Job Discussion Forums

brasscat · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 1:56 am Post subject: Feeling Safe

For the most part the taxis are the best way to go, due to the distances involved. Many people do drive their own cars.

The safety issue is simply a matter of a sense of presence. It helps greatly to learn the language or at least enough to maintain respect.

I have routinely walked by myself to the Panda shopping center, as have many others.

In the Eastern Province things are fairly western, but the routine customs apply, and less strictly. Al-Khobar is also where the American Consulate is located.

Personally I can't speak to the Riyad scene.

In the past, I have encountered the religious police. Just the usual, join Islam speech.

You soon find people are just curious or want you to speak English to them.

brasscat

Mark100 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 441

Walking not really an option in most cases.

Too hot , too far and too dangerous.

brasscat · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 2:09 am Post subject: Saudi Drivers

Yes, distance is a significant factor, especially during the hot season.

The Saudi drivers are a wild lot. So crossing streets is nearly an Olympic event around here.

brasscat

rain406 · Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Posts: 12

So this "fishing, swimming, jogging cycling" that can take place...are these all within the compound walls?

I'm just wondering, if I go to Saudi and teach, will my life mostly consist of the happenings inside those walls? I know you may say "well that's up to you!", but it sounds awfully dangerous going out by yourself!

MixtecaMike · Joined: 19 Nov 2003 Posts: 643 Location: Guatebad

I've only been here a couple of months, but I do lots of walking. The weather (now) is perfect, low 20s, a nice sea breeze during the afternoon if I'm walking near the sea, very wide roads so there's plenty of room to walk even if there's no sidewalk.
There are many guys selling cheap DVDs if you don't have a local Jarrir bookstore (coming soon!). It's possible to visit other parts of the country, share a taxi with a couple of mates and take a day to go somewhere bigger from time to time.
I've never been in a compound, as far as I know. They're certainly not the only place to do things.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

It is not as if there is an Al-Qaeda operative at every street corner waiting for an unbeliever he can abduct, torture and behead.

Life is much more boring. After a while it even seems normal that we hardly ever see women ! For some, that might be one of the blessings of the place ! This is a good place for misogynists.

As for living without C2HO5H - I, for one. don't use beverage alcohol. Maybe I should say I have not used it today ! For me prohibition is a bonus - I like living in a dry state !

brasscat · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 2:12 pm Post subject: Life Outside The Compound

You quickly find out, the Saudis are very friendly and polite. It is not unusual to be invided to their homes for entertainment.

Life in the Oryx compound is diverse as are the many personalities there. The entertainment facilites are active and evening street chats are common.

The real fun is the exploration of Al-Khobar and other parts of Saudi Arabia. Plenty of activities every week, either as a group or alone.
The dining experience is a major evening activity, you name it, it is here.

Once you have been to the Qatif Market you will know how much you can really do.

Besides you can always do a weekender in Bahrain.
brasscat

Saudi4Ever · Joined: 25 Mar 2004 Posts: 135

Thank you Scot and Brasscat for the clarifications. I just shook my head when I read the poster who thought it sounded too dangerous to go outside of the compounds. Whatever gave him that impression? the compounds are to escape from the religion of the country, not as a safe haven from crime. Truth be told, I am from the inner city of one of the biggest cities in America, I worry more about what crimes may be committed against me there than here. The compounds offer activities familiar to the residents, that are not offered by the locals.

Saudis are very friendly. Just yesterday we were lost and my husband stopped a Saudi, who was on his way into a banquet hall, to ask him for directions (you do NOT get directions here from gas station attendants, as they are from the 3rde world and don't drive or know where anything is). After giving my husband very thorough directions, he invited us in to join their party and eat. We declined, but my husband said that this was standard. They will not think of eating a meal without inviting others to join them.

sheikh radlinrol · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 1222 Location: Spain

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Sensible people in Saudi Arabia minimise their exposure to locals with cars. I am lucky enough to work in a place where I can walk to work. No driving for me !

brasscat · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 7:14 pm Post subject: Of Cars & People

Yes, the Saudi driver is a creature to avoid, especially near the markets.

However, I have been personally invited to several homes for both a feast or just to visit and speak English. Also I have an invitation to go to a Saudi farm for a weekend.

Factually I see more rudeness from Western people than I do Saudis.
brasscat

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Much as it grieves me, I have to agree with brassmonkey. For real rudeness nothing can beat some of the Westerners you come across in KSA and Bahrain..

The Saudis, when not behind the driving wheel are often charming and helpful. Of course they may be slow to invite you to visit - but they do not usually invite people outrsiude their family circle. This is a very family-oriented society

biffinbridge · Joined: 05 May 2003 Posts: 701 Location: Frank's Wild Years

At the mo I'm sitting in an internet cafe being harrangued by a Saudi I don't know for porn websites. Thank Allah I'm out of here soon.
Back to the op....there's little to do here as fun is officially banned.
You'll be woken up by wailing and shrieking at the crack of dawn, spend all day teaching numties who think they're really streetwise and spend the evenings flicking through 'Showtime'. You'll live on a diet of chicken and rice...or vice versa, (there is some variation), and go to bed reading gems like; 'How I found Islam through Jesus Christ', which your students will try to give you as it makes them look good in front of the most merciful. Bahrain is a release and nothing more... and I can really understand where the 'rude westerners' find their angst.
Save money, get fit and get out.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Get out ? And spend your savings on fornication and Zubrowka ? Then come back again ? Not much of a life !

If you have a master plan to save yourself from that cyclical folly let us know ! Will you just move KSA-Polska-KSA for the rest of your working life ?

brasscat · Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2007 2:22 pm Post subject: Al-Khobar & Life

Must be the location. Food is very diverse. I pick-up beef meat pies in the bakery. Also common are various fish foods and lamb dishes. Over in the deli are many different foods, including salomi and balona.

Yes, chicken does exist, but it is easy to work aound it.

The students I have are easy to teach and pose no disciplinary problems.

Personally speaking PMU, even with its minor quirks, is so much better than Hail will ever dream of being.
brasscat