A visit to the American International School and the Price of Empire

I joined a local organization called the American Community of Riyadh this week, so that I can have an outlet for social engagement with other Americans living here, and particularly to get a ticket to their holiday (not Christmas) “Silver Bells” party.

The trip there was an ordeal in that it took one hour to get there from my workplace, and I would estimate the distance was perhaps 15 miles. Riyadh has a lot of traffic congestion.  Adding to the ordeal is the fact that there is no such thing as a street address in Riyadh. Essentially you have to give directions to a place via landmarks. My hotel has the following given as its location on their website and business cards: “Uroubah rd. crossing at King Fahad Highway.”

Once we (my good buddy Mr. Chaouachi, the hotel deputy general manager, and I) finally found our way there, we knew it must be the right place from the extreme security measures, which included heavy concrete barriers and a jeep with a turret-mounted machine gun.  Once past these security measures I was ready to enter the facility, where I encountered a prison-like entrance with double door locks and bullet-proof glass. (I also had to have an appointment to enter).  Then once through that gauntlet, there was a long corridor, probably ¼ mile long, and finally at the other end, there was the actual school entrance. After all that, it was very bright and colorful and welcoming on the campus.

 

All that security is one of the prices of empire.

The Korean National Day celebration

I went to the Korea National Day celebration at the Saudi National Museum last night. Here I am with my coworker BK Kim, his wife Lucia, my new friend Mohammed (a local architect, and the Korean ambassador Jinsoo Kim.

Guitar Shopping in Riyadh

I went in search of guitars in Riyadh yesterday and today. Let me tell you, the selection is very limited. Firstly, I could only find two shops as least by looking online. There may be more, but they are a well-kept mystery if so. Secondly, one shop had nothing but Yamaha guitars, and the other had Yamaha, Samick, and a few Squires.  There was not a single pro-quality instrument to be seen.  And left-handed? Forget it.

The other thing I discovered is that they make no attempt to tune the guitars. Every guitar in both stores was very out of tune, and when I picked one up and tuned it, everybody started looking at me as if I was some sort of a pro, because I knew how I guess.  Neigher store had any place to really be able to sit down and try one out, and in one of the stores it seemed as if the guys working there thought I was being inappropriate to want to tune them.  Kinda counter-intuitive. I would think they would be happy to have somebody tune up their guitars for them.

I actually had a conversation with a teenage girl in one of the stores, who was looking for one to buy, and the guys working there did not appear to know anything. So I explained the difference between a classical vs. steel string acoustic guitar. It made me a little nervous but her mother was there, so I guess it was ok.

Anyway, the one I bought was actually a reasonably good deal — 300 SR (about $80) for a Yamaha C-40.  If I find any other musicians, maybe I will revisit bringing over a guitar from home.

At K.A.CARE

This is where I work (on the 5th floor). This event was on my first day on the job. It began with a prayer sung by one of the employees.

I guess that's Arabic for Chucky Cheese.

 

A good cappuccino is not hard to find

Right here, in the lobby of my hotel. Yesterday when I was passing out from jet lag I had one of these and felt MUCH better.

Speaking of yesterday ... it was altogether ok. I went back to the clinic to complete my pre-employment physical. I had a vision test, hearing test, x-rays, ultrasound, ECG, and blood tests.  this was all conducted at the Al Warood Medical Center, which seems to be a general purpose medical clinic, with two floors and lots of diagnostic departments.  All of the nurses were Filipino and were very nice. My impression generally is that although the general cleanliness of the facility is not up to US standards, still it was a pretty good facility.

After struggling to stay awake I went out for a walk, and went to the shopping mall beneath the Kingdom Center. I guess shopping malls the world over tend to look the same, and even have the same shops. If you look closely, you can see the H&M logo on one of the stores.

There was an interesting exhibit of art there, but the description of it was all in Arabic. I thought the pictures were pretty nice.

My first day in Riyadh

Well I just spent my first full day in Riyadh and I will call it a qualified success. I am staying at the Carawan Al Fahad Hotel, which is just next door to the Kingdom Tower, and a 15-minute walk from K∙A∙CARE offices. The hotel is very affordably priced at 400 SAR ($106) per day including breakfast (a combination of traditional Arabian fare and American favorites like McDonalds-style hashed browns and scrambled eggs).  It is much nicer on the inside than the outside. My new best friend is the Deputy General manager of the hotel, Chaouachi Mohamed Fadhel, who has also been my driver. He is from Tunisia and is very friendly. 

I went to the K∙A∙CARE office today to start some of my paperwork, including the “Iqama” or residence permit (similar to a US Green Card). To get it I must go through yet another medical exam (after completing a rather extensive one just over two months ago).  I have to have blood tests so I am going to the clinic tomorrow morning for that.

The weather is quite pleasant and cool in the evening, and about 90°F at the hottest time of the day (but also very dry so it does not feel hot).

I have hundreds of pages of proposals to read, so I will certainly not be bored this weekend. My next job is to find a place to live, although this hotel will do nicely for a while.