I Finally Played 18 Holes of Golf!

 February 29, 2012    

     Today, Jay called and made reservations so that he could take me out to the golf course.  This would be my first time playing 18 holes of golf. So with clubs in hand and nervous anticipation we headed to Arizona Golf Club. At Hole No. 1, which was Par 4 (pre-determined number of strokes that a golfer should require to complete a hole), I set my ball on the tee and commence to drive it down the fairway (247 yards) as straight as I could with my driver (used for teeing off). The ball went way off to the right! Yep, I was off to a rough start, but I didn’t get too discouraged.

      Throughout the game, I mostly used my hybrid 5 iron (used for getting shots of 150+ yards airborne), my sand wedge (used for hitting short, high shots from near the green or from sand bunkers) and of course my putter (it rolls the ball into the hole after it’s on the green). With three (3) double bogeys (two strokes over par on a hole) and four (4) triple bogeys (three strokes over par on a hole) and the balance being (+1) or bogey, my final score was 97, not bad for a beginner!

      Arizona Golf Club opened in 1994 and is located on a compound enclosed within a high perimeter fence. It is a 9 holes course and it is not unusual to see gazelle and deer watching you play golf. There is a clubhouse, pro shop, riding stable, bowling alley and petting zoo.

      A perfect finish after playing 18 holes was an early dinner at the restaurant, which is walking distance from the golf course. The special on Fridays is the rotisserie chicken; finger licking good! The Saudi champagne (made with 6 juiced lemons, caster sugar, 2 apples sliced, 2 oranges sliced, apple juice, sparkling water, and mint leaves bunch), is a great compliment to the meal. The sun was setting during the drive back to the base, which concludes another beautiful day in the “Kingdom”, Saudi Arabia!

All the best,

GMarie

My First Sand Storm!

Februay 25, 2012     

      Today started off with an overcast; partly sunny but the weather was nice and warm. By 4pm, I looked outside my office window and realized the sky was bright orange and the visibility was next to none! I grabbed my camera, ran to the front door, opened it and found it hard to comprehend what was going on. We were in the middle of a sand storm and everything around us was really bright orange! It was so amazing! Our cars were covered with sand and the feeling of grit in my eyes and my mouth forced us back indoors.

      Sandstorms, also called dust storms, are caused by convection currents which are created by intense heating of the ground. When air is heated it is unstable and causes a mixture of high winds. No matter how closed up a building or car is, the sands finds its way inside. Before I left work at 5pm, my desk was covered with a film of dust! Sand storms can cause cough, allergic reactions and is capable of carrying infectious diseases so most people of this region, during these conditions, where a mask to protect their nose and mouth.

I tell you, there is hardly ever a dull moment in the “Kingdom.”


All the best,
GMarie

Dirab Horse Stable, Riyadh Saudi Arabia

      We were off today from work in celebration of President’s Day. Since my work week is from Saturday to Wednesday, we typically use Saturdays (since that is considered my “Monday”) for the U.S. holidays. I wanted to make the best of my day off, so I decided to go to the golf course and get some horse riding lessons since I could not go golfing due to a tournament going on.  I already talked about the beautiful scenery at Dirab Golf and Country Club. There is a stable located there. The stable is surrounded by mountains and the trail is through the desert and mountains. There are five types of horses boarded there; Arabian, English, Anglo-Arab, Saddle Ponies and small ponies. I chose the Arabian horse to ride named Louis.

      A little history……the Arabian horse is associated with the history of Riyadh. The breed was developed 3500 years ago and is very much adapted to desert conditions, is intelligent, fast and loyal with a gentle disposition. It is recorded that the prophet Mohammed was instrumental in spreading the Arabian influence and the Bedouins (Arab word 'Bedou' that means "desert dweller.") are credited with the pure breeding and keeping the purity of the Arabian breed.

      My lessons began in the pen with how to mount, steering, how to gallop and slowing down the horse. Louis, who is 15 years old, was very attentive to every command. My next lesson will be on the mountainous trail. I get tingly thinking about it and look forward to the challenge.


All the best,
GMarie