Job Discussion Forums

[crashartist1]

Okay, thank you True Dreamer, but before this thread gets locked lets stop this conversation where it is. I will ask my colleagues at my school to help me find a language course at a University.

So anyone want to give a sort of a positive, I can see negative replies to this question on this forum, replies to the life outside a compound in Jeddah? Is it easy to go sand boarding or sand skiing? This would be awesome! If the wind really picks up in the dunes then I wonder if kite-sand-surfing is possible.

Well someone has got to know!

poorESLteacher

[Albulbul]

Deserts in that area are stony not sandy. I never heard of anyone doing these sports. Diving is good and aficionados say that the Red Sea near Jeddah provides some of the best diving on Planet Earth.

[crashartist1]

Thanks Albulbul. I really wanted to see some sand dunes and do a little sand skiing or something. I have never been scuba diving, but I guess I could get involved in it. I have heard the Red Sea is beautiful for diving and no chance of being eaten by a shark! Can you do any water sports in the Red Sea like water skiing? I was born on water-skis (if anyone takes me literally your brain has been baked in the sun a little too long). I do enjoy swimming can anyone tell me if I can go swimming easily in the sea? In California we can just swim anywhere, but in Turkey you can't swim anywhere near the cities because it is so dirty and polluted, so you have to go far away to find a decent place to swim without worry of a viral infection! I hear they have great indoor pools in Saudi Arabia, anyone ever been to one? I saw a photo of a competition pool where they hold swimming and diving competitions and it was amazing.

poorESLteacher

[Stephen Jones]

Dear Crash artist

There are plenty of things to do near Jeddah, and the scenery is stunning and varied.

Dear True Dreamer

There are a few so-called Muslims who beleive you should not say 'Salaam Alaikum' to kaffirs. They are few and far between though. I even once read a book from the school library that said Moslems should never give way in the street to non-Moslems. After three days of resolutely walking in a straight line without budging, and watching the puzzled looks on hundreds of the inhabitants of Riyadh who altered their direction as a result, I came to the conclusion that the author didn't appear to have many followers, and reverted to my previous civilized behaviour :)

That particular book was written by a sub-continental; as Sir Alec Douglas-Home said forty years ago referring to imams in British mosques:- the main problem is not fanaticism but ignorance.

[Mark Loyd]

Fine points-that is priceless.

[crashartist1]

Hmmm, eventually I will have to get my own account.

Thanks for the info guys. I'll be coming out in December and one of the first places I want to find when I get to Jeddah is a Starbucks (they do have starbucks don't they or something comparable?). I am currently in a very lovely small city, with no starbucks!!! It's a tragedy I tell you! How is one expected to survive properly without a Grande Carmel Macciatto? I tell you I haven't been right for over about a year. I have gotten used to the fact that I am not going to be eating and BLT anytime soon in the near future (well actually I will be in the states for a few days so I will back sure I eat enough swine to satisfy my desires for a few years) but I need some real good coffee this Nescafe crud they drink here and the Turkish coffee sludge is enough to make you want to give up your daily fix of caffeine just for the sake of your taste buds.

Anyone been camping in the desolate tract that is the desert of Saudi? I want to go take a weekend camel ride through the desert! Can you see any camels in Jeddah? Even in Istanbul you can see people using horse drawn carriages next to Mercedes, it is hysterical.

poorESLteacher

[crashartist1]

Hey what compound are y'all in? My school has me choosing my own accomodation and I am wondering which ones are good and which ones to stay away from. Any suggestions? What about getting an apartment in Jeddah can anyone advice on that prospect?

poorESLteacher

[Hod]

Such a lot to do in Saudi it seems. And now, Starbucks too. I haven't found much on the lonely planet forum, so I thought I'd ask here about holidays. I'm thinking of a trip with Miss Hodd over xmas, any tips?

[scot47]

Mecca is pretty cool.

[Hod]

Has it got Starbucks? Miss Hodd collects the mugs.

Failing that, Hard Rock Cafe will do.

[Stephen Jones]

Dear crashartist1

The whole kingdom is awash with Starbucks and Starbucks clones.

As for accommodation forget about a compound; too expensive. You should get a decent apartment for around SR25,000 a year but it will be completely empty and you will need another SR 20,000 to furnish it. I presume your company is giving you a furniture allowance.

[Aqua-Flame]

Hi friends
I am a female instructor in Jeddah. I can help who is coming to live in Jeddah, In learning Arabic, In giving any kinf of information about anything related to Water sports SPECIALLY Scuba Diving.

I speak Arabic and English ... for whom needs any kind of help or have any questions can email me to [email protected]
If anyone needs any kind of information about Scuba diving can email to [email protected]

So feel free to contact anytime guys.

Aqua Flame

[crashartist1]

Did you grow up speaking both languages or did you learn Arabic at school or in a course of some sort.
When my wife and I get to Jeddah we will be very pleased to meet you. My wife and I both really want to learn Arabic, even if just a little bit at first to apease (sp?) the locals. Also, if you have been in Jeddah for a while you might be able to give my wife some suggestions on how to dress or where to go to shop for clothes.
I just expect to catch on fire when I walk outside in the summer and fall into a nice pile of ashes on my doorstep.

poorESLteacher

[veiledsentiments]

[scot47]

I can confirm that cases of spontaneous self-combustion are not common in Jeddah.

I cannot speak for Riyadh.