Little things and big lies.

     To start, we will talk about the little things that make life here a bit nicer.  It took me a week or so to figure out that in Saudi, ALL bottled water is mineral water.  While they may tout the health benefits of mineral water, as someone who had passed a kidney stone, it is not always the best choice.  As soon as I figured out that I was pretty much screwed, I started looking for a Brita pitcher and filters so that I could make the water more health for ME.  I was able to find some online, but had not idea about ordering stuff online.  I was introduced to a new store called Saco, a store that reminds me of Home Depot and Costco.
    The tap water is NOT recommended for drinking, so the building provides us with large bottles of water.  Some units have the water dispensers, and some do not.  I do not have one and was told they had no more available.  This is where my trip to Saco became a wonderful discovery.  Because the standing dispensers are relatively expensive, and I didn't want to give up my table space for the countertop version, I opted for the inexpensive pump.  Not only was it a heck of a lot cheaper, but it makes filling my new Culligan water filter pitcher and humidifier MUCH easier.  Little things!

     Another "little thing" is that the janitor was able to fix the water heater so it still gets hot, maybe a few degrees cooler then I would have liked, but it no longer scalds me when I take a shower or wash my dishes,  Little things.  The nightlight in the bathroom allows me to turn off the light and still see to get to my bedroom, in my basically windowless apartment.  When I arrived back to Saudi, after my "visa trip" to Bahrain, I was able to snap a pic of the amazing garden inside the airport.  Little things.

     One big thing is that my school is an "actual school".  We give homework, we give tests, and we take attendance.  Each class lasts 4-6 weeks and therefore, we have a new schedule every 4-6 weeks.  My previous schedule gave me first and fourth periods free and then had me teaching all 4 evening evening classes.  It was nice to be able to relax at school and have my second cup of coffee and breakfast, but it made it difficult at best to eat dinner and relax in the evening.  This session, I am teaching all 4 classes in the morning and I have the last 2 classes free.  I am able to sit down, in an empty office, to have my light supper and relax.  When I come home, I am able to avoid eating too much before bed.

     The BIG LIES

"Is there a Dress Code for Females and Males?

Yes, Females are normally required to wear long ankle length dresses in the classroom , although you are free to don your jeans after work. The only precaution suggested is to cover yourself in the Black overall or a gown, called Abaya, which will be handed out to you upon your arrival, compliments of the company. Other than this there is no restriction on your attire."  WRONG!  We are required to wear a long black SKIRT, a white blouse for the first day of each new session, and a black jacket or sweater EVERY DAY!.  I now have a closet full of colorful long dresses and skirts that I will never wind up wearing.  I had to spend $$ to buy those black skirts when I got here!  I was NOT provided an abaya until I demanded the school provide me one.  It was a cheap thing and the snaps are already falling off.  I purchased a second one to "bling" out but I have not found a fabric/craft store yet.

     "What kind of recreational facilities are available in Saudi Arabia?

Riyadh and other cities in the Kingdom are full of recreational facilities. In Riyadh you can join a Health club, if you are unhappy with the one in our ladies housing compound."  There is NO COMPOUND and NO HEALTH CLUB in it.  The cost to join a gym is HUGE, you have to arrange and pay for your own transportation, and good luck finding one that allows women!  I am PISSED OFF!  I now have a complete Wii Fit set-up but no CD/DVD/games to actually use it.  That is my next big thing to find.  The issue is that the new system is Wii Fit U, and I have the old just plain Wii Fit.  FML!  I have expressed my extreme dissatisfaction with the company over this issue and was told by the woman in charge of personnel, "Sorry, but I can only tell you to find another job if you are unhappy."  I am actually thinking about finding a good lawyer.  I was told that other people had sued and won, but I am just enjoying my routine for now.

     The final thing is that I now have an actual "routine" of sorts and am settling in.  As soon as I work out the exercise issue, life will be better.  My last "little thing" occurred yesterday.  Apparently it was "teachers day" in Saudi and the staff provided us with little gifts.

I would MUCH RATHER they gave me my paycheck (payday falls on Saturday so we get paid on Sunday) but it was better then a kick in the face, I guess.