Talia and Dalia, Saudi Desert Pups

            In my last post, I spoke of the two Saluki mix pups that were rescued and I adopted here on the base. The veterinarian estimates their ages at 15 weeks old.Talia (Tally) and Dalia (Dally) have now been with me since January 21st, and seem to be settling in just fine. I immediately began cage training them. At first, they would have to go potty as much as 4-5 times a night, never hesitating to let me know that they had to go by whining. But the low whining turns into a loud yelping noises when I try to get a few more minutes of sleep! But, no worries...It is easier to just go ahead take them out rather than to deal with the mess from one of them having an accident!

Talia and Dalia

            After spending quite a bit of time crate training the two, teaching them how to walk on a leash and observing them, I can describe Tally and Dally’s distinct personalities. Even though they are Saluki mix, they still live up to most of the traits that was described about this particular breed.

GMarie and Dalia

Talia

            Dalia unlike Talia is still very timid. It has taken just this long for her to come to me and when she does, it is with caution. Once we connect, Dalia just wants to put her front paws in my lap while I rub her ears. Talia loves some lap time as well but would rather jump around me, and gently nip at my toes or the back of my knee caps. Talia is still the dominate puppy but also very protective of Dalia. I have to feed them separately because Talia wants to eat first and will not let Dalia dine alongside her. When I give them both a bone or a toy, Talia must have all the toys. When Dalia displays frustration for what has been taken away from her and attempts to take it back, Talia becomes aggresive. Dalia, being the smallest of the two, quickly back down and just waits her turn. I have begun to try to jog with them. Talia would rather just walk and be observant of her surroundings but Dalia loves a quick pace. Both love to dig. As fast as I cover up a hole, the next day, they have dug a new one!  I may have to invest in a sandbox! They are all set as far as receiving all their immunizations and in a couple of months, Talia and Dalia will get spayed.

Dalia, GMarie and Talia

            It is said that having a pet adds to one‘s daily quality of life.  I tend to agree. Talia and Dalia have definitely been welcomed additions to my life.

          

All the best,

GMarie

I Adopted Two Saudi Desert Pups

             On January 21, 2013, I found out that the veterinarian had four pups that needed a home. So with crate in hand, I adopted and took home two female Saudi desert puppies called Salukis (Sa-LOO-key) which are the oldest dogs in existence and considered a gift from Allah. They are not full breed Salukis. They have short-haired camouflage rust coats. One pup has white stripes and the other, white spots. They were found on base along with three other pups. The mom was still around but refused to be captured. They are approximately three months old and I named them Talia and Dalia; Tally and Dally for short. Dally and Tally will be medium sized dogs, about 40-60 pounds, tall and slender and 23-28 inches high.

            Being indigenous, feral dogs of Saudi Arabia, they were orginally bred by Bedouins (desert-dwelling Arabian ethnic group traditionally divided into tribes, or clans) to be watchdogs and hunters. They have a natural instinct to chase and prey. The vet told me that this breed (full breed or not) are sensitive, loyal, intelligent and, over long distances ,the fastest runners (up to 40 mph), next to the Greyhound. They are a challenge to train and when trained, it should be done in a way not to be forceful or harsh. Socializing them is key in order to encourage an outgoing attitude. They tend to be very shy, timid and don’t  bark much.  They are sociable with other dogs, but do not care for cats (unless they are dominant).

            They are still quite aloof when folks come around but  when left alone they are very active; running around and digging up the yard! In the house, they are mild mannered and quiet like cats. I have observed that Tally is outgoing, quite dominant and very protective of Dally. Dally is still very shy, but independent and occasionally break away from Tally, whose reaction is to yelp until she returns. Two fun personalities!  Each day with Dally and Tally gets better as they let their guards down and begin to settle in with me.They are doing quite well with their crate training and know “their spot” to go “do their business (potty).”

This breed loves to run and jump and require lots of exercise. I have since taken up running, so when I get them a bit more socialized and controlled on their leases, they will make great jogging companions. Well it looks like I will be returning to the U.S. with a couple of Saudi souvenirs! Check back on my page for update about these two.

All the best,
GMarie

Olivio’s Ristorante Italiano, Riyadh Saudi Arabia

Sana Sa’eedah! (Happy New Year) and thanks for reading GMarie’s Page!

            After getting over the flu (yuke!) and enjoying the hiatus over the holidays, I settled back into my routine of work and continuing on with one of my new year’s resolutions I made before the break; to get back into physical shape. All work and exercise makes for a dull life, so one of the first stops besides Almultaka Woman's Spa was Olivio’s Italian Ristorante located on the fourth floor in the Radisson Blu Hotel.

            Olivio’s have a spacious dining room and a beautiful view of the hotel’s sparkling fountain and complimentary spruced grounds. Within several feet of the front door, there was a salad bar station that contained succulent entrées, such as the eye-catching display of tantalizing shrimp, that aroused the appetite and enticed even the most selective pallet. I was seated by one of the staff members who were friendly and attentive to ensuring that my dining experience would be top notch. The air exuded savory aromas of Italian herbs and spices.

           

             Even though this is my second visit to Olivio’s and no matter how appealing some of the items on the menu may have seemed, I ordered the mouth-watering seafood pizza as I did on my last visit.  

             If you are a seafood lover…you will not be disappointed!  Olivio’s….. scrumptious Italian cuisine, warm ambience and friendly staff.


All the best,
GMarie

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