The weather has turned! The three-digit temperatures (ahem, 40+ in centigrade) are gone. Winter in Saudi Arabia means breakfast on the patio, dinner under the twinkle lights in the garden, evenings by the pool, afternoons with the windows open listening to the birds. Sure, there are a lot of things you might be used to … Continue reading The Winter Garden
Natural Facts
Okay, kids. This is a test. I want you to think REALLY hard. When was the last time you heard any straight-faced conversation that touched on the term "women drivers"? The straight-faced part is important. Plenty of dudes will say it as a joke, grin, and wait for a nearby woman to swat him. Kinda … Continue reading Natural Facts
What the Cave Man Knew
I have always loved history in the laziest way possible. I love the stories, and the complicated way stories cross and influence each other, and I love puzzling over why people did what they did and how the consequences still play out today. The older and more mysterious, the better. Plus I'm a sucker for … Continue reading What the Cave Man Knew
Of Head Cases and Head Scarves
So there's this: It's a headscarf, commonly called the hijab here in Saudi Arabia. There are a lot of different ways to wear it, and wearing it well requires more effort than I've ever invested. I know, right? Pretty stunning. (Headband not required--this is just one of bazillion YouTube tutorials.) And as Europe and the … Continue reading Of Head Cases and Head Scarves
That Old Black Magic II: An End to Sorcery
I'm not in the habit of writing about the same topic twice (special exception for the Princess Souk—Volume III in the near future, I'm sure), but then this happened: Actually, the headline didn't inspire me by itself. I've seen plenty like it and already posted on the topic. Though I confess that the closing line … Continue reading That Old Black Magic II: An End to Sorcery
Some Things Are Puzzles
A lot of things about Saudi Arabia puzzle me. This sign, for instance. It puzzles me: I thought it might be advertising a new indoor playland (all the malls have them—outdoor parks are rare, hot, and dirty). A friend thought it was a candy store. Those are childish illustrations, so surely SOMETHING for kids, right? … Continue reading Some Things Are Puzzles
Desert Diving
We went on our first desert outing of "the season" yesterday. I calculate "the season" as "not summer." Kinda like the symphony season. The theater and ballet and debutante and ballroom season. You're still wearing long dresses; they're just...simpler. Less colorful. Less flattering. Dustier. And on any given day, smellier. I'll tell you what, though. … Continue reading Desert Diving
Buckle Up, Kids: Driving in Saudi Arabia
I've been putting off this post for some time because I didn't have the sufficient video or photos to do it justice. I've finally concluded I will NEVER have sufficient material to do it justice. The topic? Driving in Saudi Arabia. This is one of those "gotta be there" kinda things. But I have to … Continue reading Buckle Up, Kids: Driving in Saudi Arabia
Say Yes to the Dresses: Report from a Saudi Wedding
Consider the number of times you have told a child "No, you have to eat your dinner before you get dessert." Consider the metaphor you would use to describe the number. Fleas on a dog? Sand in the ocean? The old "If I had a nickel for every time I've said it, I'd be rich?" … Continue reading Say Yes to the Dresses: Report from a Saudi Wedding
Behind the Walls
I got a note last week from a Saudi gentleman who appreciated a post and especially other expats' positive comments about life in Saudi Arabia (his comment will be the last or nearly), and then said, "What I read is all about personal experiences. How about getting in touch with Saudis themselves? How did you … Continue reading Behind the Walls
Margo Catts 