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Tag Archives: Saudi Arabia
Would I Return to Riyadh?
As the years pass, and my chances to return to the actual Riyadh remain firmly in front of me, I do not jump, and I do not plan. The actual Riyadh today holds little attraction for me. My one remaining … Continue reading
Another Ramadan
Ramadan begins today, another Ramadan. I’ve been a Muslim for maybe twenty Ramadans, but none of them have enriched me like those first ones in Riyadh. In fact, I actually dislike Ramadan in the United States, astaghfiruallah (may Allah forgive … Continue reading
Posted in Islam, Ramadan
Tagged Fasting, Health, Islam, Ramadan, Religion, Saudi Arabia, Writing
6 Comments
Wearing my Faith on my Head
Women were not allowed to choose whether to cover or not in Saudi Arabia. In other countries, however, the practice became a personal choice. As such, women needed to give some thought to whether or not they would cover when outside the Kingdom, … Continue reading
Posted in Hijab, Islam, Saudi Arabia
Tagged covering, hijab, Muslim women, Saudi Arabia, society, Travel, wearing hijab
18 Comments
Book Review: In the Land of Invisible Women by Dr. Qanta Ahmed
I read this book not so much to learn about Dr. Qanta Ahmed’s experience, but to recall my own. I wanted to say, “Yes! Yes! That’s the way it was!” at every turn of the page, and I was able … Continue reading
Posted in Book Review
Tagged Expatriate, Islam, Mecca, Memoir, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, women
11 Comments
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
I Looked for a Husband
I Looked for a Husband During my first year in Riyadh, I fell under the charm of an Egyptian man. We got engaged. I converted to Islam and expected him to fulfill his promise to marry me, but he took up … Continue reading
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
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
Cabin Fever in Riyadh
Cabin Fever in Riyadh 0R Living in Riyadh Before the Internet My daughters have near-native fluency in English, but sometimes they ask me about phrases they’ve never heard, like “cabin fever”. Last week, one of them asked me about this … Continue reading
Posted in Family, Home Life, Islam, Life, Memoir, Saudi Arabia
Tagged culture, customs, Family, Islam, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, society
10 Comments
Marahm 