An English Family man in Saudi......

AMSTERDAM's Schiphol Airport is a typical stop over on the flight to Saudi, but they have made it quite comfortable. Good job as you may be here for some time.... I was here for 5 hours!






One last drink!  This will be the last sample for me before I visit Bahrain, but I can't go there until I get my residence visa (Iqama) and then a multi entry visa! Yes Saudi does have a lot of red tape, and yes it does take a long time......., but it does keep the bad guys out! 





AlKhobar's coastal shops at the 'Corniche'. Notice very wide roads. Also it gets dark here much earlier than in England - noticeable in the summer, but everything looks nice lit up. 

 Other views of the 'Corniche'. Sorry my Photos don't do it justice. The coast is protected by very white rocks. Too deep here for swimming, but there are beaches further down. Locals like to promenade with their family and have BBQs -all year!

The shopping centres or 'Malls' are air conditioned and very clean

This picture is for Anna, who loves COSTA!

Shopping is the biggest entertainment in Saudi as there are no cinemas, theatres, or discos, you must go across the causeway to Bahrain for these.

Rashid Mall is the biggest in Al Khobar

This one is for my wife Caroline!

Outside TGI Fridays seems to be the local place for young men to show off their cars and impress the young ladies (from a distance).

Beer, Saudi style (ie alcohol free)!

Single men have to be careful. Some shops are family only, and most restaurants have a separate area for single men to sit in, normally shielded off from view of families. Women by themselves, with children or husband go in the family area.





MYTH: All toilets in Saudi are like this!  No, some public toilets are (so bring your own paper!) but most hotels, Malls, and places of work have Western type toilets with an additional 'hose' for Saudi style.

MYTH: All Western ladies must cover up their heads. No. This lady kindly let me take her picture so that you could see. Also notice that her 'Abaya' does not have to be All Black and does not have to have a high neck line.

Wise to take a scarf with you in case anyone asks you to cover your head, but this is rare (sometimes in the Rashid Mall).

It is very safe for women to walk around by themselves as long as they are sensibly clothed as shown. Also within Western housing villages, women can wear what they like.

Where I live now! - Las Dunas Village

Best way to cool off!

That's all for now, but I have only been here a week!  Greetings to all my friends, stay in touch.