Three libraries, two huge meals, and another amazing day

Once again, the high life is interfering with my sleep. It is 12 p.m. and we just got home from our second multicourse meal of the day. So, I will work fast and get to bed.

Today started with an absolutely fascinating visit to the Help Center – a private nonprofit center for children with disabilities. Young people receive services from birth until 21.
Students with down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, vision and hearing problems, etc. are offered a wide variety of therapies. Parents pay, if they are able. The building was simply stunning. The children were enchanting. And the level of therapy was amazing. While Saudi Arabia has not had children with problems resulting from drug or alcohol problems in their families, it is apparently not uncommon to have genetic problems that are carried through the generations by intermarrying among family members. I learned so much and was so impressed. And the library was wonderful – staffed today by a graduate.

Then we went to the Sophia Binzaqu Art Gallery. Sophia Binzaqu gave us the tour. She has tried to preserve Saudi heritage and tradition in her artwork. All the work in the museum is hers and she has a beautiful studio where she continues to paint. She also has an art program the includes classes at the gallery and contests in the schools. The arts have not routinely been included in the school curricula and she does her best to change that. The building is free and includes an art library that has all of her personal books. I spoke with the librarian for a long time and asked to take a picture. I bought several prints that I really like. Amazingly, I wandered into a women’s art course (men are not allowed) and found a group of young women in art. They were dressed in jeans and t-shirts and looked like young people in our country. (That is why men weren’t allowed).No abayas to be seen. They conversed with me for awhile – asking many questions about America- and then permitted me to take a picture.

Then we went for an amazing multicourse luncheon at the Byblos restaurant. This is a stunning Lebanese restaurant. The food just kept coming. At these meals, there are many local business and education leaders who are invited to join us. They sit with us and we share fascinating conversations. Sometimes when we realize who it was that we just talked with, it is simply amazing. I realize that these experiences could not be purchased and we are truly blessed by the opportunities that this trip has provided.

Two hours later we returned to the hotel briefly before departing for the Saudi Gazette newspaper plant. We got to see the Information Center (library) and I wandered around for awhile comparing their collection. We were given a lengthy tour by the editor and then we had a lengthy forum on the issues of the press – both American and Saudi- and how they influence our thinking on world issues. Many editors of the newspaper joined us for the forum. We had some very hard hitting conversation including discussion of freedom of the press and discussions on controversial issues such as AIDS, drugs, homosexuality.etc

Then we went to the Nuit D’or restaurant for the evening. It was a large banquet hall used for events like weddings. Dr. Ghazi Bin Zagr gave a speech at the beginning. It was about the challenges of building international bridges. He was VERY articulate and convincing about the barriers that come down when people talk to each other. When one does not really know much about someone else, one suspects his every move.We then continued the conversation over another giant meal that lasted several hours. We certainly have been treated to some incredible meals.

Tomorrow we go to the souks (markets) and then to the Fal Resort for a folkloric night.
Should be lots of fun and more informal. (Yes- we still get to wear our abayas to the souks)

Thanks to those of you who are writing comments on my blog and to my email. I love hearing from you too. This trip has been an amazing experience - and I look forward to each new day.