Job Discussion Forums

JalanJalan · Joined: 15 Apr 2004 Posts: 5 Location: USA

I've been reading the various posts, including the answers to my post. It seems that a common thread is that most people who discribe Saudi Arabia include boring in their lists. Since I'm considering a position in Riyad, I like some more insight.

I am a people person and single. Are there no clubs/social forums to meet people (board game, Hash house harriers, SCUBA, hiking, martial arts, etc.)?

If not, or if so, what would you say is the most common way of spending a weekend? Any good get-away weekend places easily reachable from Riyad?

Someone mentioned s/he did a lot of reading. If I am alone, I prefer television. Is there satelite/cable tv available and/or video rentals? Are there any cinemas or concerts?

I like to explore/travel. Is driving around the kingdom or into the neighboring countries an option?

Because of debt and the need to finance my journeys I will probably still take the position if offered even if it is boring, but I wouldn't mind an alternative to staring at the 4 walls of my apartment.

Thanks

Brooks · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1369 Location: Sagamihara

as Sid asked previously, why not consider Japan?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Satellite TV is unlawful but available. No cinemas.

Hash House harriers is there (or WAS !).

Driving around is possible but where would you go ?

Sounds to me as if you might not like it in Saudi Arabia. On the other hand.................people are adaptable !

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 1:57 pm Post subject:

Itotally agree with the above poster.

If you "need" to be around compatible people at all times, and cannot - or will not - puruse your own interests independently, KSA is not the ideal destination these days. On the other hand, if you don't need constant company and enjoy "solitary" pursuits such as reading, studying, internet-ing, then KSA can be quite OK!

Nothing will fall into your lap in KSA, particularly Riyadh these days. If you want a social life, you will have to go out and get it. There is nothing whatsoever by way of organized entertainment, there were a fair few ex-pat clubs and the like, but most of them have fallen by the wayside due to lack of numbers.

Arab Strap · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 246 Location: under your bed

How boring is Riyadh?..................very

How safe is Riyadh now?.................not very

How much does money mean to me?.............supply your own answer

You even have to drive way out of the city for a shisha..........

Mark100 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 441

I suggest you read the newspapers before deciding whether you want to go to Riyadh.
You really would have to have rocks in your head to want to go there now.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I am not in Riyadh but have visited that strange city.

It is not like Beirut at the height of the Civil War. The main danger still comes from driving, but car acccidents do not get headlines, whereas Islamist massacres do.

I have not left Saudi Arabia and I have no immediate plans to do so. For me it is partly harsh economics. At my age I am unlikely to get another job in TESOL that pays what I consider to be a living wage.

You can say what you like about Saudi but at least ageism is not one of the problems we face here/

Mark100 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 441

Scot47

Well you are in the Eastern Province like myself where there have been no dramatic incidents thus far.
However, be that as it may do not think that something will not happen here.
Further given current developments would it not be prudent to forgo Riyadh for the time being until the situation becomes clearer?

Nomad Dan · Joined: 17 Feb 2003 Posts: 145 Location: Myanmar

Hello. I am almost certain that the Hash still goes on in Riyadh. More low-key but there are hashes. I have been out of the Kingdom for 2 years now. So all of what I have to say is dated I guess....I was in the Eastern Province like Scot and others, and I had lots of fun.
I am easily amused.
I was also a very active alcoholic while there, and I had lots of company. Having said that, for me it was strong Sid and South African or Phillipinna nurses and pool parties with BA buddies. That life is probably still there, but lower key.
I no longer drink alcohol...and I wonder what it would be like there now? I think I may never know...
I have visited Riyadh, but never had enough insight into that social web to know if that surreal lifestyle of booze and strangeness could be found there. I doubt it. Not that anyone would want it....
It was interesting though.
No matter what, make life interesting.
Nomad Dan