Fal Resort and on to Riyadh

This morning after a few hours sleep, we went back to the Fal Resort. We left the hotel at 7:15 which allowed us to get to the resort before the locals woke up. (They go to sleep late and wake up late) It was a beautiful morning. First I went swimming in the pool. Then I went swimming in the Red Sea – which is salty enough to allow you to float but crystal clear. Then I had a surprise experience. I told Marwan (our Aramco host) that I had a problem. I bought too much at the souk. All my stuff does not fit in my suitcase. So I asked if one of the men could go buy me a suitcase while we were at the resort. He said, just buy one at the Hilton when we return. I laughed and told him that I am a teacher – I can’t buy gum at the Hilton. So he told me to go to the dive shop and see if they have a suitcase. If they do, just charge it to Aramco. So I went to the dive shop, they had one scuba diving suitcase. I took it and signed my name (692 Saudi riyals). That was more than 200 American dollars. I’m not sure I’ll ever recover from this trip. Then I got some snorkel equipment because they would not let me scuba dive. I went snorkeling – the reefs were OK but the fish were wonderful. Very beautiful. So I have snorkeled on the Red Sea and loved every minute of it. When I returned, I swam in the pool awhile and now I am sitting in the lobby waiting for lunch.

This afternoon we go to Riyadh. I dread the airplane ride – just because of the hassle last time. One of my friends said, now you know why they wear full face veils. We are thinking of wearing our full face veils and sunglasses for this ride.

8 p.m. We have now arrived in Riyadh. The airplane ride was much less stressful- because I sat between a man in our group and a Saudi woman. I kept my hijab (veil) on the entire time and managed to sleep a bit. Now we have arrived at the Al Faisaliah Hotel – my room is simply unbelievable. A butler brought me up and I have a butler that I can call at any time. I have a soaker tub and a walk in shower. And it is simply stunning.

We do not have to meet until 8:45 a.m. which is wonderful. I plan to update the blog and then get a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow morning we get to see a government school (which is the first time our group has been allowed to visit a government (vs. private) school. I am looking forward to that.

I continue to pinch myself as I realize how blessed I am to be on this trip. I have certainly been treated royally but I also have learned so much and met an endless number of fascinating people.