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

Hajj...the Journey

November 2, 2012

            This past week, we were closed at work for Eid Al-Adha.  Eid (solemn festival) al-Adha (feast of sacrifice) is an Islamic festival to celebrate the willingness of Abraham to follow Allah's command to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience before Allah intervened to provide him with a ram to sacrifice instead.

            During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith. The meat is divided into three parts. The family retains one third of the share; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbors; and the other third is given to the poor and needy. Muslims around the world observe this event.

            But before the celebration, Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam (faith, prayer, charity (zakat) and fasting) is performed. An obligation of every Muslim, except for those too ill or too poor, this entails making a trip to Mecca to Al-Masjid Al-Haram (The Holy Mosque)  that is built around Kaa’ba at least once in his/her lifetime. The pilgrims circulate this cuboid shape, anti-clockwise, seven times. Part of the Hajj ritual is to throw pebbles (at least seven shots) at three stone pillars that represent Satan.

            The pilgrimage is made during the Islamic month of "Dhul-Hijjah" which is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. This year, it began October 17th and Eid Al-Adha came ten days later on the October 27th.

             Once a pilgrim as completed the hajj a male is called a Hajji and a female is called Hijjiyyah. I asked a couple of women what their sentiments were once they had completed hajj. The responses were similar. They said, though the journey was difficult and emotional, it was an experience of a lifetime which both revitalized and purified them, mentally and physically while enhancing the knowledge of the greatness of Allah.  Al-hamdu lillah (Praise be to Allah).

All the best,

GMarie