Day 56

Yes, it sounds like a corny Herman Melville line, the title day 56, or an errant scribbling in a diary of someone awaiting rescue from some kind of calamity, (which is almost what it feels like).  I love the Middle East and plan to travel around much of it, however, I am currently in KSA for my teaching contract.  I have been sick twice, and stressed, but not more than I have been amazed.  Amazed at how misconceptions and irony come into play here.  The quality of living for most, in the public sector is way above that of the U.S. and also the rights that people seem to think aren't available here, actually are.  I won't get into specifics, except to say, I feel like I haven't left the U.S.  There is drama, there is heartbreak, and there is definitely bad driving.

 What I will talk about is my life here, what I am doing with it, and what I think about it.  I am not a touchy feely I love everyone and think that we all should.  Umm no we shouldn't.  There is a thing called schema which is the ability to size up situations and people to protect yourself from undue psychological or physical harm.    I love my job and I love the country, and especially want to see more of it, in terms of geography and historic sites.  

 I like to walk, a lot, and have found my new favorite place, which is the walking trail around the Diplomatic Quarter, where the embassies are all located.  My future goal is to become an Ambassador, (fingers crossed).



















Another favorite new place is the garden shop behind Tala Mall, called  Mayadeen Riyadh Garden.  I have found an even better nursery since then, but I will post a separate blog about that.  I love the reasonable prices and the men carry all of the plants for you and follow you silently, pointing out the next nice plant.  Sometimes they know the name of it, and sometimes they just call it nice.  I don't tell them that I have ten years nursery experience, because first of all they don't really care! So refreshing not to be judged.

 

More DQ walking trail at one of the gardens where I intend to start sketching at.  I can't imagine a nicer day than to sit here away from the city and my boring flat.

Part of an unfinished garden in the dQ that I almost fell in.  I know there are tons of palm tree pictures about here, but they never get boring.  In their simplicity they always make one feel at home, more so than even in the US at times. 

the end of day 56 - grading awaits!