January 26, 2012
I decided I wanted to, like most tourist who come to this region, get some jewelry made for myself. One of the trips that are sponsored through the MWR by my co-worker Cherryl is a trip to Ashoor Jewelry located in Riyadh. Not only does this store specialize in mining precious and semi-precious gem stones jewelry, everything is produced right on the premises for all to see.
They also re-make unwanted pieces into new custom design jewelry. They employ experienced craftsmen and goldsmith from Sri Lanka which is the leading exporter of top quality gemstones. With so many gems and styles to choose from, I selected a heart pendant made of gold with the letter “G” encrusted with diamonds. The price tag was $200! A great value found in the “Kingdom”, Saudi Arabia.
All the best,
GMarie
January 3, 2012
Cherryl, the Recreations Supervisor for the Morale Welfare Recreation (MWR) here at the base is responsible in part for putting together all of the recreation events like the Sports Day, Oktoberfest and the Christmas Festival. Cherryl, who reigns from Guyana, has been living in Riyadh Saudi Arabia for about 16 years! Her husband work with one of the aircraft companies and this is what brought her to the “Kingdom”. She also raised both of her children here. Every other week, Cheryl and I get a driver, pick a spot in Riyadh and go there. She thought this would be a good way for me to see the city.
Today, we decided to go to the Caravan Stop Restaurant which is centrally located in Olaya which is one of Riyadh’s finest residential and commercial centers inside the Al Khozama Hotel. Al Khozama means sweet desert flower in Arabic.
The neighborhood was very “upscale” and reminded me of one of the suburban areas in Manhattan. The restaurant had the ambience of traditional Arab culture and culinary tastes to satisfy any pallet. I ordered the “special” which was grilled lamb chops and vegetables with creamy mashed potatoes; what a treat for the taste buds! My drink selection was carrot juice combined with ginger……absolutely delicious! Like all good things, the evening came to a close. Cheryl and I hugged, parted ways and I and my driver returned to the base. I look forward to my next outing as I continue to explore the “Kingdom”!
All the best,
GMarie
January 1, 2012,
“Happy New Year!”..... The one liner shouted by folks at the stroke of midnight; hugs and kisses and affirmations for the days ahead.
Most people for their New Year resolution wish for wealth and prosperity. Some say they will complete their education in order to find a better job or to save more money to get out of the rut of living from paycheck to paycheck. The popular one is to lose weight, eat better and join a gym. In these tough economic times, many just wish to have enough food to feed their families, pay the next month’s rent and have a few extra dollars to put in the gas tank. All of those NEEDS may not be achieved and maybe one or two may have to go this month. In most cases, WANTS get no consideration at all. But you do the best you can.
This year, my resolutions or focus is different than in the past. I wish more for others in need than for myself. I just pray to see age 50 this year and more birthdays thereafter, Inshallah (“in God's will” in Arabic). It may be selfish, but I would like to see my daughter graduate from college, live and provide a lucrative life for herself and her girls. I also would like to see my grandkids go through their “little” aches and pains of growing up to be two fine women. I wouldn’t mind a “Mr.” in my life to share each other’s life experiences together.
I have had many blessings in my life with minimal set-backs. I have had far more POSITIVE folks come into my life than negative. I have experienced more LOVE in my life than hate. I have received more CONSTRUCTIVE guidance than destructive criticism. I have been exposed to KNOWLEDGE which has created WISDOM to recognize ignorance and avoid negativity. I have had the PRIVILEDGE of knowing and befriending, yet losing folks dear to my heart such as Shona White, my Grandma Susie, Bob Hatchette, Julia Debose and Edwin Callwood. Their advice and personas are who I am today. Thank you!!
My friend David (Happy Birthday, my friend!) says, "You are the most blessed person I know!" Maybe it’s because I just treat folks the way I want to be treated. So to my love ones and friends, I wish for you ALL that you deserve and desire for this year and those to come!
All the best,
GMarie
