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Tag Archives: society
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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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
Things Are Not the Same
My metaphorical Riyadh retains its character as the years pass, while the actual Riyadh evolves. My friend of many years still goes back and forth. She tells me about the ongoing construction, the ever-increasing concern with security, and the simple conclusion … Continue reading
Hyphenated Names– for Women Only?
I’ve wanted to write this rant for months, and now I’ve succumbed to the urge. Hyphenated names for non-Muslim women make no sense to me. They are long, phonetically awkward, and cumersome to write. They suggest that the poor woman didn’t … Continue reading
Posted in children, Family, Life, Marriage, Rant
Tagged Family, Feminism, hyphenated names, naming customes, society, working women
7 Comments
A Difference of Degree, not Substance?
With the approach of the tenth anniversary of 9/11, we are seeing many programs on TV, on the Internet, and in print media, programs that honor the lost lives as well as try to heal the residual emotional trauma felt … 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
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
Walls
I squinted at white marble walls everywhere, as they reflected the brilliance of a Riyadh morning sun. Set at various angles, they somehow joined five separate buildings together in one geometrically shaped compound. Each building gave access to its … Continue reading
Posted in Saudi Arabia, Writing
Tagged Cross-Cultural Communication, culture, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, society, walls
6 Comments
Marahm 