My Royal adventure is almost over! So, I am making the most of seeing the sights of Riyadh because I doubt I will be returning (I shouldn't say that as when I left Bahrain 10 years ago I said exactly the same thing and here I am moving back over there; so never say never!).
And what with my previous limited Saudi outings I am pleased to say that I did manage to get out last night for a friend's birthday meal. We went for dinner at a very well known landmark in Riyadh; so well known that it stands as a landmark of Saudi Arabia as does the Burj al Arab in Dubai and the financial center in Bahrain.
The meal at Spazio on the 77th floor of the 300metre tall skyscraper by the name of Burj al Mamlaka allows you to see a panoramic view of the city. Great view in the day, I am sure, and although very impressive going up in the lift to the 99th floor to the sky bridge; not a lot to see apart from lights!
What I wanted to say, relating to my title, was how international our seven diners were. We had;
- Me - A Brit
- Birthday gal - an Australian
- Maltese
- Norwegian
- Saudi
- French
- Moroccan
Common language was English (although, the Moroccan had to translate to the non English speaking French lady!) And you will be pleased to know, fellow English men/women, that I did my bit and spoke another language, albeit my rusty Spanish, but managed to have a good conversation with the Moroccan!
Now this multicultural gathering may not mean a lot to some, but many of you who know me, know that I get very excited about "international togetherness". In all the present world conflicts, where politics, world domination and corrupt media have created a world of hatred, secularism and war, it was a great feeling to connect with other nationalities and share common interests.
When was the last time you spent time learning about another culture, made contact with someone of a different religion, or smiled at a stranger from a different country?
Saudi; the most misinterpreted country in the World
For those of you who have lived in Saudi, many of you will have fond memories and continue to proclaim (when anyone will listen) that it is not as bad as people make out. Yes, it is frustrating that women can't drive and Yes it gets bl**dy hot in the summer, but something valuable I have learned from my time here is how hospitable the Saudi families are, that children are cherished and how much respect their children show for their parents. (something that seems to be disappearing in the West).
Hopefully, this short post will let fellow expats and world travellers take a step back, appreciate the culture that they are living in (or visiting) and not let ignorance get in the way of experiencing different ways and wonders of our precious world.
Dear Sam
Hope your're fine. Happy new year.
Remebered now to visit your blog and I'm trying to leave you a massage.
So, your marriage is coming next March. Are you nervous? Where are you getting married, in England? You have to send photographs.
I'm going to try to come here more times. Lots of love
Jo
Posted by: Maria João Afonso (Jo) | January 24, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Glad to hear something nice about my town especially from foreigner
thank you dear wish you all the best in your marriage
saudi girl
Posted by: norah | July 07, 2010 at 09:54 AM