Off to Saudia Arabia!

Well the day has finally arrived - I am on my way to a new job/adventure in Saudia Arabia. For those of you who know nothing of this, I have accepted a position as Manager of Project Development at the newly opened King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (http://www.kaust.edu.sa/), located some 50 miles north of Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - in Thuwal to be specific.

For the record, Amy and Wally will be joining me in a few weeks - insallah! Still thinking "what???", well then, here is a little history. As those of you who know us, we are travellers at heart and have been desirious for some time to fullfill a dream of living and working abroad. After passing up a couple of questionable opportunities, I happened upon KAUST, actively recruting students, academics, researchers and administrators. As luck would have it (or fate) they were recruiting for the aforemntioned position. So I sent a resume, had a couple of phone interviews and was offered the job! Three months later we have sold our house, cars and furniture and are departing with with nothing more than our clothes, Amy's favorite cookware and cutlery and of course Wally.

Now my turn. Wally and I were none too happy to see "our other person" depart today, but Bill has to go to Saudi Arabia first to apply for his Iquama, or work permit, before I can apply for my visa and join him. Wally and I are looking forward to joining Bill in 4-6 weeks.

Right now our house is virtually empty of furniture. Some guys came for the washer/dryer today, so I hope I won't have to do laundry much before I leave. It's difficult to relax at home with no furniture. We are down to a couple of reclining camping chairs, but I will only be here alone for a short time before heading off for Thanksgiving in North Carolina and then most of December in Boulder.
Our new place at KAUST is going to be a 2-bedroom furnished townhouse. It's about 2000 square feet with a tiny yard. Judging by the floor plan, photos and video we have seen, it should be comfortable and easy to live in. Even though it comes with everything from furniture and linens to pots, pans and cutlery, we held onto most of our kitchen goods. Although we have been through a mega-purge and parted with everything from skis and camping gear to dressers, couches and all the rest, I would hate to be without my own kitchenware. We get to take a total of around 1300 lbs, split into air and surface shipments, and the bulk of that will be associated with food!

We are also taking bikes to tour around the 12-square-mile campus, and scuba gear for diving--it is an area renowned for diving. There is a beach, fitness centers and pools, and a golf course. We really cannot wait to see it all.


We will try to post regularly and include pictures. So check in with us often!