Historical Addir'iyah, Riyadh Saudi Arabia

          Today, I thought I would take advantage of a trip that was offered by recreation services to go to Historical Addir’iyah which is the original home of the Saudi royal family, and served as the capital of the first Saudi dynasty. Addir’iyah is located on the northwestern outskirts of Riyadh. So at 8:30 am on the first day of my weekend, we pulled out of the parking lot en-route to Historical Addir’yah.

            We probably drove about 30 minutes before we pulled up into a place where there was a lot of construction going on in a field full of what appeared to be ruins. But later the group found out that this area which is under a development project to restore and rehabilitate it into a cultural tourism site is declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) a world heritage site in 2010. Part of the project will include a restoration and renovation of Al-Imam Muhammad bin Saud Mosque, Salwa Palace, a light and sound display, restoration of mud houses and the establishment of the museum of ethnology which will highlight the story of the First Saudi State, to name a few.

            We were able to view some of the old palace areas, the bath house and guest house. But most areas were either roped off or filled with construction personnel or equipment. All in all, the trip to Addiri’yah is a must see for those who would like to see the “First Saudi State” in its ancient state. The project completion is slated for 2016. This historical site is definitely a must see for anyone who plans to spend some time in Riyadh.

All the best,

GMarie

Najd Village Restaurant, Riyadh Saudi Arabia

November 15, 2012
       

             After our group went and explored Historical Addir'iyah, everyone was thoroughly hungry and anticipated the next stop which was Najd Village, a traditional Saudi restaurant.

            The exterior of the building exhibited traditional Saudi decor. There was a water mill in the middle of the courtyard and the waiters were all dressed in Saudi attire (thobes). We were  escorted to a private room that had a fireplace and Saudi style majlis (a place of sitting) where the meal would be served by sitting on the floor.  We began the meal with guava (coffee) and dates while we surveyed the menu.

            The menu contained many entrees of traditional Saudi foods. My friend Ricardo and I decided to share and ordered chicken and lamb kabsa (a mixture of spices, long-grain rice, meat and vegetables) with shrimp kabsa as a side dish. Some of the folks ate with their hands, but I choice to stick with the Western way by using a fork. Both dishes were absolutely delicious! I thought the prices were very reasonable. The chicken kabsa was SR 20($5.33), the lamb was SR 50 ($13.33) and the shrimp dish was SR 30 ($8)! They offered such large portions, that we had a lot of food left over to take home.

           

            Next time, I won't let my eyes get bigger than my stomach and will try the camel, truffle dishes and the desserts; mohallabiya (pudding made with cornstarch, milk and sugar) and tahtulee (custard). Another great place to dine and experience the Saudi culture in the Kingdom.

All the best,

GMarie

Happy Veteran’s Day

            On November 11, 1918, during the 11^th hour on the 11^th, a peace agreement came into effect between Germany and allied nations. Armistice Day was officially observed on November 11, 1919.  In 1954, Congress replaced the name Armistice with Veterans to celebrate all veterans and not just those that died in World War I.

                       RMSA Gina Collins, Orlando Florida, U.S. Navy, 1984

             Veteran’s Day is intended to honor, thank and celebrate the services of all U.S military veterans who have served in all wars. It is in remembrance for those who secured our freedoms while we work, sleep and play.

           “Freedom is not free” (Colonel Walter Hitchcock). Always keep the military in your prayers.

All the best,

GMarie

Hajj...the Journey

November 2, 2012

            This past week, we were closed at work for Eid Al-Adha.  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 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.

            But before the celebration, Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam (faith, prayer, charity (zakat) and fasting) is performed. An obligation of every Muslim, except for those too ill or too poor, this entails making a trip to Mecca to Al-Masjid Al-Haram (The Holy Mosque)  that is built around Kaa’ba at least once in his/her lifetime. The pilgrims circulate this cuboid shape, anti-clockwise, seven times. Part of the Hajj ritual is to throw pebbles (at least seven shots) at three stone pillars that represent Satan.

            The pilgrimage is made during the Islamic month of "Dhul-Hijjah" which is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. This year, it began October 17th and Eid Al-Adha came ten days later on the October 27th.

             Once a pilgrim as completed the hajj a male is called a Hajji and a female is called Hijjiyyah. I asked a couple of women what their sentiments were once they had completed hajj. The responses were similar. They said, though the journey was difficult and emotional, it was an experience of a lifetime which both revitalized and purified them, mentally and physically while enhancing the knowledge of the greatness of Allah.  Al-hamdu lillah (Praise be to Allah).

All the best,

GMarie

Hurricane Sandy

October 31, 2012

I am no stranger to hurricanes and devastating storms now that I have made my home in South Pasadena, Florida. But being that I am originally from Roselle, New Jersey, I still try to comprehend the crippling blow and trails of destruction that this recent storm has left my place of origin. Mother Nature was cruel to say the least. What it took moments to destroy, it will take months for the cleanup and rebuilding efforts.

I believe the elected officials were proactive in the handling of this crisis, so hats off to them. I was able to reach a few of my family members and friends by texting, email or Facebook but others I am still unable to reach. I am optimistic that it is just the phone lines that are down. Though the tunnels between New Jersey and New York were flooded, the subways networks damaged and Breezy Point, Queens destroyed by fires, there is no doubt that Northeasterners are resilient folks whom in the past have had to come together in adversity. Material things can always be replaced but never the lives that were lost to this monster storm. My condolences, prayers and hopes for a speedy recovery go out to the grieving families for their personal losses and disruption of lives.

All the best,

GMarie

My One Year Anniversary in Saudi Arabia

October 17, 2012

Marhabbah (Hello),

          This past September 25th, I have been in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a year. This year has been adventurous yet challenging but the cultural differences, language barriers and the extreme climate, I believe, have not been as much of an obstacle as I originally thought it would be.

          My first attempt at putting together a blog to chronicle my experiences in Saudi was in August 22, 2011. My first posting read as follows:

“After working 17 years for the Feds in the US (with a 4-year stint in the Navy), I began to wonder how would it be to work across the pond. I applied and accepted a position abroad. In September, begins my new life and career at 49 (almost half a century!) in Riyadh Saudi Arabia.

I leave behind (temporarily) an adult daughter, two Grand-daughters and an array of good friends and family. I am sure I will learn a lot about the Arab culture but mainly…….about myself”.
          From the point of receiving a call from Major General Turner, welcoming me,  I have logged a total of 64 blog posts of my personal views, observations and experiences on life in Saudi Arabia.

          My adventure began with buying a couple of abayas, receiving my ticket, visa and multiple immunizations; nine to be exact! I took the Oath of Office for my new appointment and spent the last week on U.S. soil visiting with friends and family. I departed Orlando, Florida on September 25, 2011. I spent a whole day in Instanbul, Turkey because the flight was delayed and my luggage was misplaced and no one spoke English! There began my first realization that regardless what part of the world you are in and regardless whether you speak the language, survival instincts kick in and you will find some way to communicate. Finally at 2:30 a.m. on September 27th, I arrived in the “Kingdom”, Saudi Arabia!

          The rest of month transitioned me into the Saudi’s way of life with a trip to Panorama Mall, Clock Tower and Danube Hypermarket to name a few. I also learned that one U.S. Dollar equals 3.75 Riyals. The currency sort of reminded me of Monopoly money! I met so many folks in the first month, but the most memorable was Ms. Jean, the Post Exchange manager. As soon as my sponsor introduced us, she instantly gave me a big hug and said "Welcome to the Kingdom!"

          I began observing many things around me such as the melodic sounds of the Muslims praying that rang throughout Riyadh, several times a day. I found out that I had a dual role. Not only would I work on base but I would be working closely with the Saudis at King Fahad National Guard Hospital. It was a strange feeling at first but with their approving eyes and warm smiles all focused on me, the Saudis instantly made me feel at home and like a part of their team. I also ate my first Saudi breakfast which consisted of pickled vegetables, falafel (deep fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas and/or fava beans), pies filled with feta cheese, hummus, fava beans and qawah (coffee).

          The base had their official functions such as Sports Day which promoted sportsmanship and camaraderie, the Thanksgiving luncheon and the Memorial Ceremony that memorialized the explosion in Riyadh on November 13th that severed the lives of eight people, including an enlisted soldier.

          Since I knew I would be in the “Kingdom for at least a year, I asked my friend Ablah to teach me some basic Arabic words and phrases to help me around Riyadh. In the evening I was receiving beginner instruction in the gentleman’s game of golf by Jay.  Frustrating enough with the compound security, my Floridian neighbor and friend, Bruce, who is a doctor in Jeddah, came to visit me on one of my weekends off. I experienced my first rainy day on November 26. So, the misconception that the desert is only hot and dry with relentless heat is not all true. Back in the State, my favorite couple, Adrian and Tookie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and I lost two loved ones, Julia Debose and Edwin Callwood; may they rest in peace.

          I really started getting around Riyadh with my co-worker Cherryl. We visited Le Gourmet, the King Abdul-Aziz Racetrack and I also started taking golf lessons and horseback riding lesson at Dirab Golf and Country Club. 2011 ended with an New Year’s Eve festival.

          The new year began with several trips around Riyadh to the Caravan Stop Restaurant which is located in the Al Khozama Hotel and Ashoor Jewelry where I had a gold pennant designed and manufactured right on site. In February, I witnessed my first sand storm. The bright orange tinted sky was unforgettable and truly amazing!

          The base had their annual CAPSA festivities where we dressed up in Arabic clothing, and experiencing the “flavor” of Arabian flair and food. I also fell into the routine of going bi-weekly to a woman-only spa called Almultaka’s. You just cannot be in Riyadh and not play golf at Riyadh Greens; one of two 18-holes grassed golf courses in the area. Never losing the flare for exploration, I checked out the Nail Shop and the Paper Room which is not your ordinary stationary store both located in the Kingdom Center. I also visited the Middle East’s popular Saudi Arabian electronic store chain called Jarir Bookstore. It reminded me of Best Buys in the U.S.

          Besides learning how to make Shawarmas at Ablah’ house, I visited the luxurious and lavish Ritz Carlton located on Mekkah Road near the Diplomatic Quarters in Riyadh. On the Memorial Day weekend, I flew to Jeddah and wrote a blog about the infamous body of water called the Red Sea. After that nostalgic experience, my day finished with a bite to eat at Caffe Aroma located on Corniche Road. The spring ended and the summer kicked off with a dinner to commemorate the Army’s 237th birthday on June 14th.

          Finally, after nine months of being in the “Kingdom” and I went on vacation! The first stop on my trip and an item on my “bucket list” was beautiful Cape Town South Africa! I was awestruck by the scenic Chapman Peak Drive, Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, the humorous penguins on Boulder Beach and the clever baboons around Scarborough Beach. Family and friends were also the high point of this trip. So I caught up with them in New Jersey, Florida, San Diego and San Francisco. I traveled to all of these places in just three weeks but what a renewal of the mind and spirit!

          I have really enjoyed the Saudi culture and all that it has offered the year I have lived here. As a Westerner, I had several pre-conceived notions that were cultivated by what is reported by the media about the Arab people, their religion and customs. I thought I was well versed based on my experiences back home with my neighbors who are Muslims but I realized now that I was blinded about most of the culture, but now I’ve observed it and have a better understanding and respect for their way of life. The day to day interaction with my co-worker Ablah assisted in my understanding and perceptions. We constantly had daily unbiased talks about each other’s believes and values which I believe torn down most of the barriers (i.e. religion, prejudices).

          I wrote in my first blog post that I would learn a lot about the Arab culture and about myself. Well, I have. I am now equipped with forbearance for others’ differences (i.e. religion, language barriers, culture), patience for the pace that others have and will always move to and regardless of where I am in this enormous world “People are the same where ever you go, there is good and bad in everyone. If only we could live together in perfect harmony, learn to give each other what we need to survive together alive” (Ebony & Ivory by Steve Wonder and Paul McCartney).

          This experience has been invaluable, one of which I will never forget and enjoyed sharing every moment of it through GMarie’s Page.

As-salaam Alaeikum (Peace be on to you) and thanks for reading!



All the best,

GMarie

Flo's Story

September 27, 2012

Hello All,

I just had to pass along an email excerpt from my friend Florence whom I visited in South Africa this past July. In these times of extreme differences, prejudices and religious views, this world has really gotten "out of order". We need to get back on "track" without anymore national tragedies occurring. Thanks Flo, for taking a stand; not for your religious beliefs, not for cultural prejudices but for humanity. We forget sometimes, its importance.

” Hello from South Africa,

I am often asked what do you think of South Africa? It is hard to answer and it depends what I have experienced that day...

This country is so diverse, at time you feel like you are in a first class country with amazing architecture, fantastic restaurants and large businesses and at other times you are in the middle of poverty. Every day we hear stories that could be turned to a great movie. I do plan to keep a record of them one day. I think it will be the best way to experience this place, listening to South Africans from all races and social classes telling their stories.

Today I went to the store to add more minutes on my cell phone, next to me was a well dressed white guy about my age pushing a fancy double stroller with 2 beautiful black kids. He noticed my smile, we got in a conversation while waiting for the teller. He has 5 other kids, the 8 month old baby in the stroller was adopted because her mother died when she was 3 months old, no father and nobody to care for. The 18 months old boy was happily sucking on his milk bottle giving me big smiles, he was adopted shortly after birth. His story: he was put in a plastic bag right after birth and disposed in a field, he was found alive 3 days later!! 

I was speechless, after taking a big breath, I told the little boy: "Well done for surviving that experience, you are now care for by someone who is going to keep you." And of course I validate the father for his great contribution and love for humankind.

Fifteen minutes later I am in line at the grocery store call Woolworth still thinking of that father and his 2 kids. In front of me a white women in her sixties behind me a white women about my age. The lady on front of me leaned towards me and said: "did you hear the rumor that Woolworth is only hiring black people now, look at all the cashiers they are all black". The lady behind me heard her too. Well I said " I don't know about the rumor but I can see that all the employees are blacks what about it?" "That's not right she said it should be at least 50% white they need us". Poor lady, she was hoping to find another white supremacist, an allied and she found me, lol:   "Last time I looked at this country and the continent of Africa, the population did not consist of 50% Whites in fact I noticed a LOT more Blacks and Colored folks, isn't about time the table is turned and we see more Blacks employees than Whites? Isn't it a justification that "they need us" so we can continue to use them and pay cheap labor, wasn't it long ago that Woolworth was hiring ONLY Whites?" Rest assure, I did not raise my voice that much, just a little for everyone to hear me! The lady being very "Africans-British" was trying hard to stay calm. I finally turned my head to get some "fresh air" the lady behind me was laughing giving me 2 thumbs up.

With that nice acknowledgement, I asked her, should I add that my husband is BLACK and he is a doctor, I mean an educated black man? At that point we both burst laughing and the racist idiot on front of us was saved by the call of the bell " next customer please isle no. 4" where she was helped by a beautiful black lady dressed in a tribal skirt in honor of Heritage Day in South Africa.

As you can see it's a diverse society but for now most people are embracing the difference, some making a huge contribution to help another human being even from another race and just once in a while an idiot shows up.”

I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I.

All the best,

GMarie

Florida and California - Vacation, Day 10 - 19

September 1, 2012

            The last few stops on my vacation were Tampa, Florida area, Oceanside, CA almost an hour north of San Diego and Hayward, CA about 30 minutes outside of San Francisco.

            Florida is now what I call home. I live in a town called South Pasadena which is down the road from St. Pete Beach and under two miles from the Gulf of Mexico. I decided to stop here before flying to San Diego to check on my condo. It was raining the day I landed in Tampa which probably put a damper on folks wanting to travel to the dinner, my BFF Laverne, planned at Brio’s Grille at International Mall. Even my favorite couple, Adrian and Tookie (GMarie’s Page story on 11/15/2011), could not attend. Tookie had become very sick a few weeks earlier and was hospitalized. So without further ado, we started dinner promptly at 6:30pm.

           It was really good to see my friends Lynn and Sylvain who I stayed with for a couple of weeks, after I rented my condo to a law student and before I left for Saudi last year. Laverne brought her friend Judy; both former co-workers of mine from Veteran Affairs. Despite the small turnout, we had a great time catching up and talking about old times. The next couple of days was spent running around town, morning and night with Laverne.  My departure from Florida was bittersweet; happy to become "one" with my plane seat so I could get some rest and sad because I had a wonderful time with my friends.

           I arrived in San Diego, and no luggage! You know how you are sort of in denial until the luggage belt stops? I found out that my luggage never made it out of Texas, why…..of course, no reasoning given. All was made light of when I stepped outside and there was my daughter Monet, and my two grand-daughters, Londyn and Jaylin. I have not seen them in almost a year and realized how much I missed them. Londyn, as though she practiced, blurted out….”Hi…..Hi……Hi Grandma!” She was not talking too much before I left for Saudi. Jaylin was only 7 months old when I left, so she just stared at me for a while but decided after about 30 minutes to give in and gave me a big warm smile.



 Usually Grandmas get to spoil the grandkids rotten, but besides Monet attending college full-time, she keeps the two girls pretty happy and very spoiled. So all I could do was buy their new fall wardrobe and act as their playmate while Mommy did her homework. That was fine, I am still a kid at heart. Love the kids! Oh, my bags finally arrived at 4:00am the next morning after my arrival!

My last vacation stop is to see my adopted family in Hayward, CA. I have three more days before returning to go back to the “Kingdom”, so I plan to do some shopping, but  also get some folks together for one more dinner. My “Friendship” Maggie and her sister, Veronica, prepared a number of tasty entrees as well as one of my favorites, chicken enchiladas, A couple of my former co-workers; Ms. Ruthie, Cynthia and Lisa from the U.S. Mint came to break bread with us as well as Friendship’s daughter and grand-daughter, Angie and Maggie-Pie. To wrap up a beautiful vacation, my cousin Kenneth, who I had not seen in almost 30 years, came by to hang out with us.







It was a long transit back to Saudi, but I thought about all of the friends and family I’d visited in several places in just three weeks! Folks thought I was crazy to have gone so many places in such a short period of time. I normally consider a vacation as a time to rejuvenation myself and just “do me”. But this time I said I just wanted to reconnect and spend time with relatives and friends that I have not seen in a while. Instead of running all over town I just really wanted to spend some quality time with them. I had the opportunity and time to do just that and trust, I am forever renewed by this experience.

I say, “Life is not a dress rehearsal, live it to its fullest.” If you can visit a loved one, do it. If they “run through your mind”, pick up the phone, and call them. We all get busy and have to make a living but time waits for no one.

All the best

To you and yours,

GMarie

Cape Town, South Africa and New Jersey “You Can Choose Your Friends, but You Can’t Choose Your Family" -Vacation, Day 4 - 9

August 20, 2012

              I left South Africa the day before my birthday. What an experience to not only have actually visited the “Mother Land” but to also be the first generation in my family to go.  Thank you Florence and Bruce for sharing your experience! I am so happy my friend and family can live this exciting adventure through me on GMarie’s Page.

As my plane ascended in the air, I briefly reminisced about my visit as the skyline of Johannesburg disappear into the clouds. Next stop is New York which is a little over 15 hours by air!  As I became more comfortable in my seat, I thought and anticipated seeing my family at the dinner which is planned for Saturday. A month previous, I asked my cousin Debbie to arrange to get the family together for a dinner.  I told her it would be so nice to have a gathering where everyone one was there but no one was being “laid to rest”.  I asked her to pick a central location that we could all meet up and “break bread”. Some of my relatives, I had not seen in over 20 years!  Before I realized it, I dozed off to sleep.

            I landed at JFK Airport around 6:30 a.m.. The feeling of being back not only in the United States but back home was very emotional. I have been in Saudi since September last year but have not been in the area for a couple of years. So I am daydreaming about all the things I want to do at home while I was making my way to the long line to go through customs. Reality set in when some guy rushed past me, bumped me and kept it moving with no apology. Welcome to New York!

I was scooped from the airport by my long time friend Scott and off we went to eat and get a SIM card for my blackberry so I can have some communications. I have all these ideas in my head on how I want to spend my birthday, but I am so jetlagged and exhausted, all I can do is get a hot shower, socialize a bit and get a good night’s rest. A Happy 50^th Birthday to Me!!!

It was so good to see my cousin Debbie. She was very instrumental in making all of the arrangements for the dinner such as selecting the location, making all of the calls and encouraging the family to attend. The day of the dinner was filled with last minute plans, which added an element of excitement and apprehension. The dinner would be held at the Olive Garden in Woodbridge NJ on route 1 & 9. There were some family members that didn’t attend due to previous engagements, not being able to travel, such as Aunt Clara or have "war wounds" still too sore to heal, but it appeared that a good time was had by those that did attend. Besides my experience in Africa, the dinner and seeing those that I have not seen in years was the highlight of my trip.



There is a proverb, “You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family. Disappointments and disagreements are some of the things that happen in relationships whether it is with family or not. But, seeing some of my family made me recall some of the time that has passed that I didn’t reach out as often as I should. I can’t even begin to imagine how devastated I would be if I reached out to a loved one and they have passed on without me haven’t reached out to them in years. Yes, there are some painful memories and members of my family that if I never saw again, I’m comfortable with that, …..really!  But I decided that there are some that I wanted to forever stay in contact with no matter what and regardless of the distance. I would like to thank everyone one that attended the dinner; Cousin Debbie, Asia, Hamilton, Jordan, Randy Jr., Alicia, Kenneth, Ms. Audrey, Dad, Yevette, Tanasia, Damon, Natasha, Jordan, Charlene and Bria. Four  generations!! If I forgot someone, I apologize.

I must add that we have a new member in our family, Nadir Jeremih, born July 24 at 1:13 p.m. He is the son of my brother Danny who is in Afghanistan and Stacy, both military personnel who secure our freedoms while we work, sleep and play. Always keep the military in your prayers.

Friends are wonderful and sometimes more like family than those that are, but family, although sometimes distant in miles and state of mind, are forever that…….Family.

All the best,

GMarie