Camels, deserts and airplanes

Dear friends - I am now safely moved into the Jeddah Hilton. My room is simply gorgeous.
And I have internet access that will allow me to work on my own blog. Many thanks to Denise for doing a beautiful job keeping it up - using my pictures and a text document sent each day.

It would be impossible to tell you all of what we did today. We started at 7:15 and headed for the desert. First we headed for Gara Mountain - where we walked in a beautiful cave area with incredible peaks around us. No one would believe we were in Saudi Arabia- instead it looked like Arizona.

Then we went to the Ib Rahim Pasha Palace - a very old fort like palace. We walked around for a long time - and were so impressed with the old architecture. I think the place is about 400 years old (if not more)

Then we headed to a Pottery Business where we watched a man make pots the old way - first by kneeding clay with his feet and then hand throwing the pot. It was very neat.


Then we went to the Intercontinental in Hufuf - a large town in the desert - mainly because it is an oasis. The lunch was extraordinary - as always

At this point-my camera battery died. So I had friends take pictures at the camel farm and will try to post them tomorrow.

After lunch we headed to the camel farm. This is only the second trip that has gone there. Previous trips went to the camel market. One man knew of this bedoin (sp?) farmer with hundreds of camels on many many acres of land. And they arranged for us to go. While I was a tad disappointed that I didn't get to ride the camels (and maybe a bit relieved), we had an incredible experience- we road for a few miles in SUVs to this encampment with lots of camels. Then we went into one of the pens - and actually stood among the camels - which gets exciting when they decide to take off to another part of the area. The noise was lots of fun - I recorded it and will try to broadcast that tomorrow - sounded like someone who had either drunk too much or had the stomach flu. Then we were invited into a tent for tea and dates on the rugs. The sun was setting over the dunes - the camels were callling - and I was simply amazed to be so lucky to be there.
Our drive, although very long, was fascinating as we saw many many industrial sites (Aramco), many high dunes, sand storms across the highway, many monstrous houses in the middle of nowhere (often started but not finished), the Crown Prince's farm, miles of aquaducts.
We arrived back into Dharhan at 7:02, ran to our rooms, threw on our abayas, grabbed our suitcases, checked out and were headed for the airport at 7:35.
Then I had one of the more interesting experiences of my life. The plane was full of Saudis - almost everywoman had a full-face veil. The men were not interested in sitting next to unrelated women, so the stewardesses were shuffling people all over - until everyone was somewhere they could tolerate. Then there were probably 20-30 people doing Imman (sp)- preparing for their pilgrimmages to Mecca. As I understand it, they must come clean - and so these men were literally sitting in the airplane - naked except for bath towels wrapped around them. But we made it to Jeddah and this hotel was worth the effort. We ate dinner at 1 and here I am at two.
More later.

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. :))

A Proxy Post -- Day One

Day One
I am safely in Dharhan Saudi Arabia and having a
wonderful time. Today we went to Aramco Oil
facilities and then later went out to a great seafood
restaurant.

Unfortunately, I am not able to post to my blog from
Saudi Arabia. They have blocked blogspot. I don't
know if that will change when we fly to Jeddah- but I
will try again.

I also have not been able to connect my wireless
network here- so I can't send pictures today either.
(I took 89 pictures today.)

My friend Denise is posting for me. If you want to
email me, I would love to hear from you at
kristinelbrown@yahoo.com.

Hope this improves soon.
Kris

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!

Wednesday

Last night we had a welcome dinner and were introduced to the people in our group. Everyone had to explain what they are planning to do after the trip. It was fascinating. Someone said- I think people who apply for this program are real adventurous go-getters. I never thought of myself in that way. But many of the rest of them are.
Today we go to Aramco's North American headquarters for formal training. They flew three alumni of the program in and they will tell us what to expect. People from Aramco will tell us about the "Kingdom". So... lots of things to learn.
More later....

HOUSTON

My trip has begun. After a short trip to Chicago this a.m., I am now in Houston. I don't think I've ever left the airport in Houston before. It is definitely spring here - and the flowers are blooming and the grass is green. Lots of traffic - we are staying right downtown but our limo driver flew through it all and delivered us safely to our home for the next 2 nights - the Intercontinental Houston. It is a long way from the Days Inn.
So far I've met about 10 or so people who are part of our group. In a half hour, we will convene downstairs for conversation and dinner. It does seem odd to be meeting perfect strangers and realizing that we will spend the next two weeks together. So far, so good. The group is a mix of younger teachers and some who are older than me! About half men and women. And about half librarians and Social Studies teachers. I fit right in!
Thanks to everyone who wished me bon voyage. It will certainly be an adventure and I'm glad you are going along with me virtually.
(Sorry I can't show you the hotel - the webpage isn't opening.) Maybe it will open for you.