Finally, an Update!

Suffice to say, the last five weeks since my arrival have been quite hectic. Work has been a new adventure every day as I am still trying to figure out just exactly what I should be doing and then do it in such a way that I don't offend any one's cultural sensibilities - more on that subject later. As Amy alluded to in the previous posting, it has been quite a process to get her travel visa. I have made dozens of trips over the Government Affairs office trying to get to the bottom of everything, but only learning just enough to make sure I have to come back the next day for a new answer. So, as we say here, in'shallah, we hope to get her visa this week.


I have moved into our semi-permanent accommodation, a 2 bedroom, 3 bath townhouse, which has followed the apparent design mantra of KAUST - the more unusable space the better. But hey, at least the plumbing works (so far). I have a small, four-legged room mate that I can not seem to catch even with help of our local vermin exterminator. But we will keep trying, and in'shallah, the mouse will be no more. I have also made several trips to Jeddah to buy some household necessities, which can be found most conveniently at our local IKEA. What would we do with out IKEA? I have also been making weekly pilgrimages to SACO World, Saudi Arabia's version of Home Depot. All the residential electrical is 220v, European two-prong outlets, so I had to buy a drill and electrical cord to meet these specs since I burned up my rechargeable drill that I brought over from the States. This of course means that I need to invest in a converter so we can use our 110v appliances that we shipped over - the one thing that I have not been able to find, even at SACO World - in'shallah, I will find a converter.


Our air shipment arrived no problem and I assembled the bikes and unpacked all of the kitchen goods in anticipation of Amy's imminent arrival and her need to start cooking right away and my need to start eating at "home". As for entertainment, I have joined the golf club and am playing 3-4 times a week (Dad, it is not helping) and am taking advantage of the great scuba diving operation they have going here. Then, there is also the rec leagues, bowling alley, theatre, library, beach, parks, community groups, etc. You would have to work at it to be bored here, unless you REALLY like sitting in your villa all day. Meeting new people is a regular pastime and a real key to developing your experience and enjoyment here at KAUST.


As for travel, our first trip out of the Kingdom is scheduled for the last week of January. I am attending a conference in Bahrain and Amy is going along as well, so we will be staying a couple of extra days for some R&R. Several of my Lebanese acquaintances have told me that you just have to visit Beruit! Nice hotels, great restaurants and a happening nightlife, so stay tuned for more on that. The point being, one needs to take long weekends out of the Kingdom at least every two months, if not every month, just to maintain your sense of "cultural equilibrium". So that's my plan and I'm sticking to it.

Last but not least, I have finally made contact with "THE" person as the US Consulate in Jeddah who puts your name on the all important list to be notified of Consulate events and parties - YES! So, I have secured our RSVP to the New Year's Eve party and will be attending with some other folks from KAUST. Should be a really good time and I hope to post some photos.


SO, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all - may you have a productive and prosperous 2011, in'shallah!