A Full Abaya Day

Full Abaya Day

My abaya is now a part of me – it does cover a lot – but it is also hot.

The embroidery is quite pretty. Glad I don’t have to wear one every day.

Love that contrast –
McDonalds and a minaret.

Girls in a training center are preparing for professions in Aramco. They are already employees. Need a few more skills. When I asked to take their picture, some covered their heads and faces while others combed their hair.

The school library was SO much fun. I even stood behind the circulation desk while the librarian was out. She refused to be photographed.

Same old rules- no matter where you go.

Our men decided to buy gutras and thobes so that they would match us.

Now you can’t tell the Saudis from our men. Their conclusion tonight was that it was more trouble than it was worth. Wish we could say the same about our abayas.

Dinner at a place called Heritage Commons was served while sitting on the ground. The food was delicious (as always). The knees did not appreciate the sit.

Tomorrow we go camel riding in the desert! Then we fly to Jeddah- on the west coast. Maybe I’ll have better email over there.

Seven Favorite Pictures -- Day 1

Burger King Sign.

As we ride along in the bus, there are many “familiar” signs. I am pleased that I was able to get this quality while in a moving bus.

Abaya Fitting.

Abaya fitting at 4 p.m. Mandatory for all women. Our guide told the tailor not to go to sleep until they were finished. After dinner, they were delivered. Tomorrow we will no longer have to wear “formal business clothing.”

MooMoos.

Women were given these traditional gowns as gifts. The women who gave them to us said their grandmothers always wore them around the house. We had a hysterical time trying to wrap them around ourselves. Then the guides laughed hysterically when we posed for a picture. One told us it brought them back to their childhoods. We decided they were kind of like moo-moos.

Recycling Program.

There was a real push for recycling in March. Posters all over. (This one is in English because it is on the grounds of the Aramco compound where we are staying.)

A Private Home.

We visited a private home in the afternoon yesterday. The woman (shown talking) was a real collector. We were all sitting on cushions along the wall while she talked. As you can see, jet lag had set in.

A Business Woman.

This woman was our guide in the morning at Aramco. Later she joined us for dinner. She spoke for her fellow women in a most incredible manner. Articulate, opinionated, optimistic, and very very kind. Saudi Aramco is very fortunate to have her representing its business women.

Little Children.

Aramco brings ALL school children to their headquarters museum each year to encourage them to study hard and get ahead. I think they were more interested in us! But, they were perfectly behaved.

(Pictures proxy-posted by Denise.
If there are any problems with the pix, it's not Kris's fault. :))