Job Discussion Forums

baby steps · Joined: 14 Mar 2004 Posts: 6

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

Cleopatra · Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 9:37 pm Post subject:

Since I'm not American, I can't help. Sorry.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

And I am another non-USAnian so cannot help.

baby steps · Joined: 14 Mar 2004 Posts: 6

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

Cleopatra · Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 8:40 am Post subject:

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.

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

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 !

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

Hector_Lector · Joined: 20 Apr 2004 Posts: 548

Ranting, raving AND rambling.

This is what happens when a crack habit gets serious.

Follow Nancy�s advice - Just say No!

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

Hector_Lector · Joined: 20 Apr 2004 Posts: 548

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.

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

Hector_Lector · Joined: 20 Apr 2004 Posts: 548

I forgot - paranoia - another symptom of chronic substance abuse.

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

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!

Smile

<- smiley to show that I'm joking because we all know that only Americans are arrogant and insensitive.

BD