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Tag Archives: Travel
Riyadh Still in my Heart
Nineteen years after my repatriation, I am finally able to return to Riyadh. I’ve got someone who is able to secure my visa, I’ve got a place to stay, I’ve got the time and the money, and even my health … Continue reading
In Retirement, Finally
I’ve retired! I’ve quit my job and do not expect to get another one! I’ve saved enough money, with the blessings of Allah, to support myself. Of course, I need Social Security as well, and one can never predict the … Continue reading
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
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
A Downpour in the Desert –My Hajj Story
A Downpour in the Desert –My Hajj Story Most Hajj stories focus upon the sense of awe and inspiration that arise upon gathering in Mecca with thousands of Muslims from around the world, to perform one of the five pillars … Continue reading
Posted in Hajj, Islam, Life, Memoir, Saudi Arabia, Travel
Tagged Hajj, Islam, Mecca, Religion, Saudi Arabia, Travel
13 Comments
A Travel Secret
You go to the museums and the tombs and the ruins and the statues because everyone else does, because these places are famous, because you’ve seen pictures of them all your life, because the tours focus upon them, because these … Continue reading
Marahm 