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Tag Archives: culture
The Best of Both Worlds
I lived in Riyadh for twelve years, from 1986 through 1998— the first six in the King Faisal Hospital women’s housing compound on campus (men lived off campus), and the second six in the city, amongst working class expatriate Arabs. … Continue reading
Posted in Islam, Life, Life Writing, Religion, Saudi Arabia
Tagged culture, Family, Riyadh, society
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An American Hijab
A hijabi reading this will be the first to object to my title: An American Hijab. There is no such thing as an American hijab, as opposed to an Arab or a European hijab. Hijab is Islamic, and it should … Continue reading
Moving to the USA with my Arab Husband
Cross-cultural marriages have increased during the last fifty years, and so has the ability to move between those cultures. Logic suggests that a stable such marriage should flourish regardless of which culture the couple chooses to establish their home. Haven’t they both … Continue reading
Posted in Cross-Cultural Relationships, Saudi Arabia
Tagged culture, immigration, marrige
7 Comments
Book Review: Kabul Beauty School, by Deborah Rodriguez
I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. I think it is very well-written, contrary to some reviewers who think otherwise. The narrator’s voice remains in character, and the language flows nicely. Though the writing is conversational, it does … Continue reading
Posted in Art and Literature, Book Review, Life Writing
Tagged Afghan, Cross-Cultural Communication, culture, Memoir, women
6 Comments
Claiming a Religion— an Active Choice?
Who is a Muslim? Who is a Christian, Jew, Buddhist, etc? Is it enough to call oneself by any one of these names, or must we actually observe the distinguishing rituals? No one has a problem with taking someone’s word … Continue reading
Serendipity
Serendipity I liked the concept of arranged meetings for the purpose of evaluating potential marriage partners. Even though the meetings were stressful, they cut through a lot of crap that the American system of dating ensures before getting down to business. … Continue reading
Posted in Life, Memoir, Saudi Arabia
Tagged Cross-Cultural Communication, culture, marriage, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
19 Comments
Reverse Culture Shock
Reverse Culture Shock {Also called “Reentry Shock”} A few days ago, my cousin paid me a compliment. She said,”I think your years in the Middle East have caused you to lose touch with mainstream America.” I had been worried that I had … Continue reading
Posted in Islam, Life, Memoir, Saudi Arabia, Travel
Tagged Arabic Language, covering, Cross-Cultural Communication, culture, customs, language, psychology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, society, Travel
16 Comments
Split Personality, or Double?
Split Personality, or Double? I stayed in Riyadh an entire year before returning to the States for a vacation. As the day of departure approached, time seemed to slow down; I was so eager not only to see my family … Continue reading
Posted in Islam, Life, Memoir, Saudi Arabia, Travel, Writing Memoir
Tagged culture, psychology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, society, Travel
14 Comments
Ya Mamma, Ya Babba
Ya Mamma, Ya Babba When I read Bedu’s recent post, Saudi Arabia- Understanding Umm’s and Abu’s, I became inspired for this post. I suppose I should say it is a rant, but I am genuinely curious about how the following … Continue reading
Posted in Arabic Language, Family, Home Life, Rant, Saudi Arabia
Tagged Arabic Language, Cross-Cultural Communication, culture, customs, Family
14 Comments
Christ Stopped at Eboli– The Arab Connection
Christ Stopped at Eboli– The Arab Connection Italian language is a big part of my life these days. My study of it originated in Riyadh, in 1992, after I returned from my first trip to Italy, where I met distant … Continue reading
Posted in Art and Literature, Italian, Life, Politics, Saudi Arabia, Travel
Tagged Cross-Cultural Communication, culture, customs, Islam, Italian, Italy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Travel
12 Comments
Marahm 