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

Trip to Ashoor Jewelry (The Gold Factory)

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

Caravan Stop Restaurant, Riyadh Saudi Arabia

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

Happy New Year!

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