Hair Care in a Desert Climate

            I have been in the Riyadh, Saudi Arabia “the Kingdom” since September 2011. I knew I would be faced with several challenges (i.e. culture, language barriers) but the thought had not closed my mind that one of those challenges I would be confronted with is hair care.  I have been wearing Sisterlocks (length; 20 inches) for 14 years. Sisterlocks is tiny uniform woven locks/dreads of hair. This technique was founded by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell who is a Professor at San Diego State University in California.

           

          After a few months in this dry desert climate, my locks went from shiny and healthy to dry and brittle. After some internet research, I found that it was not only the sun, heat and dust that was causing the lack of lustre and breakage in my hair (in some cases, from the root) but also the desalinated water (removal of salt from seawater), the chlorine in it and air conditioning (removes moisture from the hair) was contributing factor as well. In severe cases, it can also cause hair loss. Saudi Arabia, followed by United Arab Emirates and Kuwait uses the largest amounts of desalinated water. 

           The Gulf climate is harsh so extra measures must be taken to care for the hair.  To be proactive and defeat the damages caused by a dry climate it is advisable to avoid over-drying with hot appliances. Let your hair dry naturally and try to wash less often. Use hot oil or moisturizing treatments with a plastic cap. Drink plenty of water and take a good multivitamin (i.e. Vitamin A, B-Complex, Biotin, C,D,and E). Try to avoid the use of chemicals such as haircolor and relaxers. Although expats in most places are not required to cover the hair, it is not a bad idea to do so with a cotton scarf, hat or cap. I protect my hair with Betmar New York hats. They are SPF 50 and they come in several designs. http://www.betmarhats.com/ 

            I am regularly asked through my blog whether I know someone who does braiding in the Kingdom. Braids and corn rolls are a great styling option as long as they are not left in for weeks at a time. I recently received contact information (thanks, Annette) for those of you who reside in Riyadh. Her name is Monica and her mobile is +966560293597. Please give her a call for pricing and availability.    

           If any of you know any other braiders or Sisterlock technicians in the Riyadh area....please drop me a line so I can pass it on.

All the best.....

Hair and all,

GMarie

      

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

           Memorial Day weekend was slowly approaching. Instead of hanging around Riyadh and squander that time away waiting for others to decide what they wanted to do, I asked my co-worker Cherryl to go to Abu Dhabi. Without hesitation she agreed. I do not know how much time I have left in the Kingdom, so I plan to travel to a few other places in the area before returning to the U.S. So with ticket in hand we were off to spend four days in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

            Abu Dhabi is the capital of United Arab Emirates, located on the Arabian Gulf and situated among over 200 other islands. The current President is Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Nahyan became president on November 3, 2004, subsequent to the death of his father, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The UAE is more conservative than Western countries but far more progressive than Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Wearing an abaya is not enforced, women can drive and there are movie theaters, night clubs and one can partake in a little libation!

             There is a lot to do in Abu Dhabi. There are beaches, golfing, fishing and of course shopping. Each day, I was there, the weather was sunny and humid. It reminded me of South Pasadena Florida, which is where I live back in the states.

            The Intercontinental Hotel, where we stayed, was in the perfect location, situated on the Arabian Gulf with a white sandy beach and marina. We were minutes away from the shopping malls, business districts and the famous Abu Dhabi Corniche. Every day when I awoke I would undraw the curtains to a breathtaking view of the city skyline and the Gulf!  The amenities included a state-of-the-art gym, outdoor pool, tennis courts, health club and skillful massage therapists!

            There are several eateries on the premises. Some of the places we frequented was the Belgian Café where the favorite entrees is fresh mussels, Belgian waffles and of course selection of 18 types of Belgium beer. We also visited the Fishmarket that is located on the beach. The inside perimeter of the restaurant is set up like a market. Once seated, a server comes to your table and escorts you around the market to select your dinner which can be fresh seafood, chicken or steak, and a wide selection of vegetables. The chef then prepares your entree with your selected sauce and brought to your table steaming hot!

            A must do is the Big Bus Tour. For 200 Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) or $54, the tour offers a tour around Abu Dhabi and have recorded commentary in eight different languages. You can hop on and off the bus at several locations. It was pretty hot and humid the day we went so I took most of my photos from the bus.

            We embarked the Big Bus in front of Marina Mall. Marina Mall contains high end stores like Louis Vuitton,Yves Saint Laurent and Burberry, to name a few. There is also a cinema and sky tower.

            The first stop was Emirates Palace Hotel, the most expensive built hotel in the world and is located on West Corniche Road.  With its 7-star status and luxurious amenities, a modest room per night begins at $773 and a palace suite is $11,200 per night! This would definitely be an amazing place to stay.

             The next stop was the Sheikh Zayed Mosque which is known for its 24 carat gold chandeliers, the world’s largest hand crafted carpet and is the third largest mosque in the world! The architecture was absolutely beautiful with its magnificent white domes and columns. This mosque can house up to 40,000 worshippers and is accessible to non-Muslims as well.  Appropriate attire is a must and abaya and head covers are provided to visitors.

            We passed the Abu Dhabi Mall then on to Saadiyat Island. Saadiyat Island is 27 square kilometers and is located off the coast of Abu Dhabi. There are two galleries; one an interactive narrative of the history of the island called the Saadiyat Story and the other is the Arts Abu Dhabi Gallery. There is also the UAE Pavilion that holds some of Abu Dhabi’s cultural functions. Co-located is the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and two five star properties; the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi. There is also a public beach.

 

            Beside the malls, another place for shopping that we passed was the infamous Iranian souk where you can purchase anything from foods to carpets. Due to the heat, we passed up the opportunity to shop outdoors.  Another place outdoors that would be perfect during less humid weather is the Abu Dhabi Corniche that is located along the Gulf and extends almost 4 miles. Folks can be found either jogging, walking or biking. What a beautiful place to just lie out and relax on the beach front with the family. 

            The last stop was the cultural attraction called Heritage Village that displays a glimpse of traditional past Bedouin living.  Entrance to Heritage Village is free. Also co-located here is the tallest flag pole in United Arab Emirates. The highest point in the city is the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers which is known for serving high tea (a heavy meal of meat dishes, fish dishes, baked goods, vegetables and other heavy foods) served after five PM. All of this is complimented by a scenic view of the Arabic sea and the city.

            Our last night in Abu Dhabi, we went to the Jazz Bar and Dining (cross through Hemingway’s) at the Hilton Abu Dhabi. I was told by a friend that they have live entertainment featuring a six piece band in a cozy, laid-back atmosphere. The band, unlike the title of the bar, played the latest top hits, enticing you to at least tap your foot or snap your fingers. Okay,….I gave up and just got up and danced!  

            What can I say, a perfect ending to a wonderful four day retreat! It does a psyche good to get away from the Kingdom for a bit and dwell in activities comparable to the West. If you thought about it, make plans to visit Abu Dhabi.

All the best

GMarie

Carol Fleming-Al Alroush

Carol Fleming-Al Alroush

                                     October 09, 1959 - May 27, 2013

 

Initially, when I started my blog, it was to keep in touch with family and friends and to minimize sending multiple emails and pictures to everyone especially from a place where I consider the internet service to be a bit slow. So a month before I arrived in Saudi (August 2011), I got motivated to blog my experiences from following the blog, American Bedu (www.americanbedu.com).  
 

           Through my readership, one of the women that lives on my compound (Thanks Charmie!) connected me with her friend, renowned blogger Carol Fleming aka American Bedu. It was an honor and pleasure to be recognized and interviewed by such a well-known icon. 

            I have never met Carol, but feel connected to her spiritually. I am so grateful and honored that she touched my life. What a special woman who achieved and did so much for others. My condolences go out to her family. I will never forget her. She has truly been my inspiration to me and so many others!

 

All the best,

GMarie

Mrs. Dinah White aka Nana

Mrs. Dinah White (Nana)

October 18, 1921 to May 18, 2013

               Today is a sad day for me...My Nana, Mrs. Dinah White, has gone home to be with the LORD (May 18, 2013). She was 92.  

             Nana was my next door neighbor where I grew up in Roselle, New Jersey; a small town located in Central Jersey. I met Nana and her husband after being chased by their dog on my way to school. It had snowed the night before and by morning the snow had turned to ice. Just imagine running on ice from a dog! Needless to say, we have been friends ever since. 

            Nana taught me how to cook. She did side jobs catering. And she taught me how to drive. When I was about 16, Nan’s eyesight began to fail. She was advised by her doctor to no longer drive. Mr. White had been passed on so she had to work. So she asked me if she was able to get me a job after school working in the soldering plant with her, would I drive her to work. Of course I said yes! But I quickly told her if my parents knew they would kill me. She said it would be our little secret. So, I drove us to and from work. We would change seats within a block from home so my Father wouldn’t see me on his way to work. I am 50 now, so the secret is out! 

            Nana has lived a full life but it was not always easy. As a young child in the south she had to hide her brothers & sisters in a ditch and watch the KKK hang her uncle.  Some excerpts of her Nana’s story can be found in a book called, Praying in the Moment: Reflections on the Election of President Barack Obama by Shauna Jamieson Carty. The New York Times also did a story about Nana.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/18/nyregion/new-jersey/18colnj.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

             I agree with Nana’s grandson that she was a “provider, protector and a teacher". She would give you her last dollar, feed you and give you a place to sleep. She probably has watched over 150 children in her home.”  I was one of those kids.  I will never forget how she cooked me a big breakfast, made me eat it all right before the recruiter picked me up to put me on a plane to go to Navy boot camp. She told him "don’t you let anything happen to my girl or I am going to come look for you!".  As he towered over her 4’10” or so frame, compared to his 6’3” height, without hesitation he replied, “Yes ma’am!”

             Nana’s guidance, motherly love and laughter will truly be missed! I am more than I would have been because of who she was. I am very sad, yet happy that she is at peace with her maker.

            I thank her daughter Shona (RIP) and Linda and her grandchildren Duane, Cheryl and LaWanda for sharing such a beautiful and extraordinary soul with me!

I love and miss you, Nana!

All the best,

GMarie

Janadriyah Festival

            Today, some folks from the office and I attended the annual cultural festival know as Janadriyah. The purpose of this festival is to draw attention to the Saudi culture through art (potters, wood workers and carvers), Nabatean (ancient Arabs) poetry, men sword dances and music.

 

 

           

          The festival, organized by the Saudi Arabian National Guard, kicked off on April 3^rd with the camel races. The festival, open for 17 days, will have an array of vendors who display and sell their merchandise such as jewelry, bake goods, art work etc. Visitors can expect to see displays that will capture Saudi Arabia’s history, culture and a snap shot of how Saudis has evolved from Bedouin times to its present day.

 

 

 

            Each year the festival hosts a guest of honor and this year’s choice was China.  I made my way through this pavilion where they had on display plenty of artwork, clothing designs and cultural displays.

 

           

          If you are in the Riyadh and feel like venturing out this weekend for a good time, check out the Janadriyah festival for favorable foods, learn about the Arab culture and shop for merchandise you would pay much more anywhere else. The admission is free!


All the best,

GMarie

The Noodle House, Riyadh Saudi Arabia

          My friend told me she had a taste for some Asian fare and invited me out to eat. The destination was the Noodle House which is located in the Centria Mall on Olaya Street in Riyadh. It took us about an hour from Eskan Village to get to the Noodle house due to bumper to bumper traffic. This is not unusual for Riyadh. I can imagine when women are eventually allowed to drive here; there will be more cars than road!

            When we arrived at Centria Mall I can tell right away that this mall was a showcase for high-end  stores such as Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Prada, Armani and Fendi to name a few. I had to remind myself that this was not a shopping trip but an evening of fine- dining. But I promise you, I would be checking out this mall another time soon. So off we went up to the second floor to find the Noodle House.

            Upon entering the front door of the restaurant, you can see off to the right all of the chefs hustling to prepare many aromatic dishes. My salivary glands went into overdrive just watching the delectable meals being prepared!

 

             We were immediately seated by the staff. I loved the mahogany furnishings offset by the white dishware and place settings. The menu was a pad that had a pen attached. You just checked your selection of food items that you wanted prepared, tear off the sheet and then give it to the waiter. I selected the wasabi prawns and crispy fried vegetable spring rolls for appetizers and Kung Pao chicken noodles as the main dish.

 

            Within minutes, my entrées arrived cooked to order. The prawns were flashed fried with a wasabi sauce poured over them; very pleasing to the palate! The spring rolls were crisp, light and not greasy. They were the best I have ever eaten! The Kung Pao chicken noodle was steaming hot, fresh and amazingly delicious! The chef definitely did not skimp on the chicken!

 

 

 

            The Noodle House is not a bad choice for delicious and affordable fast food with an attentive wait staff and beautiful dining accommodations.

 All the best,

 GMarie