Riyadh Greens Golf Course, Riyadh Saudi Arabia

     
March 22, 2012

      My co-worker, Mike invited me to play golf at Riyadh Greens. I heard it was a large course like Dirab; 18 grassed holes of golf, but also have state of the art facilities. We headed out around 7am for an 8am tee time. After driving about 40 minutes and the driver taking a couple of wrong turns, we finally arrived at Riyadh Greens. While disembarking the van to climb into our waiting club car, I took a quick look around. The grounds were beautiful with a huge spectacular clubhouse. I couldn’t wait to check out the rest of the place, but first had to warm up at the driving range before going to the course.

      The first hole was PAR 4. Being unfamiliar with the course, and being a novice player, I couldn’t visually see the greens. After I drove my ball over a stream, lost it and begin to searching for the ball, I realized that this was a dog-leg to the left! I earned a +3 on that hole…..I said I was a novice!!  Hole 2, had nothing on the first. It was Par 5, 670 yards from the Black tee which boasts one of the longest holes in the area. I am proud to say, I scored a +1 on this hole!  

      Well, the rest the game went as well as Hole 1, so I am withholding my final score until I can challenge this course again. But, needless to say, I enjoyed playing at Riyadh Green! I believe this course, other than the PAR 3’s (there is only 4) will even challenge the more experienced golfer with its terrain, strategic bunkers, man-made streams and Hole 8, which is only 162 yards but it is protected by water on all sides! Yes, you guessed, my ball went into the water on that hole! 

      Before the van left, I stopped to visit the pro shop which was stocked with some very nice apparel and equipment. There was also a gym, and the woman’s locker room and rest room facilities had a jacuzzi and sauna. I am sure there was much more to experience but there is always the next time. Time didn’t permit to try out the restaurant, because Mike had to get back for a meeting. Trust….there will be a next time!


All the best,
GMarie

Almultaka Ladies Center, Riyadh Saudi Arabia

The last time I went to visit a spa was about a year ago. So I thought I was well overdue for some pampering. A friend asked me to join her for lunch on one of our days off from work. So I called for a driver to pick up my friend and I,  then off we went to Almultaka Ladies Center (+966 11 478-3388) located in the Malaz section of Riyadh.

My mouth fell open as we got out of the vehicle and approached the place! The architecture of the building was absolutely beautiful! But upon entering the door, your everyday look of a spa was not to be found. First thing, the attendant asked if we would like to remove our abayas. I quickly, without blinking, took off mine! This is a “freedom” to be abaya-less in Saudi outside of the home.  I then realized that my question was answered as to who in the world is wearing the high fashion clothing when you go to the malls in Saudi Arabia if all women were covered head to toe?! Inside this spa, the women were wearing all of the latest fashions! Secondly, I noticed….there were no men! This was a women only spa!!

My friend led me on a tour of the facilities. The place was beautiful! There was artwork on every wall, a music library, and a wall as tall as the four levels of the spa that had water cascading down it. There was also a fitness center, hair and nail salon and showrooms with clothing boutiques (i.e. Jean Paul Gaultier, Jean Louis Scherrer). There was even a daycare center! We decided to sit in the open restaurant, sip coffee, feast on breakfast crepes. We spent nearly three hours just talking about each other’s cultures. The day, though simple, was very relaxing …….priceless!

On another trip to Al-Multaka, I took my friend Cherryl, on her birthday, to show her my “hidden secret”. She was just as amazed as I, my first time. We scheduled manicure and pedicure appointments. What a treat! The service was relaxation with a capital “R”. The staff was highly professional and took their time to provide the epitome of service as well as a tranquil retreat. This multipurpose center is surely a place to feed the mind, soul and body! You literally could hang out here all day!

There are two other places that I frequent and recommend. There is Mariyah Center (+966 11 464-0909) located on Olaya street. I believe they have some of the best hairstylists I have seen thus far in Riyadh. For an invigorating Moroccan scrub, there is Specialized Medical Center Hospital, Impact Center Spa (+966 11 462-2386) located at the King Fahd Rd - Mecca Rd Junction. Another nice spa located on  Takhassusi and Aruba Street is call Hot Stone (+966 11 419 6663). Go ahead. Make an appointment for some personalized attention. Relax and enjoy!

All the best,
GMarie

CAPSA Celebration

March 1, 2012     

      CAPSA is probably one of the largest events sponsored by the base through ticket sales and held once a year.  This event involves the participants dressing up in Arabic clothing, and experiencing the “flavor” of Arabian flair and food, which is where the name Kabsa (the real spelling) is derived. 

      The ambience for CAPSA is all of the vibrant colors, belly dancing, Saudi music and hookah pipe smoking (stemmed instrument for smoking flavored tobacco called shisha). Kabsa is a rice and chicken dish that is the national dish for the Arab states. It is a mixture of spices (nutmeg, saffron, bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves), rice (usually long-grain), meat and vegetables.

       With all of the time that went into this event you couldn’t help but have a good time and look forward to what is in store for next year’s CAPSA. I am told that each year is more remarkable than the last!

All the best,
GMarie