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baby steps
Joined: 14 Mar 2004 Posts: 6
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Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 4:44 pm Post subject: What did you forget? |
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Coming from America, what are things which you did not bring with you to KSA and regret not bringing?
What are things you brought and wish you left home?
thanks in advance for your information.
palo |
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Cleopatra

Joined: 28 Jun 2003 Posts: 3657 Location: Tuamago Archipelago
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Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 9:37 pm Post subject: |
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Since I'm not American, I can't help. Sorry. |
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scot47

Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343
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Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 3:30 am Post subject: |
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And I am another non-USAnian so cannot help. |
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baby steps
Joined: 14 Mar 2004 Posts: 6
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Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 4:43 am Post subject: |
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i suppose i have inadvertently stumbled upon a sore spot, given the tedious replies thus far.
i'd like to hear from anyone from the west about what the felt they should and shouldn't have brought into KSA.
and certainly, i'd hate for you to feel inept, scot and cleo, because you aren't from america: so, don't!
palo |
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Cleopatra

Joined: 28 Jun 2003 Posts: 3657 Location: Tuamago Archipelago
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Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 8:40 am Post subject: |
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Well, I don't know how you can say our replies are "tedious" since you did in fact specify "American" in your OP. Anyway, since you have now broadened your scope, I can speak as a "Westerner".
Personally, as a single woman in Riyadh, I found that there was very little I couldn't buy there. There is a reasonable variety of women's clothes, make-up, etc, and there are also plenty of shops selling household goods, furniture and so on. The big supermarkets are well-stocked with food from all over the world. The main thing you can't get - at least not in a wide variety - are English language books, though even there the situation is improving. Also,books are bulky and heavy to bring in and there's always Amazon. Books do get a glance from the censors but so long as there are no "offensive" pics you should be OK for English language material. DVDs/videos can be more contentious.
What not to bring? Nothing really. Obviously, I don't know your circumstances, but I very much doubt you would have any need for warm clothes - apart perhaps from a jacket for desert trips and so on - i would suggest you don't bother running up a big excess baggage bill. As I say,you can get just about anything - within reason, of course!- in Riyadh and presumably other big cities too. |
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Bindair Dundat
Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123
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Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 10:10 am Post subject: |
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baby steps wrote: |
i suppose i have inadvertently stumbled upon a sore spot, given the tedious replies thus far. |
Yes, our non-American colleagues have tender feelings, poor things. But can you blame them? First they don't get to be American, and then they are reminded of it every time they turn around.
Suggest that you bring a supply of personal-care products, medicines, things like that, until you get to know the local brands. Many such sundries are imported from, uh, Europe -- but some of them are just as good as the real thing.
BD |
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scot47

Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343
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Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 10:40 am Post subject: imperialists ! |
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Why is it that those who come from the USA are so insensitive to the fact that there are people who hail from other parts of the world ? In this field of TESOL one would expect posters to be a bit more sensitive ! |
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Bindair Dundat
Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123
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Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 12:22 pm Post subject: Oh, has the sun set on YOUR empire? |
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scot47 wrote: |
Why is it that those who come from the USA are so insensitive to the fact that there are people who hail from other parts of the world ? In this field of TESOL one would expect posters to be a bit more sensitive ! |
Poor little ol' harmless scot47! Injured by the insensitive Americans, AGAIN.
Why is it that people --such as you-- who hail from other parts of the world --such as Great Britain-- think that any American is going to tolerate this protracted, gratuitous, pointed, personal criticism --AS IF we were all attuned to, or supportive of, the politics of George Bush, the imperial ambitions of the neocons, or the bungling antics of the CIA-- without sooner or later having his fill of it? And AS IF your government (or any government, or any nation) were innocent?
I'm truly sorry that you are unable to distinguish the sentiments of one member of the American clan from those of another, but that's your failing, or the failing of your upbringing or of your culture, not mine.
If you have a problem with the American government, take it up with them. Your colleagues in EFL are really fairly innocuous.
BD,
Big, bad, insensitive American |
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Hector_Lector
Joined: 20 Apr 2004 Posts: 548
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Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 3:26 pm Post subject: |
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Ranting, raving AND rambling.
This is what happens when a crack habit gets serious.
Follow Nancy�s advice - Just say No! |
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Bindair Dundat
Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123
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Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 4:56 pm Post subject: |
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Hector_Lector wrote: |
Ranting, raving AND rambling.
This is what happens when a crack habit gets serious.
Follow Nancy�s advice - Just say No! |
Thass right, sweetheart, keep it nice and focused and personal -- because I don't really care what you say about *ME*.
Now go get me a beer, girlfriend, or I won't tie you up tonight.
BD |
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Hector_Lector
Joined: 20 Apr 2004 Posts: 548
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Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 5:42 pm Post subject: |
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I wasn�t actually saying anything about you.
That was just a public service announcement, warning about the dangers of crack cocaine.
However, if you feel that this does apply to you, then I suggest you seek medical help.
I have the impression that in answer to the original question posted here, a sense of humour seems to be the most obvious. |
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Bindair Dundat
Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123
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Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 7:47 pm Post subject: |
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Hector_Lector wrote: |
I wasn�t actually saying anything about you. |
Typical cowardly dodge. I notice that your kind approach more obliquely as your motives become more obvious.
Now STFU and fetch me another beer.
BD
P.S. I'm not actually saying anything about you. |
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Hector_Lector
Joined: 20 Apr 2004 Posts: 548
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Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 8:45 pm Post subject: |
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I forgot - paranoia - another symptom of chronic substance abuse. |
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Bindair Dundat
Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123
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Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 10:33 am Post subject: |
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Hector_Lector wrote: |
I forgot - paranoia - another symptom of chronic substance abuse. |
And this time don't forget to carry away my empties. |
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Bindair Dundat
Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123
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Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 10:39 am Post subject: PUBLIC NOTICE |
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TO THE EQUAL RIGHTS FOR EUROS COMMITTEE;
There's a thread over in the UAE board called "CEC Network in the UAE - Any Comments From Canadians?"
They forget to ask for opinions from kilt-wearers and other minority types. Better get right over there and diss the heck out of those arrogant, insensitive Canadians!
<- smiley to show that I'm joking because we all know that only Americans are arrogant and insensitive.
BD |
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