Job Discussion Forums

rain406 · Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Posts: 12

Hello, folks living in the Magic Kingdom. I was just curious, what do you like to do for fun in the Kingdom? Besides reading books, browsing the internet, and staying within the compound, is there plenty to do outside?

Some things that I'm wondering about: Bowling alleys, movie theaters, foreign restaurants, malls (are they similar to the malls in the UK/America?)

Do people ever engage in rollerblading, biking, dirtbiking, or any sports?

My questions are in regards to outside of the compounds, and I do not mean to present any naivety, or to incur any offense by any assumptions I may appear to have by what I have posted. I have heard many people say "Unless you're into drinking and going to bars, there's plenty to do!". I am not into drinking, nor do I frequent bars, but because I have heard there is plenty to do, I am just looking for elaboration as to what here is to do.

Thank you for your replies. I frequent this forum often and enjoy seeing the posts and the wit of those who post here.

Saudi4Ever · Joined: 25 Mar 2004 Posts: 135

Let's see...
I'm thinking...
Seriously, I'm not being witty...
I surf the net. But, that's not fun. The more I surf the more depressed I get. I do look forward to the day we get DSL...INSHA'ALLAH!
I think a lot of people may find grocery shopping fun, because I tend to do my major Grocery shopping on the weekends and the stores are packed with local families, as well as Western and Eastern expats. I don't think it's fun but it's something to do...

Why'd you ask this question, now 'm depressed!

Don't get me wrong, I actually love it here Wink

rain406 · Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Posts: 12

Anyone else? Question

also in saudi · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 137

There are many posts regarding your topic on this forum. Just read.

Don't expect movie theaters in Saudi.

Saudis have recently discovered the shopping mall. Numerous malls are sprouting up in Riyadh.

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

This is what I do for fun.
1) Do a degree on-line. (That comes under internet)
2) Send emails to friends and family (Also internet)
3) Do sudoku puzzles (I print them off internet, too)
4) Call my family who are patiently waiting to join me here. Expensive, as I don't do that via internet.
5) Go to Panda (the supermarket) and buy chocolate, mangoes and other things I couldn't find when I was in Korea.
6) Walk to Fanateer Mall and enjoy looking at the enormous houses along the waterfront. Sit and enjoy the waterfront on the way.
7) Go downtown and browse the 2-rial shops.
Cool

Call a friend and go downtown to browse the 2-rial shops, followed by dinner at Broaster Chicken or the 2-rial curry place.

Things I could do but don't consider fun.
9) Go fishing.
10) Go swimming.
11) Go jogging.
12) Go cycling.

Things I might do later when my family is here.
13) Buy a car and drive to other places.
14) Buy a car and drive wrecklessly and too fast.
15) Take the family shopping.
16) Take the kids to some recreation centers.
17) Visit other families.

See, there's loads to do.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 2:58 pm Post subject:

Don't forget, watch "Fun Time" on Sowdy TV 2...I mean, isn't everybody in Sowdy having a "Fun Time"???

P.s.- Suzy, have some surgury done on that nasal blockage, eh?

also in saudi · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 137

For even more fun, you can catch the decapitations Friday afternoons after prayer.

But seriously, there is fishing, camping, boating, hiking. There is incredible scenery northwest of Tabuk and across the Red Sea toward the Sinai Peninsula. Spend a few days camping and fishing on a Red Sea beach.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

And when you are out camping in the desert don't forget to keep your eyes open for the guys who killed the French visitors in April 2007. That was not so far from Tabuk.

rain406 · Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Posts: 12

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

also in saudi · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 137

Almost forgot - the camel clubs and race tracks.
the Red Sea ferries.
the decadence on the Egyptian side of the Red Sea -
large resort hotels, nude beaches, Hard Rock Cafes -

if only I were still in Saudi.

brasscat

The Qatif Shopping Market is a fine place for a day's worth of bargain hunting.

The Al-Nimrod Hotel is a Friday morning breakfast meeting place. Followed by a bridge game.

The Jarrir Book Store has a large electronics and movie department.

The Oryx compound swimming pool is available.

Good food is available at the Blue Strawberry in the Euro Compound.

Boredom is a choice, not a mandate.
brasscat

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

The hotel is the NIMRAN, not the NIMROD !

Brassfarthing should realise that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing !

The "Blue Strawberry" is not in the Eurovillage but in Rezayat Compound !

brasscat · Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 5:49 pm Post subject: Still go there anyhow

Never said I was a memory expert. Just know the place is next to Classic Travel Agency on Pepsi Cola road.

After a couple of glasses of red tea, who cares where it is. It is still the Blue Strawberry.

Already did the Euro Compound chow place. Nice buffet style.

For the daring you can always go to the Holiday Inn on Half Moon Bay.

rain406 · Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Posts: 12

Going between compounds, do you take a taxi? Are they all in the same general area within the cities normally?

Do you normally feel safe, walking the streets of Riyadh (or the city you're in) by yourself?

When in public, as a foreigner, do the mutaween ever interact with you?