Oh the drama!

     Hello all.  It has been a very long time since I last posted anything, so I will try to catch up.  First of all, I did manage to make it back with a new visa in January, albeit shy a few dollars for the upgrade to first class.  I want to go on record as saying that, because Saudi Airlines shares a "lounge" with Korean Air in JFK airport, it is the KA lounge that is a waste of time and energy.  There tends to be very little in the way of anything to eat, although plenty of dry ramen cups, and there is usually some wine and beer, but if you want food, good luck.  I do enjoy the fact that I get a comfy chair for my usual 3-4 hour layover, and a very nice bathroom, but it is always a huge let down to see it.

     For those of you not in the know, my birthday was Feb. 27.  I turned 56 years OLD this year and was feeling my age.  On the actual day of my birthday, I was informed I had to go to HR to sign some papers.  When I got down there, the little old man had me sign a letter informing me I was being let go at the end of the school term because I was over 55, and therefore, too old.  REALLY?!? I was already 55 when they hired me and they are just NOW figuring out I am older than 55?  So, in a nutshell, I was fired on my 56th birthday for being over 55.  I went back to school and just sobbed.  I finally gave up the ghost and went home.  My 7th grade girls had planned a surprise party for me and were crushed when I didn't show.  When I went back the next day and explained I was being let go, they cried with me.

     The next day, my principal told me to go back to HR and demand they give me back the signed letter.  Like a take backsies....LOL When I approached the window, I was told that once it was signed, I was being processed out.  I asked to speak to the supervisor and wound up waiting about an hour.  I was then informed that it would require a letter from my principal explaining that they school needed me.  It turns out that Saudi has a 55 and retire policy, that is usually dealt with by your supervisor writing a letter saying they can't replace you and they need to keep you.  I was informed that this was part of the Saudi 2030 plan to get more Saudis jobs.  I was informed that they would try to replace me with a Saudi woman.  I am an American, middle school language arts teacher, who is a native speaker.  Good luck with finding a Saudi to replace me.  HAHA!

     I then spent the next 2.5 months going all over the base and talking to everyone in charge to beg to be allowed to return the following year. It was not until about a week before I was scheduled to fly out that I was able to sign a contract to return.  It was with a great deal of anticipation and excitement that I was planning to head home to Chicago in May.

What I came to find out later was that this was a HUGE mistake and it could have all been avoided.  Apparently, they had wanted to fire one of the teachers, who I fondly refer to as "BSCL" or bat shit crazy lady.  Rather then give her a back eval and just let her go, they decided to fire her for being "too old."  When she was informed that this was why she was being let go, she quickly demanded that everyone at the school above that age be fired as well.  So, with 8 teachers caught in the net, they let us all go.  When the principal was able to convince them that this included almost all of the English native speakers, for an international school based on the American curriculum, she was then able to convince them to keep us all, including BSCL.  So, I am back, but so is she.

There and back....again (very heavy sigh)

     So, I was unable to upgrade my flight to the US, but I was bound and determined to upgrade the return 13 hour flight.  I had spent too much time flying over the holidays and was still not 100%.  I spent an UNHOLY amount to upgrade to first class because business was booked.  So, I had a private little roomlike thing, a pair of "pj's" and a chair that converted to a bed.  I was ready to go, and the only thing that could have made the flight better was alcohol.  Saudi Airlines does NOT serve alcohol.  I had a glass of wine in the lounge before I left, so I was ok.  Because I had upgraded at the last minute I was left with a choice of meals.  Lamb or curry.  Yup, not doing it.  I got an "extra" seafood dinner from business class, and I was not happy, but was able to eat.
     About half way through my journey, I was struck, almost suddenly, by a full-blown migraine.  Before I could even think about doing anything, I was puking.  I had to call a flight attendant for more barf bags.  I was cursing the wasted cost of first class, but grateful I had an actual bed like thing to lay down on.  I was also grateful for the "pj's" they had given me as a slightly better option than the wretched clothes I was wearing when the puking commenced. 
      I finally decided it had to have been caused by the air blowing on me in first class.  Unlike coach, the ceilings are higher and there are no individual air vents to control.  After asking for more barf bags, the flight attendants did not bother to check on me again until they woke me up to ask me if I wanted breakfast.....REALLY?!?  I finally managed to convince them that I was not able to walk out on my own and would require a wheel chair.  Apparently, a wheel chair gets you whipped through customs...just sayin.  I then had, what turned out to be, a 4 hour wait in the airport in Jeddah for transport back to the base.  I literally formed a fort of my luggage and laid down in a deserted corner of the airport to await my ride.  I was given a full seat to myself in the van to maintain a horizontal position.
     I arrived in my room at 10:30 pm.  I did not feel any better, but I just wanted to try and sleep.  So, after a shower, I crawled into bed.  At 2:00am, I finally gave up and stumbled across the street to the hospital ER.  I was able to mumble, "migraine...vomiting" before I started dry heaving again.  That got me into a bed quickly, where the doctor proceeded to ask me what was wrong.  Again, "migraine...vomiting" before I started dry heaving again.  He wanted to know how I knew it was a migraine....had I been actually diagnosed?  WTF?  He then asked me what I wanted.  Anti-nausea meds, pain meds, and a saline IV for fluids.  I was given an IV with god knows what and finally felt like I could move.  I had to BEG for a tiny saline drip.  When I finally left the ER, it was 6:30am and my medical note said I could go home and go back to bed.  Took me 2 days bedrest to achieve vertical.

More drama to follow.
   

WORST "VACATION" EVER! and the small stuff....

     I had a case of tonsillitis and an ear infection about 2 weeks before I was due to fly home, so I was already feeling kinda crappy.  I was able to book a room at "Chez Heydemann".  Both Becky and Anny were glad to have me and if I wasn't sick THE ENTIRE TIME, it would have been much more enjoyable.  I arrived stateside in the evening of the 23rd of Dec. and Ian was kind enough to pick me up.  We made a stop at the liquor store for provisions, so, in addition to the one glass of champagne I had in NYC at the airport, I had a glass when I got to Becky's.  (Booze count = 2 glasses)
     I had no wifi so communication was difficult.  I was able to get to T-Mobile and activate my phone and obtain a SIM card, but apparently it did not play well with my hot spot from Saudi.  When I left Saudi, it was about 75 degrees and when I arrived in Chicago it might have been zero.  My sons and my friends had laughed at my purchase of a farwa, but I was warm as heck.  We managed to stop and pick up a hat, scarf, and gloves so I was covered head to toe.  The cut came down to my ankles.  I was warm.  I was stopped everywhere I went by people telling me they loved my coat.  I had the last laugh.

Saudi farwa...they wear these in the desert in the winter.  Authentic ones are made of camel hide with the fur/hair inside.  Mine was animal friendly faux!

     I spent both Christmas eve and Christmas day with my boys and I was thrilled to death.  My sons conspired to get me lots of bath gel, bath bombs, and Epsom soaks.  I also got more coffee mugs and coffee!  The larger one on the right is the new one....someone knows me VERY well.

     I arrived Saturday, spent Sunday and Monday with the boys, and flew to Arkansas to see dad on Tuesday.  I am still coughing, sneezing, and hacking up a lung.  When I arrived in Arkansas, I think the temp was maybe 16 degrees!  Southern hospitality my ass!  Mary was kind enough to pick me up in Little Rock and fill me in on dad.  He is doing ok, but has a huge medical issue with his foot.  I love him very much, and it kills me to see him uncomfortable or in pain.  We drove dad to doctor appointments and he was given some things to help out with the issue.  I was glad to see dad and was actually able to get some shopping done.  I also managed to purchase YET ANOTHER mobile hot spot to accommodate my 3rd data SIM card.

 doormat

door (nothing religious about snow!)

I had arrived with a large empty suitcase, and bought another one when I left the states.  I made a trip to a local clinic and was told I did NOT have pneumonia but had an upper respiratory issue for which she gave me a steroid shot.  Not sure it did anything, but we officially ruled out pneumonia.  Mary, knowing me very well, bought 2 large bottles of Chardonnay, and had one already cooling in the fridge.  Knowing I would be flying again, and again, in a few days, I was simply too tired and icky feeling to partake.  (booze count = 0) 

      The one thing I was able to do for my dad was feed him!  We had pork roast with oven roasted potatoes and homemade applesauce.  I also made homemade 5 cheese mac and cheese with crab.  My sister informed me I was welcome to move in an cook for them any time....yeah, hold your breath and let me know how that works for you!  My dad managed to clean his plate every single time.  Job well done.  

     I was able to have some brisket and pulled pork while in Arkansas, so a good time was had by all....ish.  I managed to get a massage while there and had gone in my PJ's, because I knew I would need a shower after.  When my brother-in-law picked me up, he informed me we had to stop at Wallymart to pick up fixins for what dad wanted for supper.  I will add yet another phrase to my list of things I NEVER imagined I would EVER say, "Even in my pajamas (that were purchased at wallymart), I was still one of the best dressed people in wallymart."  I survived Arkansas and flew back to Chicago for some serious shopping and quality time with my boys.

     I arrived back on the evening of the 30th, and Becky was kind enough to pick me up.  My sons both had to work and I was not feeling at all well...still...so my New Years Eve celebration was surf and turf, cooked by Becky, and everyone was off to bed by 9:30pm.  (booze count = 0)  My boys were not too thrilled that I left a bit of booze unopened at their house.  The best laid plans got hocked up in a wad of phlegm.  

     I wound up staying a few days longer then anticipated, so I was able to accomplish many things, do a TON of shopping and see my boys.  I also talked to a realtor and finance person, about possibly buying something when I come back in the summer.  Hard to really concentrate on anything coughing up a lung or two.  Did I mention I felt like shit the entire time I was home?  

     The ONLY downside to staying with Becky was an unforeseen water issue.  She had plenty of hot water, but NO pressure in the upper floor of the house.  We could do laundry in the basement, cook and do dishes on the first floor, but there was no bath/shower upstairs.  I was able to run by the boys and take a shower, but Anny had to call on a favor from a friend and borrow their tub.  We wound up spending the day that the plumber arrived at a spa :-) They had hot tubs, saunas both wet and dry, and a fabulous Korean restaurant.  I have to say it was FABULOUS and will plan to return.  I just need to remember that dry saunas are NOT recommended for osteoarthritis as they further dry out already dry joints. :-(  I am happy to say that I have since been informed that the plumber was able to fix it and there is now plenty of hot water upstairs too.

     Another thing I managed to do was get my driver's license renewed.  It had been stolen, but I was able to get in and out of the DMV in the 3 weeks I was home.  I also got a haircut AND was able to convince Michael that he should get one too....it helped I paid...and we got matching haircuts....LOL

     On the way home from haircuts we stopped by this house.  I can not make this up, it was FABU!  I am just sorry you can't quite make out the Burberry porch.

     Here is where we get to the "little things".  One of the things I had been unable to find ANYWHERE in Saudi, was a white cotton blanket for my bed.  ALL of their blankets are that super hot fake fuzzy shit that is NOT conducive to hot flash relief.  My only issue in Chicago was the fact that the Target I hit did not have a full sized blanket, but a twin is almost perfect.  SCORE!  That little extra layer is perfect and I slept like a baby.  I was also able to get the folding shelf units I could not find here.  I was FINALLY able to organize my pantry.  As soon as I get a hold of an Instant Pot, it is ON like donkey kong!

     I hit the clearence rack at Old Navy hard.  I am pretty sure I have mentioned that there are NO dressing rooms in Saudi.  You have to purchase, take home, try on, and then return within their 30 minutes (really 3 days) return policy.  At least at Old Navy, I know an XL shirt or pants will fit almost every.single.time!  I got 2 bags of Garrets Chicago mix, a box of Frango Mints, and most all of the food stuffs I cannot get in Saudi.  One of my BEST scores was 4 boxes of Triscuits.  I bought 2 boxes of reduced fat, and 2 boxes of ginger/lemongrass.  They were on sale for $2.50 per box.  WHEN I can find them in Saudi they are almost $9.00 per box.  Tons of instant Starbucks coffee, cocoa, and mochas.  These are NOT available here at all.  (little things)

    

 My OWN personal full size fridge with manual ice-maker!  How can you shock anything in an ice bath if you have no ice?

This is the after picture of my pantry.  Forgot to do the before.

I am not completely done, but EVERYTHING is accessible and organized.  I just need a few more storage containers (think flour) and baskets and it is DONE.  My roomie will be thrilled!  I was able to buy non-metric measuring cups and spoons as well.  (little things)

Ok, that is it for now.  The journey home is (cringe)worthy of its own post.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!  May good things come your way.

A Weekend Away and My Last Weekend in Saudi...until I come back

     Last weekend, my co-worker announced she had joined a women's basketball team in Jeddah and would be spending every single weekend in Jeddah.  For some reason, I got caught up in the excitement and promptly announced I was going too.  She could do her thing, but because there were no seats left on the bus from base, we agreed to figure out alternative transport to Jeddah together.  We found 2 more teachers going and managed to book an SUV for 200 SAR.  The bus was no longer on the table!  One of the other teachers, whose husband lives in Jeddah, asked if I wanted a ride back....REALLY?  HELLLLLLS YEAH!  So, I booked a hotel in Jeddah, breakfast included, walking distance to a HUGE souk, and close to everything else I might need.
     Zantika's friend was out of town until Friday, so she booked a last minute room at my place.  We dropped off our bags in our AWESOME rooms, and headed down to the restaurant for supper as they were about to call prayer...again....We paid a pretty penny for a pretty awesome buffet supper and huge dessert table :-)

View in the morning from the restaurant.

    After supper we headed out to the souk and shopped until we dropped about 10:30.  Even though the beds were hard, I slept like a baby!  Traveling with my mini-humidifier and mini fan makes a HUGE difference.  At breakfast in the morning, we saw a mommy cat and her little kitten looking at us with hunger in their eyes.  The buffet was about to close so they got turkey sausages.  The next morning, I made sure they had some sandwich meat and eggs.  While these 2 were eating, another mommy came up, so I went back in and snagged some more food for her.  EVERYBODY eats when they come to my house!

Mommy and baby.

View from my room :-)

     On my last morning, I went for a walk with phone in hand and took pictures of the historic sections of Jeddah.  The Saudi are very quick to tear down, but I was glad to see they were preserving the ancient architecture.  It was really amazing.

     I was able to make contact with my friend and co-worker Elizabeth and her husband begrudgingly agreed to drive us around to shop.  I was able to pick up some trinkets for my kids and found a FABU crafting supplies/sewing store.  On the way home we stopped at LuLu Market and I discovered my new hard to find go to place.  Life is good.  I am heading home and hope to meet up with as many people as I can while I am home!

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

    Because they issued me the wrong visa type, and because that visa was in my stolen passport, I am being flown home for the winter break.  School ends on Dec. 21, but the first available flight is Dec. 23.  No problem.  Zantika and I will get a ride to Jeddah on the 21st and spend a day and a half shopping in Jeddah.  Unfortunately they have me flying Saudi Air so I will not have a cocktail until I hit JFK for my 4 hour layover.  I have booked a flight an car so I can swing by Arkansas and see dad.  I told Mary to buy whatever ingredients I need to make whatever he wants to eat.  Aside from Roladen, not sure what he will ask for.
   So, I have made the trip to Ikea and I have been to Jeddah twice.  The first trip was to Ikea, the second to the embassy to replace my STOLEN passport.  My friend's husband was able to pick up my passport and bring it to me when he came to visit his wife.  The road to Jeddah is down the mountain and I am just glad I didn't have to drive it!

Sheep on their way to "market".

More sheep.

Sneaky baboon.

Roadside baboons.

Jeddah

Road to Meccah.

I am not allowed in Meccah.

      It is about a 2 hour drive and I took the bus the last time.  The Saptco bus reminds me of the ADO bus in Mexico.  They have buses that make the trip from base each weekend, but I have had no cash and too many things to do at home.  Payday was a tremendous relief as I no longer had to beg an allowance/loan from co-workers.  

The drive to "town" aka Taif, is about 25 minutes.  On the way to town, there are literally 5-6 amusement parks.  I wish I was kidding.  They make me laugh every single time I see them.  No idea why Taif seems to be the amusement capital of Saudi, but there are TONS of parks, playgrounds, and amusement parks.

     

     Once I got paid, it was off to Taif for shopping.  I was able to get a co-worker to explain to the phone guy my wallet was stolen so he allowed me to recharge my phone.  I was also able to stock the fridge for Thanksgiving.  I cooked supper for about 5 of us.  One of the teachers procured TWO frozen 7 pound turkeys, as they didn't have anything bigger.  I had my students make thankful birds to bring home.  Thanksgiving is a totally non-religious holiday!

This is the view of the school yard from the 2nd floor of the girls' building.

I have done crafts with all of my classes now, and tie them into one of the stories we are reading.  The 7th and 8th grades no longer get art classes so they are happy to do the projects.

Paper machete heads.

This is a bird that comes by almost every day to say hi and beg for seeds.

Could not pass this up!

 Building in Taif.

Really old buildings.  There are pieces of stone buildings all over Taif.

     So, I will be home for the holidays and I have booked my flights to see my dad.  After everything I have been through, glad to not spend Christmas and New Year in Saudi.  Before I go, I will briefly mention that I finally got sick in Taif.  I wound up with an ear infection and tonsillitis.  Fortunately, the biggest perk about working for the military hospital compound, is that medical is literally across the street.  Thursday morning I was able to leave "teacher training" about 9am and head to medical.  A long wait at pharmacy was lessened by replacing my lost base ID (yes, the hits just keep coming) and getting my second of 3 Hep B booster (?) shots.  Home and in bed by noon.  Slept until 4:30, up to eat turkey soup, nap, more turkey soup and evening antibiotic, then back to bed by 9.  Feeling a bit better today, but my chest feels like a monkey is sitting on it.  Hoping it is not becoming pneumonia.