Only a few weeks in Dhahran

Things have been so interesting since our last posting and we have been learning a lot about The Kingdom (Saudi Arabia). We live on the Consulate compound which is very beautiful with green parrots that fly around at sunset; however, it only take 4 minutes to walk from the front gate to the back, so it is tiny. Our house is very old, but big and nice with a cute green front yard. Our UAB arrived a week after we got here and the only reason it took so long was because it went from the US to Sri Lanka then to Saudi. It doesn't make sense but it made it undamaged, and that is the most important thing.

We don't want to paint a picture that this is paradise, because it has a lot of difficulties... but with a positive attitude we can make the best out of anything. It is really difficult for a woman to live here because of all the strict religious laws requiring women to act or look a certain way. Mama Gnome wears an abaya and tries not to look men in the face or to hold Papa Gnomes hands in public. However, it isn't mandatory to wear an abaya because many westener women wear a cardigin (they do get harassed by the locals) but a lot of Saudi women are covered head to toe and all you can see is their eyes. Some of the most restrictive things are that it is illegal for women to drive, no Christian items, no pork, and no alcohol! Also, you have to plan your entire day around prayer call because the shops close for it. Sounds pretty easy to plan the day... well it isn't because they have a prayer call every 2 to 3 hours and since Mama Gnome can't drive we have to coordinate with the motorpool for pick up. It really isn't hard, it just takes some planning thank goodness Mama Gnome is an awesome planner.

We have adjusted to the new life and it is kind of fun. We have already gone shopping at Ikea, found an awesome pecan pie at Tamimi's grocery store, awesome Indian food at LuLu's and the weather here is perfect. The consulate people are very welcoming and throw some great parties. Tonight we are off for a big Thanksgiving dinner the consulate is doing as a group, and Papa Gnome is excited for stuffing! ...more soon!