R.I.P Edwin Callwood

September 4, 1948 to December 7, 2011

      My good friend, Edwin Callwood who reigns from St Croix, UVI passed on December 6, 2011. He was 63 years old. 

      I spoke with Edwin before I left for Saudi in September and he and I would occasionally drop each other a line on Facebook. Just little notes to brighten each other’s day. I went to visit Edwin a little under 2 years ago. I had never been to been to the U.S. Virgin Islands, so I jumped at the chance to not only visit with my friend but also explore the islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix. Edwin was a gracious host. He loves his homeland so he was just as excited as I to explore some of the places, I know, he has frequented a hundred times. I stayed at a nice beach spot called Bolongo Beach Resort located right on the water. Edwin picked me up every morning and off we went to take in the sights. Some of the places we visited in St. Thomas was Coral World Ocean Park, Magen Bay and Verandas which is a karaoke spot where I and the local girls sang all the top 70’s song until 3 am, while Edwin gloated and told all of his acquaintances, “…that is my friend Gina from Florida!”

      I experienced my first seaplane ride with Edwin which flew us from Charlotte Amalie to St. Croix where Edwin’s home is located. What an exciting 20 minute ride!  The sight s we visited in St Croix was Point Udell (breath-taking), Columbus Landing, Customs House and the Weight House. We stopped at a roadside restaurant called The Lobster Reef. We ate fish and fries and they had this wall where you could write your name and where you reign. I wrote “Gina C, 4/29/09, South Pasadena, FL”.

      Before I departed to go home, I asked Edwin to take me to the Veteran Affairs in St. Thomas so I could meet some of my colleagues. At the time I was working at the Veteran Affairs at Bay Pines, Florida. Edwin made my trip one to remember for years!

      I keep thinking how we talk to our friends and family all the time but we hardly tell them how much we love and appreciate them. Edwin always told me. He asked me to come “down” before I took off for Saudi Arabia, but I told him I was running short of time and had a lot of last minutes things to do before I left to go to Saudi Arabia for a year, but I would not leave U.S. soil without calling him. I promised him that I would stay in touch and we did. But you just never know when that last time will be to speak to someone, or tell them how  you feel …….I love and miss you Edwin!

All the best,
GMarie

A Day at the Races

December 22, 2011     

      The Morale Welfare Recreation (MWR) on base sponsored a “Day at the Races”. Racing is held at The King Abdulaziz Track, which accommodates 5,000 folks, is located near the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.  The racing runs from September until April and races are normally held on Fridays. Horseracing is a recreation in Saudi Arabia that is also part of the Kingdom’s culture. A major event held in February is the King’s Cup.

      Our entrance fee to the racetrack included a buffet that (140 Riyals, $37.33) had enough varieties of foods to suit every pallet, such as Kapsa (chicken and rice), lamb, hummus (garbanzo beans mixed with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika and parsley), several types and cold salads, and dates.

      We didn’t place actual bets on the races but we just gambled amongst each other. I won one race of the eleven that ran. Picture-taking is not allowed in some areas of Riyadh. Whether it was allowed in front of the gates of the racetrack, I did not know until I took a few “shots” and was chased away by security!  No national incident to report, but just another nice outing in the “Kingdom”, …..Riyadh Saudi Arabia.

All the best,
GMarie

My 1st Golf Lesson

December 16, 2011     

 I had my first golf lesson today. My instructor is from Korea and his name is Ivan. I initially started receiving instruction from my co-worker Jay on the driving range. I heard he was a pretty good golfer (72) so I asked him if he didn’t mind teaching me how to hit the ball properly and teach me the game. A month later, I finally had my first lesson with Ivan, and he realized that he didn’t have to start from “ground zero” with me.

      Ivan told me that my first lesson would be boring because all we would be working on is how to properly hold the golf club, the proper way to stand and swinging of the club. He started me with the 8 club.  The first order of business was, Ivan watched me hit a few balls while he took pictures. He then loaded the pictures to a computer program. With this program, my picture and golf actions were matched against a professional model. My instructor was busy studying my form by making lines and measuring degrees against my form and the professional model. Once this analysis was completed, my instructor told me, through his interpreter, that he did not care right now if I can hit the ball or not. He said my form is more important and that is what we would work on. He said, that it was more important to start off doing what was right in order to end up with a good result; proper hitting of the ball.

      Everything Ivan taught me and demonstrated was a repetition of what Jay had showed me and made more sense and came together at my first lesson. My instruction went on for an hour and then he checked on me periodically while I hit balls on my own for another hour. When I did hit the ball straight and at least 100 yards, he would yell, “LPGA!” Ivan recently won first place in a golf tournament here! He is the best of the best here in Riyadh and I am fortunate to have him as my instructor.

All the best,
GMarie

Ablah’s Birthday

December 14, 2011     

     Today is Ablah’s birthday! I asked Ablah if she could visit anywhere in the United States where would she like to go. She responded, with a big smile, Disney World! She said it is probably just a dream and she would have to save up for such a trip. So since we couldn’t get Ablah to Disney any time soon, I decided to bring Disney to her. For her birthday I order her a stuffed Mickey and Minnie straight from Orlando, Florida! As you know from my recent blogs, that Ablah loves chocolate, so I shipped some Godiva chocolate in for her as well. Bvlgari is her and mine favorite scent, so we got her the newest, Jasmin Noir. You would have thought that Ablah had died and went to heaven when she opened her gift at work….she couldn’t wait to open everything at her party. She was like a kid in a candy story when she saw Mickey and Minnie holding her Godiva chocolate! This moment was priceless!

      I called a friend of mine, Ray, to drive me to Ablah’s house later for her party. I told him that this was not a request…. There were so many people at her house and everyone was very nice to me. Ablah’s Mom, made sure I was accommodated and in every picture. The food was very tasty and plentiful as well as the aqawa coffee which was excellent! I felt so welcome in her home and was the envy of office who wondered why they have never been invited!

Happy Birthday, Ablah and many, many more to come!

All the best,
GMarie

Holiday Festival

December 8, 2011
     
      I know it has been awhile since I wrote…my last blog being when I visited the candy and cigar shop (Dec 1). I have taken up golf, which is another blog in itself.
The command had our annual holiday party. The festivities was held at the on-base facility where we eat most of our meal, if you do not feel like cooking something at your villa. We were served by the staff, a meal that consisted of a turkey dinner with all of the trimmings. Of course Santa “came through” with his bag of gifts that was raffled off. The gifts were pretty decent; someone even won a 50 inch television!

      The music was provided by a local DJ who spun records that was appreciated by all whether your favorite was rock, country or hip hop. You know in order to break the ice and get folks on the floor; you have to put on a “line dancing” songs like “Cha Cha Slide, Electric Slide or Wobble. After that, you can’t keep people off of the floor and have to remind them that “this is the last song!’.I enjoyed myself and look forward to the New Years Eve Party in a few weeks.

All the best,
GMarie

Le Gourmet

December 1, 2011     

     My co-workers Abhah and JW (Jay) have birthdays coming up this month. Ablah’s birthday is on the 14^th and Jay’s is on the 9^th of December.  Ablah has an awfully big vice which is chocolate.  Jay, on the other hand, loves a good cigar. I was with a group of folks who was on an outing and we were going to visit a few a few souqs (markets) in Riyadh. The last stop on our tour through downtown Riyadh was a place called Le Gourmet. Located on Prince Sultan bin Abul Aziz Street in Riyadh Saudi Arabia,  Le Gourmet which opened in 1978, is a reputed quality French pastry business based in Saudi Arabia.

      This lovely store offers variety of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, caviar, smoked salmon and the best looking pastries that are too pretty to eat!  They also offer the finest Cuban cigars. Unlike the United States, it is not illegal to purchase Cuban cigars in the “Kingdom”. Al Zawwak, the owner, was born in Riyadh but calls Canada his home. After trying a few samples of chocolate, I asked Al to select the best for Ablah, box them and don it with a ribbon. He then took me into the cigar room and he helped me select some “Cubans” for Jay. He said he did not know which friend would be happier with their gift. And you know…..Al was right. They were both ecstatic!

All the best,
GMarie

It Rained in Riyahd!

November 27, 2011     

     As I was departing the villa to go to work, I opened the front door and it was raining! The average rainfall here is about 4 inches, annually, usually occurring between November and May. The rain can be heavy and lead to flash floods as the water tries to run off the dry ground. Hail has also been present during winter storms!  The last couple of weeks, it has been chilly. The average weather temperatures in the winter periods are 47-68F degrees. During the summer months, the temperature range from 81-109F degrees! Riyadh also has many dust storms throughout the year. Sometimes it gets so thick that the visibility is just like the fog in Florida!

  
      So, the misconception that the desert is only hot and dry with relentless heat is not all true. If you visit here, bring a jacket and umbrella for the winter months and a high tolerance for the heat in the summer months.

 

All the best,
GMarie

Happy Thanksgivings!

November 24, 2011

It is 12:45 am in Saudi Arabia! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!!

      Thanksgiving is a day of the thankful feast, but today, please remember those in your prayers before dinner who are "standing watch" enabling you to have the freedoms you have to get together with your families today. 

      Don't forget those who have fallen on hard times during these tough economic times and may not be able to have a traditional holiday feast.
Lastly, pay attention to those friends and family you LOVE that you have not reached out to in a while. This is the time of year where people, whether they are around others or not, get depressed. Give them a call. A task so small may make all the difference in the world to them.

All the best,
GMarie

A Tribute to Julia

     
November 21, 2011

     When I first met Julia, my first impression, which turned out to be incorrect was that....this woman has a lot of nervous laughter! At the time, I thought she may be either masking something or it was just her way to communicate. But later, after getting to know her, laughter was just Julia. I can say that I have never seen her upset or say an unkind word about anyone. Thinking of Julia  now makes me realize that I have really wasted a lot of time dwelling on displeasing matters that not only could I not possibly change but was totally out of my control (i.e. seemingly unhappy folks and workplaces). All of this should have been replaced with laughter!

      Like Julia, I loved the feline species; cats. We would talk on the phone just about our cats! Julia also decided later in life that she wanted to get her Bachelor's degree. So we were both attending college; she on the east coast and I on the west coast. She would spend hours with me on the phone helping me with my school work while completing her own. I believed with her logic, she was borderline genius! She would always say that I was the daughter that she never had even though she only had a few years on me. 

      I spoke to Julia a couple of weeks before I departed for Saudi Arabia. She said "I know that your Dad have the story wrong as usual because he said you are leaving for Iraq, so tell me where are you really going!". I told her that she was correct and that I was going to Saudi Arabia to work...a more peaceful place. She said, as she always said to me..."You will be just fine! You are the daughter I never had...You'll do just fine"!

      Julia passed away on Friday, November 18, 2011. We all get busy in our lives. Just as easy as you make those appointments in your Outlook or your Blackberry to remind you of meetings, make it an important part of your life to reach out to those you love more regularly. It is imminent and evident that tomorrow is not promised. I LOVE YOU JULIA and will miss you dearly!!

All the best,
GMarie

Adrian and Tookie

November 15, 2011

A couple days ago, I heard from my “Favorite” couple…….Adrian and Tookie!  I may get the ages wrong, so let’s just say that Adrian is in his 80’s and Tookie is in her 70’s. The vitality of these two is amazing! I had the pleasure of meeting both of them at a place called Gators located at Treasure Island, Florida, not too far from Clearwater Beach. Well on Sundays, Gator’s venue is typically a Reggae band. While I was checking out the local musical talent, I spotted this mature couple on the dance floor, gyrating to the Soca and Reggae beats with rhythm and stylish swagger. They even had a couple of line dancing routines that immediately had folks learning the steps and joining in. I starting meeting up with Adrian and Tookie at Gators every Sunday and eventually attending other venues with them. It finally became official; they adopted me as their daughter!

I decided to add this spectacular couple to my blog today because in December they are celebrating their 50^th (Semi centennial) wedding anniversary!  Adrian wrote me and said, “On December 1^st, I will be going to Las Vegas with my “first lady” to celebrate our 50^th wedding anniversary!” He further said (in reference to me), “40 is the old age of youth and the youth of old age”. He said I was at the prime of my life and to try everything. He concluded with, “Let me know when you can ride a camel. I hope you don’t get arrested for doing something illegal. It is illegal for a woman to drive a car, don’t try to beat the law by riding a camel. I guess you will have to get a friend to give you camel driving lesson!”

Considered the “golden” anniversary, spending half a century in love with the special someone is a wonderful statement about the gift of married life. Having recited their marriage vows in 1961 (I wasn’t a thought yet!), Adrian and Tookie are role models for whomever believe in LOVE. I am emotional writing this piece, but I celebrate your bond and dedication to one another……

With much LOVE

Your adopted daughter,

GMarie

Memorial Ceremony

November 13, 2011

Sixteen years ago today, explosions ripped the front of a building where nearly 400 Americans train the Saudi Arabia National Guard (SANG) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This disaster severed the lives of eight people, including an enlisted soldier, and injured many others. Two groups claimed responsibility for this heinous crime against humanity. The building that was targeted by the bomb was the headquarters of the Office for Program Management of the Saudi Arabian National Guard (OPM-SANG) and their presence is to help the Saudi military better defend their country.

We assembled today at 11:00 am in memory of the brave ones who were taken from the OPM Family on that fatal day on November 13, 1995. Those honored, remembered but never forgotten are as follows:

James H. Allen

Alaric J. Brozovsky

William L. Combs, Jr.

SFC David K. Warrell

Wayne P. Wiley

Tracy V. Henley

Thermal B. Devadas

Eyakunnath Balakrishnan

After the presentation, Taps was played. You could hear a pin drop and sniffles that represented that somber moment. Peace was taken on that horrible day. I prayed for the families who lost their loved ones as the assembly came to a close.

Assalaam Alaikum,

GMarie


Dirab Golf and Country Club, Riyadh Saudi Arabia

November 8, 2011

My friend Jay asked me last evening if I would like to go golfing with him and a buddy in the morning. I saw this as an opportunity to get off the compound as well as get some insight on the game of golf. I was asked by my sponsor before I arrived in the Kingdom if I knew how to play golf and if not I should consider taking it up as a hobby. So at 0700 hours we headed to Dirab Golf and Country Club which is about an hour west of Riyadh.

The views were absolutely beautiful! Picture this; the golf course was surrounded by mountains in a distance and from the sun’s reflection, they appeared to be just like the sand,…red clay in color. There were eucalyptus trees that really set the tone of the grounds for this course; tranquil and green, really!  Not exactly what I would expect in a desert!

Dirab Golf and Country Club is one of the two grassed 18 hole courses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and nestled in picturesque Tawfiq valley. The course offers a driving range, putting greens and a Golf academy. Nine of the eighteen holes is floodlit for night time golfing. The club also offers tennis, swimming and horse-back riding activities as well.

I can certainly see after today, all of the hype related to golf, especially when I start recalling how folks talk about the beauty of certain courses they have played in different regions. The guys played 18 holes and after about 4 hours, the final score was Tony, 86 and Jay, 79.

All the best,

G.Marie

Bruce Visits Me in Riyadh!

November 5, 2011

My friend, Bruce is coming to visit me today! Bruce works as a Chiropractive Physician at a major hospital in Jeddah. Jeddah is an hour flight to Riyadh.  I met Bruce and his wife Florence through our friend Robin who lives in Florida. While Bruce was visiting, I hear Robin had a party.....Happy Birthday Robin and many, many more to come! Robin and I met one evening in St. Petersburg, Florida and while chatting I told her that I was soon departing to Riyadh Saudi Arabia, she immediately made the connection with Flo, Bruce
and I.

As soon as I knew Bruce was coming, I contacted our security folks on my compound to find out what Bruce required in order to gain access to this military compound. I was informed that he would need a copy of his Passport and igama (resident card that allow you to work in Saudi Arabia) to be sign in. He soon found out just how many restrictions I had, not just being a woman in Saudi but also as far as receiving guests.

After trying to find an Arabic interpreter on post to translate to Bruce’s cab driver how to get to the base and getting my friend Jay to sign Bruce in at the gate with not only the Air Force guards but the Saudi Army as well, Bruce was finally able to come on post! I had a spaghetti dinner with my homemade sauce prepared and I hoped it made all of the “red tape’ Bruce had to go through, worth the trip.

The next day, I showed Bruce all the amenities (i.e. the gym, basketball court, batting case, pool, tennis, volleyball) that are available to the residents in order to keep busy in the Kingdom. We did not make it downtown Riyadh due to it being the Eid holiday here in Saudi. Every shop and restaurant would be closed. The post also provides free movie rentals at the library and we have several movie free channels in out villas. We dined at post restaurant, visited the Base Exchange then had a nice swim in the Olympics sized pool. Bruce said, “You guys have really got it made! This place looks like a resort!” All of this; the compound with all of its amenities are a courtesy from the King!

All the best,
G.Marie

Sports Day

November 2, 2011

Today was Sport’s Day at work. On this day, the offices closed and all of the military and civilians get together and play a variety of sports. The purpose of this day is to promote sportsmanship and camaraderie. This event consists of sports ranging from basketball and volleyball to more uncommon venues such as tug of war and tricycle races. Before the games began, we were divided into three teams; White, Blue and Black. I was on the Black Team.

The festivities began at 8:00 am beginning with a photo session. I participated in playing spades and hoola hoop contest.  Around noon, we took a pause for lunch and some socializing. The final event of the day was Tug-of-War contest. Those who were fit and those who thought they were fit participated in this sporting finale.  The point totals were tallied and the ending ceremony involves congratulatory speeches by the Program Manager. Prizes were awarded to all of the teams for each event played, but the top trophy went to the Black Team for scoring the most points of the day.  

My team received a Gold medal (1st place) for the hoola hoop contest and a Bronze medal (3rd place) for playing spades. All in all, it was a good day that was enjoyed by all. It was also a nice break for me from the frustrations of getting accustomed to a new job and of course, the Saudi culture.

All the best,

GMarie

Arabic: Common Expressions

          A week after I started working, I asked my co-worker Ablah to teach me a new Arabic word a couple times a week so we could eventually build up to having a conversation in Arabic. She smiled, concurred and we began our lessons. I still have quite a ways, have plenty of time to learn but have begin speaking some words and understanding a little Arabic. Here a few basic words I have learned thus far:

Good Morning     Sabah al khair
Good Evening     Masah al khair
Hello                   Asalaam alaikum (Peace be upon you)
No                      La
Yes                     Na'am
Thank you           Shukran
Inshallah             If Allah wishes

...just a few words.

          Ablah and I help each other. If I have a vendor I am communicating with and have a very strong accent I cannot understand them, I have Ablah interpret for me. When she have reports to transcript and cannot understand the Colonel's handwriting, I assist her.  

          I didn't get to spend time with Ablah after Eid Al-Adha, as planned. The day we had our OPM Sports Day, she found out that her Grandmother was very sick. She and her Mom left that day for Jordan, which is where the Grandma lives. Plane fares were too expensive, so the bus was the only option, but the ride is 12 hours! To cheer her up a little, I told her that I could drive her and her Mom to Jordan. She smiled and reminded me that I was in Saudi not Florida! I received a text a couple of days later informing me that her Grandma had passed on. I texted words of condolences and wished her safe travels and return to Riyadh. That would be a task due to flocks of folks returning from Hajj. My prayers are with Ablah and her family for their loss.

Talk to you all soon,
Inshallah,

G.Marie

Eid Al-Adha (solemn festival feast of sacrifice)

               At the end of the Hajj (annual pilgrimate to Mecca), Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha. The first day of the Eid Al-Adha holiday is Sunday, Nov 6th and will last for three days. During this celebration the miliary and civilians are on administrative leave.

          Eid solemn festival) al-Adha (feast of sacrifice) is an Islamic festival to celebrate the willingness of Abraham to follow Allah's command to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to Allah, before Allah intervened to provide him with a ram to sacrifice instead. During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith. The meat is divided into three parts. The family retains one third of the share; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbors; and the other third is given to the poor and needy. Muslims around the world observe this event.

          Ablah, my co-worker who is originally from Jordan, graced us with an authentic Saudi Arabian breakfast to kick off the pre-Eid festivities. The breakfast consisted of pickeled vegetables, falafel (deep fried balls of patty made of ground chickpeas and/or fava beans), pies filled with feta cheese, hummus, fava beans and gawah coffee. Gawah coffee recipe has three cups of water, 2 tablespoons of ground decaffeinated coffee, three tablespoons of cardamom (an indian herb having capusular fruit with aromatic seeds used as a spice or condiment) and 1/4 teaspoon saffron. The ingredients are boiled and strained. I will be visiting Ablah and her family after Eid. She says to me "you come see how I live!" It will most definitely be my pleasure!

Assalaam Alaikum 

GMarie

My Army Gear

          I didn’t tell most of you but besides being a Supply Systems Analyst, this position is an Emergency Essential (EE) position. This position is designated as “EE” in support of mobilization and wartime mission. I am required to remain in this position in the event of crisis situations such as hostilities or national emergencies until I am relieved by proper authority. I am also required to undergo nuclear-biological and chemical training and to participate in readiness tests, mobilization, alerts, and field training exercises. So we are issued items such as bullet-proof vests, decontamination suits, MRE’s (meals ready to eat) and several other things for field exercises.

          We are compensated for this readiness position with allowances such as Post Allowance which is pay in part for the higher price of many goods and services in overseas areas. There is also Post Differential which provides compensation to employees for service in foreign areas where environmental conditions differ substantially from environmental conditions in the continental United States. Sunday Premium Pay is also offered. In Saudi Arabia, Saturday through Wednesday is our work week. These entitlements add a 40% increase in our base pay! This incentive is used to recruit folks to this particular region. All of this is fine and dandy as long as we remain at PEACE!

Assalaam Alaikum (Peace be up on you), and as always,

All the best,
GMarie

Saudi Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud has died at 85

          Saudi Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud has died at 85, is the news and talks this morning at work. Crown Prince Sultan was the minister of defense, and has had various medical issues in recent years and he was reportedly visiting the US for medical tests when he passed away.  He is the half brother of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud who recently had surgery at National Guard Health Affairs King Abdul Aziz Medical Hospital where I work. There were no immediate details about his death.

          There are concerns about the future of Saudi Arabia, which has been ruled by the al Saud family since 1932. Prince Nayef, 77, who was appointed second deputy prime minister in March 2009 and son of  the King, now becomes next in line to the throne.  There are also internal differences because King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud has been seen as a reformer, making changes to improve the position of women and modernizing the kingdom.  There is some criticism from the ultra-conservative Wahhabi (dominant form of Islam in Saudi Arabia) clerics who give the royal family the religious legitimacy needed to rule. Prince Nayef's view is  seen as closer to the clerics. I will keep you posted.

All the best,
GMarie

National Guard Health Affairs King Abdul Aziz Medical Hospital

          I found out that other than working at my office on the base, I will also have a desk at National Guard Health Affairs King Abdul Aziz Medical Hospital.

My customer is the National Guard Health Affairs (NGHA) Contracting department. My position is called a Supply Systems Analyst which acts as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for the U.S. Army. I am the liaison between my department which is OPM Health Affairs and NGHA Contracting.

          The hospital is about a 20 minute drive from the base. Of course, when I go there to work, I must wear my abaya and have to get a driver to take me there. NGHA has an office for me and prefer that I am there 2 to 3 times a week to work with them. They depend on the Army for advisory services to make sure they are in compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) regarding their purchases and contracts. I am responsible for analyzing and advising NGHA on their procurement actions (i.e. prospective contract awards) before they are actually awarded by Army Contracting.

          Today was my second visit to the hospital, this time on my own.  My sponsor took me on my first visit to introduce me to all of the people I will be working with. It was a culture shock for me. All of the men in the Contracting department wore white thawbs. This is an ankle length piece of clothing which is long and fits loosely and normally made of cotton. They also wear a ghutra (a square head cloth, red and white checkered) and aqal (a double circle of black rope or cord to hold the ghutra) on their head.  The women were wearing their black abayas (a long black cloak), jilbab (a black cloth covering the head) and a boshiya (a black veil worn across the lower part of the face) You can't see anything on the some of the women except their eyes!  I really tried hard not to stare.

          At first, I felt like an outsider but my sponsor ensured everyone, as he introduced me, that I came well equipped with the qualifications to do a very good job for them.  With their approving eyes and warm smiles all focused on me, they instantly made me feel at home and like a part of their team. 

           The National Guard Health Affairs King Abdul Aziz Medical Hospital commenced its operation in May 1983. In year 2001, it became part of King Abdulaziz Medical cities. Many physicians, nurses and paramedics are recruited from North America, Western Europe, Australia and South Africa.   

           This week, 86 year old Saudi Arabia ruler, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, underwent successful back surgery at the hospital where I work. It was surreal to be in the same place as Saudi Arabia’s King!

All the best,
GMarie

Prayer Types and Times in Riyadh Saudi Arabia

          I noticed since I have been here in Saudi that I hear, several times a day something that sound like chanting over a loud speaker.  So, me being inquisitive, asked the people at work. I was told that the Muslims pray at least five times a day, at a mosque if they can or in private depending on the prayer.

          With the some research, I found out that there with the Pillars of Islam there are five basic acts in Islam, considered obligatory for all believers. The Quran presents them as a framework for worship and a sign of commitment to the faith. They are:

(1) the shahadah (creed), which the believer I professes that there is no god except God and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God

(2) daily prayers (salat), which consists of five daily prayers

(3) Almsgiving (zakah), is the practice of charitable giving by Muslims based on accumulated wealth, and is obligatory for all who are able to do so. It is considered to be a personal responsibility for Muslims to ease economic hardship for others and eliminate inequality

(4) fasting during Ramadan. Participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex  during daylight hours and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility and submissiveness to God

(5) the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) at least once in a lifetime. Every able-bodied Muslim is obliged to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime if he or she can afford it

The compulsory prayer is obligatory for those who meet these three conditions:

are Muslim

are of sound mind

are ten years of age or older (beginning at age seven is recommended).

There are five elements that make a prayer valid:

           Confidence of the time of prayer

           Facing the qibla, (direction that should be faced to pray) with the chest facing the direction of the Ka'ba.(the holiest place in Islam)

           Covering the awrah (intimate parts of the body)

           Clean clothes, body, place of prostration.

         · Pure from hadath (impurity)

           Praying in front of a sutrah (barrier between himself and one passing in front of him)

Salat is intended to focus the mind on God, and is seen as a personal communication with him that expresses gratitude and worship.  The prayers are recited in the Arabic language, and consist of verses from the Qur'an.

The five prayers are as follows:

Fajr – dawn prayer, first of the five daily prayers, explained as being God's most-favored prayer since others are asleep. This has made the Fajr daily prayer the most essential and obligatory congregational prayer to be held by Muslims together in groups in mosques.

Dhuhr – Mid-day prayer, second of the five daily prayers

Asr – the afternoon daily prayer. It is the third of the five daily prayers

Maghrib - prayed just after sunset, is the fourth of five formal daily prayers

Isha – night prayer, It is the fifth of the five daily prayers

The times for these prayers are typically posted online or on boards for example:

                        October 16, 2011

Fajr	Sunrise	Dhuhr	Asr	Maghrib	Isha
4:35 AM	5:51 AM	11:39 AM	2:58 PM	5:26 PM	6:42 PM

For most stores, it is mandatory that they close during prayer or be cited by the mutawwa (religious police).

I found this prayer information very interesting. Didn't you??

All the best,
GMarie