Job Discussion Forums

[sirius black]

My research about life in SA says that alcohol and pork are not allowed in the country, right?
I'm not much of a drinker so that won't be a problem. I do like my bacon and eggs in the morning though. Is there a work around? Do they have turkey bacon? Or some other bacon substitute?

I also sometimes use some GNC or health store supplements and wanted to know if any of the following is sold or allowed and if sold how easy it is to get it (no preaching please about what is good or bad for you):

hydroxycut or some other such similar supplement
creatine
glutamine
protein powder or whey protein powder
amino acid supplements

basically, things you can find at a GNC.

Also, with regards to transportion, would it be advisable or worth it to get a motorcyle? Is it possible to obtain a motorcyle license? If I were to work in the Kingdom, I am considering riding one to work. (no preaching about the dangers of motorcyling riding please, although you can advise if drivers drive crazy so it would make riding one riskier)

[Captain Willard]

The Tragic Kingdom does in fact have GNC's in the malls. They even sell brewers' yeast there, but I doubt it has active yeast cells. So you should be able to find most vitamins and supplements sold in the West, but if in doubt, bring it in with you. It will probably be cheaper.

Turkey bacon is a reasonable substitute for pork bacon. When found it is best to stock up on it. Otherwise beef bacon is also available. In the West I think it is used in chipped beef.

[desertdawg]

Taking any kind of driving test in Saudi can be an interesting experience.

If your current driving licence is from the same country as your passport, you have a motorcycle component and it is on the list of acceptable countries (eg Europe, US etc), then no problem.

Two wheels as a mode of transport is not a good idea. Drivers will actually take great delight in making your riding experience even more exciting. Most of the time it's pretty hot and dusty.

As a form of recreation and blowing the cobwebs off at the weekend (early mornings best when most people are in bed), then great. Many like minded people with "clubs" to join and dealerships to drool in.

[johnslat]

Dear sirius black

" . . . . although you can advise if drivers drive crazy so it would make riding one riskier)"

Do you have a death wish? I had a motorcycle in Jeddah. Allah was kind, however; it was stolen (though chained and in a locked, walled courtyard) before I was killed.
Yes, the drivers drive VERY, VERY crazily.

Regards,
John

[2buckets]

Motorcycle = death wish at best, life as a quadriplegic at worse.

My students often showed me videos from their cell phones documenting their running motorcyclists of the road accompanied by their laughter.