We have water delivered when we need it.

• Where are your dogs?
• Our Guard dogs are here with us. 

• Is it safe there?
• Yes.  The overall crime rate in Riyadh is lower than DC.  Saudi is a little different than America in that they do not put up with crime.  Lets just say Chop Chop square is alive and well here in the Kingdom and people do lose heads and limbs there. 
• There has not been a terrorist attack inside the Kingdom since 2003 I believe. Whereas, America's last one was March 2013.

• Are the people nice?
• Most of the locals are extremely nice to my little guy but not really to me.  But remember Islam is the religion here.  Men are not suppose to have contact with women who are not part of their family units. 
• The "expats" or other Americans, Canadians and Brits that we have met are extremely friendly.

• Is it hot?
• Believe it or not, it is actually nice out right now.  Its between 80 and 100 here during the day and 70s at night.  This is also a dry heat, so its not nearly as hot as a Florida day.  I have been told that the Summers here are brutal, 115 dry or not it pretty dang hot. 

Common Phrases I've Learned:

1. Insha'Allah or إن شاء الل means God Willing
2. Marhaba or مرحبا means Hello
3. Shukran or شكراً means Thank You
4. Ma'a salama  or مع السلام means “Good-bye”, but has a literal meaning of "Peace be with you." 
5. As-Salaam-Alaikum or السلام عليكم means Peace be unto you. One would typically respond with Ma'a salama.