Summer Shenanigans

Let’s a have summer wrap up, shall we? Now (Oct2017) that temperatures are down to the low 90s for the daily high, it actually feels like summer for us. I fit in perfectly when I discovered that no one wants to do anything during the summer here, least of all me. I know, I know. Anyone in Arizona or New Mexico understands the extreme temps we face in Saudi. I, however, dislike such temps and hope to join the flocks of Saudis that fly out of the country for the summer next year. Inshallah (God willing). Everything is inshallah here.

Ramadan happened in June this year, so work hours for both Husband and I changed drastically. By law, no one can work more than 6 hours a day during that month, and most of those hours are in the early mornings and late evenings. Also, no one can eat or drink anything in public while the sun is up, either. This makes daytime work a little bit interesting, especially when your students are also fasting. They did superbly, all things considered, though it was a bit rougher on the teachers.

Also, Husband’s parents said a pretty firm “No” to our marriage during Ramadan, but we hold out hope that they’ll change their minds eventually. His adult siblings, at least, have braved their parents’ disapproval and are still in contact with us. That brings some comfort for now.

We got a cat to keep us company, and he is the cutest, friendliest cat we’ve ever met. We’re pretty sure someone installed Dog software in him when he was born because he follows us around the house, greets us at the door, and has to say hi to everyone if we have a party.

Then, Husband’s brother “gifted” us the cat he found and adopted over the summer. His dad discovered the cat and gave bro-in-law 24 hours to get rid of it. How our family grows! And before you ask, no, our family is not expanding beyond the furry little ones for now.

The second vacation time for Saudis every year is Eid al-Adha, which is a celebration of Abraham attempting to sacrifice Ishmael (or Isaac; Muslims and Christians will argue about it forever) and having God provide a ram instead. We were able to take a trip to England for the vacation and remember what living green things are. We really needed the reminder!

After Eid Al-Adha, there was Saudi National Day (like the US’s 4th of July) with lots of celebrations around the city. Husband and I went to Medina to see some friends and took a drive to Mada’in Saleh, a historical site similar to Petra in Jordan. It was actually built by the same people, but Mada’in Saleh was a graveyard of sorts for the important people in their society.

At the same site, Saudi is restoring an old Ottoman railroad building, one of many along a railway line that once stretched from Turkey to Medina for pilgrims to travel for the Hajj more easily. If you are ever spending much time in Saudi, I recommend visiting these places. Great history, fascinating landscape! Just don’t go from April-September as you will probably fry.

We look forward to being creative in how we celebrate American holidays in the months to come while we focus on making progress with Husband’s parents.