Going, Going, Gone

We are going to leave in a few hours for Saudi Arabia. This morning we had our "last minute" details meeting - lots of security issues, lots of don'ts.
Our trip is organized a bit differently than previous trips in that we are going to Jeddah on Monday rather than at the end of the trip. I think it is because the Arab League is meeting in Riyadh. Jeddah is on the Red Sea and so we will fly cross country and then return slowly.
Not sure if I will be able to scuba dive in the Red Sea because we are staying in the Jeddah Hilton instead of the Fal Resort. We'll see. I really want to do that!
This morning some go-getter teachers in our group taught us how to "count off" in Arabic. Whenever we get on the bus we count off. I am number 18 - and now I am tamaan tashar.
Yesterday was a busy day - In the morning we went to the Aramco Services building in Houston.
Aramco Services does many jobs for Aramco Oil in the U.S. Receive the oil shipments but also train people for SA, place SA students in US universities, work out research opportunities in the US with US universities, etc. A woman who had lived for 22 years in SA spoke to us about the country, what it is like to be there, etc. Then 4 alumni talked with us in the afternoon- one about "culture trunks" - things we can buy and bring back to show to classes- one about managing the press and speaking opportunities - one about library applications of what we learn- and one about Social Studies applications of what we learn. So it was fascinating. And very helpful.
Then I went to a Mexican restaurant for WONDERFUL margaritas and enchiladas with friends.
I really like the people I am traveling with. So far, we have a great group.
BTW- one fun thing yesterday was learning about fulla dolls. These are the Arabic version of Barbie dolls. If you want to be amazed, click on the link and look at all the products. Apparently the company is in Syria and they are making a mint! There is also an Arabic version of Sesame Street - not Sesame Street in Arabic but instead a similar show with Arabic content.
And now, we get ready for the LONG LONG flight. First to Amsterdam (8 hours), 5 hours in Amsterdam, and then on to Dharhan (6.5 hours).
I'll write again from the other side of the pond. Maassalehma!