 Ted - TedTravel | All Comments |
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| 2nd November 2009 Amanda | Mc D's - From: Sing-alongs, Jelly Fish, and Khobar I used to live in Riyadh, I was feeling a bit nostalgic and looking for a cheese bread recipe and stumbled upon your blog. I've been to that mc d's! It's a wonderful country with their two story fast food restaurants. |
| 29th October 2009 Chris G. | Great Blog - From: Final Food Blog - Goodbye from Dhahran I am writing this from my room in Steineke. I am in KSA for 5 weeks and am half way through the trip. I live in Detroit so I know what a culture shock this is for someone from the Upper Midwest. Unfortunately, I am here as a Consultant working solo. I haven't met any other Westerner's willing/interested in traveling so I spend most of my weekend time here in the compound. I am pretty busy during the week visiting different locations (some of them remote) so the time passes pretty quickly. I can attest that the food outside the dining hall is wonderful. I have had the chance to have lots of local fare and it is terrific. Between the lamb, hommous, fresh lentils, foul, and many other wonderful dishes it is truly a culinary expose. I just wish sweets and deserts weren't so prevalent. Oh well, that reminds me, it is time for dinner. Bon-a-Petite~ |
| 21st October 2009 Adrian Starkey | Wot no Cream Puffs?! - From: Food Blog - Aramco Lunch Ooh how I hanker for the humble Hamour....... |
| 21st October 2009 TedTravel | Tamini Caterers - From: Food Blog - Aramco Lunch And for what they charge, you could do your wedding at a fraction of the cost. Quality and inexpensive. What a deal! Of course, the clear solution is for you to get married in Saudi Arabia. I'll get the paperwork started! |
| 20th October 2009 Becky | I'm glad you found new things to write about. - From: Food Blog - Aramco Lunch Hi Ted, I have been following some, but need more time to look at the photos from your desert adventure and loved the state fair pictures. I had preparred myself for no Ted blogs so was very happy to receive some updates, and apparently now you have quite a following. I am in London this week, arrived last Sunday mid-day and return on Friday. Mostly working but trying to see as much as I can in the little bits when I am not working. We are hoping to see Wicked tomorrow, I am hoping it will work. I hope you have a safe trip home. Becky |
| 20th October 2009 Jessica | Can't come home... - From: Food Blog - Aramco Lunch ... until you convince the caterers to come with you. Thanks. |
| 20th October 2009 Tiner | :o( - From: Food Blog - Aramco Lunch Well, glad you got to have one more trip! Did you get all the recipes for all these tasty dishes so you can re-create them on some cold winter Minnersoter night? |
| 19th October 2009 TedTravel | Pancake Cake - From: Swedish Pancake Cake Adrian, the bar has been set high. You'll need to be sure that you come over with your favorite recipe the next time you are in the Kingdom. It's not enough to rely on Kim and the catering at the SAAC; you now need to create your own culinary creations in the flats. |
| 19th October 2009 Adrian | Pancakes - From: Swedish Pancake Cake It's good to know that gastronomic delights still rate highly on the SAC! |
| 18th October 2009 Jessica | - From: Swedish Pancake Cake Yum! |
| 16th October 2009 TedTravel | Hofuf photos - From: Hofuf and the Al Qara Mountain Caves Thanks, Sherri. Yes, those sheep guys were really fun. And why there was a sofa outside the fort, Im not sure. Perhaps its Saudi hospitality: you can come into my fort, but at least I can make you comfortable. |
| 16th October 2009 Sherrie | The things you think of... - From: Hofuf and the Al Qara Mountain Caves Great pictures, Ted. I like the picture of you and the three Saudis. Do I sense a new boy band in the making? And the picture of you in the sofa chairs reminded me of the old Bartles & Jaymes commercial (Saudi version, of course) -- "...we thank you for your support". |
| 16th October 2009 TedTravel | Dodge - Ram Tough - From: Hofuf and the Al Qara Mountain Caves Oops. I've fixed it. You didn't miss the joke, I just missed the point of the commercial (the name of the manufacturer). Sorry Dodge people. |
| 16th October 2009 khobar resident | lol - From: What the...? hey, just so u know that infomercial is indiani... that text is not arabic... : ) |
| 15th October 2009 Cathy | Chevy? - From: Hofuf and the Al Qara Mountain Caves Isn't it Dodge that's Ram tough? Or did i just miss the joke? :-) great story and photos! thanks for sharing. |
| 15th October 2009 Tiner | Mystery Photos and Stir Fry - From: Can you identify: Minnesota vs. KSA? I thought maybe it was a trick question -- like Saudi during a sand-storm. :o) Your Stir-Fry sounds a lot like Hu Hots Mangolian Grill and now I am extremely hungry for dinner at HuHots. |
| 15th October 2009 Tiner | The shepherd with a stick - From: Hofuf and the Al Qara Mountain Caves Could have been a picture of me last week trying to herd my pack of dogs (and break up fights). Great pix -- looks like fun! |
| 15th October 2009 TedTravel | PB & J - From: Hofuf and the Al Qara Mountain Caves They thought the orange marmelade was strange to have with peanut butter. However, I thought it was good. Go figure. If I don't agree to another cat, I'm sure she won't agree to a camel. Fair is fair. |
| 15th October 2009 ellen | Excellent Blog Pix - From: Hofuf and the Al Qara Mountain Caves Loved these. |
| 15th October 2009 eve | - From: Hofuf and the Al Qara Mountain Caves Great pics, Ted! Was wondering if you'd be bringing Linday home a new pet! The pottery is cool--can't believe you didn't buy any. LOL about the PB&J sandwiches--did people just think it was a weird combo? |
| 13th October 2009 Jim podlich | You've got your nerve. - From: Can you identify: Minnesota vs. KSA? So its hot there. big deal. Remember it is only 68 days until winter. |
| 13th October 2009 ellen | A Plate the Size of ND - From: Can you identify: Minnesota vs. KSA? Wow...and to think there are people starving in the world. Glad you missed the snow. |
| 11th October 2009 eve | I Second that! - From: Back in the KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) The food pics just never get old, so keep those coming for sure! You do know it's supposed to SNOW tonight in Mpls, while you're in what--120 degrees? Will you have time for any adventures off the compound this time? |
| 11th October 2009 Manir | Welcome back - From: Back in the KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) Ahlan wa sahlan. I came back recently after a two-month vacation. Guess what, I can now see the photos on your blog! |
| 11th October 2009 Ellen | Thank Allah the Blog is Back - From: Back in the KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) All your foodie friends and followers are taking out their Koran and praising Allah that you could not go to Saudi and NOT BLOG. Long live the TED BLOG. Now about those food shots? |
| 4th June 2009 Tiner | PS - Lunch - From: Last Evening in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia That looks like a WEEK's worth of lunches to me! OMG! I just ate 2 slices of leftover deGiorno's pizza for lunch -- I'm jealous! |
| 4th June 2009 Tiner | Bon Voyage! - From: Last Evening in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Thanks for the great blogathon Ted -- it's been fun. Glad you'll be back in Mpls so I can see you when I get there 6/19! We have those Gemini birthdays to celebrate! Tiner |
| 4th June 2009 Glyn | senior clockologist - From: Last Evening in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia hi Ted...Sitting in Dubai airport waiting for my long connection home. Great to catch up on the final days though your blog. Many thanks for the memories and great working with you. See you around another day! Glyn |
| 2nd June 2009 TedTravel | Thanks. - From: Last Evening in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Thanks eve, Adrian, Ellen, and Jess. Very much appreciated. |
| 2nd June 2009 eve | Well Done! - From: Last Evening in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Great job once again on the blog, Ted! It's so enjoyable reading them and seeing the pics. I always look forward to new entries. Think you'll have to keep this up for your next trip...wherever it may be! Have a safe trip home. |
| 2nd June 2009 Adrian | Thanks Ted - From: Last Evening in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Hi Ted - Many thanks for your blogtastic record of our time in Saudi. There have been missed days when I have been locked in my room report writing, that your Blog has been my contact with the outside world. You have been a great colleague to work with - Adrian |
| 2nd June 2009 Ellen | Thanks for the Blog - From: Last Evening in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Ted: I really enjoyed reading these and appreciate all the time and energy you put into creating them. Your humor is wonderful and loved the pix. Speak to you soon after you come back to the US. e |
| 2nd June 2009 Jessica | Hooray! - From: Last Evening in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Have a safe trip back. I have LOVED reading your blogs, but I am looking forward to you being a little closer. :) See you in a few days. |
| 2nd June 2009 TedTravel | Puffy Bread - From: Dinner at the Castle in Dammam This didn't collapse when you bite into it. It still tasted like pita bread. |
| 1st June 2009 ellen | Puffy Bread - From: Dinner at the Castle in Dammam In India they call the puffy bread Puri, but they deep fry it instead of putting it in a hot oven. As soon as you bite into it, it collapses, but is very good. |
| 1st June 2009 ruth | PS - From: Dinner at the Castle in Dammam I just wanted to add that I want to wish you a safe trip home. We miss you! Love mom |
| 1st June 2009 ellen and ruth | Food, food, food - From: Dinner at the Castle in Dammam Ted this is the best foodie report of the three trips. Great pixs. I am sure you will miss good middle eastern food when you get home, but not the weather. We are jealous. We are sharing a chicken salad sandwich from Ben's. |
| 1st June 2009 TedTravel | Heading Home - From: Dinner at the Castle in Dammam Hi Jim. Yes, it's been another good trip, but I'm looking forward to getting back to Minneapolis. I leave on Wednesday of this week and get back on Thursday afternoon. |
| 1st June 2009 Jim Podlich | Fun - From: Dinner at the Castle in Dammam Looks like you are learning a lot and enjoying yourself. When do you head home? |
| 31st May 2009 TedTravel | Cheese and Zatar - From: The Dhahran Hobby Farm and a Day in Ras Tanura The salsa party included mostly Aramco couples, so yes, there were women. These are mostly Americans who live in the Aramco compound with their husbands. Some work, some don't. The spice with the cheese pizza is zatar. Wikipedia says it is"generally prepared using ground dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, or some combination thereof, mixed with toasted sesame seeds, and salt.[4] Some varieties may add savory, cumin, coriander[5] or fennel seed." |
| 31st May 2009 eve | - From: The Dhahran Hobby Farm and a Day in Ras Tanura Great update, Ted--and congrats on so many blog hits! Methinks that Hobby Farm refers simply to the fact that it's a "farm" that is not run as a business or agricultural concern. So basically, it's a farm for rich people who want to play at "farming", "ranching", etc. 122 degrees---isn't Hell 130 degrees? Note to Self: Drink water when temp is above 80. I'm missing Food pics! Great job once again! |
| 30th May 2009 ellen and ruth | RA.... - From: The Dhahran Hobby Farm and a Day in Ras Tanura Ted: First off the mint lemonaid would be much better with vodka. No ifs and or buts. And I don't think either on of us will make it to the lounge...so you will need to make these when you come to NY. Make sure to get the recipe. Back to the salsa party...were there any women there? Also, what was on the cheese pizza besides cheese? Was there a spice...we remember another word you used with cheese, but I don't remember it now. 122 degrees and counting...didn't you say it got to 140 in the summer? 130? ugh! |
| 29th May 2009 ellen | Security - From: Khobar and American Consulate in Dhahran Ted: Best blog ever...loved your experience at the "conslate" and all the security...wow! You know what this means...new blog when you got to Maine! e |
| 29th May 2009 TedTravel | Consulates and Hobby Farms - From: Khobar and American Consulate in Dhahran Consulate: Yes, kind of a let down. The purpose of the party? It's a monthly thing. It's the only place in Saudi where you can serve booze legally, so that's the main attraction. However, I don't drink very much even when it's legal (although a beer was pretty nice in 100 degree weather, I have to admit). The chips were free. Oh boy. Hobby Farm: I sort of missed talking about that. It was late when I wrote this blog, what can I say. The Hobby Farm is an Aramco club where you can own/ride horses. For us, it's a place to eat that's different than the Dining Hall. Unfortunately, we went to lunch at 12:55 and the doors to the dining place were locked, even though it's supposed to be open until 1 pm. Oh well. |
| 28th May 2009 eve | Bummer! - From: Khobar and American Consulate in Dhahran OK, so maybe "bummer" is a little dramatic, but I was totally expecting it to be like James Bond and tuxes, etc., etc. You actually had to PAY for your hors d'ouerves (I use that term loosely)?! What was the purpose of this party again? The shirt is pretty cool tho! Think I missed the hobby farm part....did you get to ride the horses? Great belt making tutorial--how DOES he sit like that.... |
| 26th May 2009 TedTravel | I just want to be green - From: Photos to Music Yes, Tina, you are absolutely correct. You don't notice while in "camp" because they have so much greenery here at Aramco. But as soon as you leave, you see how monochromatic it really is. The buildings tend to be tan, as does everything else. And the traditional dress is either white or black. The most colorful things, I think, are the signs on the shops; they always seem to have graphic images under the text. |
| 26th May 2009 Tiner | Greeeeeennnn - From: Photos to Music The "movies" were fascinating, but I really noticed the lack of green! I think I would come screaming back to Missouri -- "give me my trees!" Still, what an adventrue you've been on. thanks for taking us along with you. |
| 25th May 2009 TedTravel | Food Mystery - From: Photos to Music Actually, it's bowl of creamy crab soup. There are soups every day, but usually I skip them. But I couldn't resist this one. The embassy "dinner" is actually more drinking than eating, I think. Since it is American territory, it's the one legal place to drink in The Kingdom. I think "salsa night" is an excuse to drink margaritas. |
| 25th May 2009 eve | - From: Photos to Music Very cool, Ted! The food pic is much appreciated (is that peanut sauce in the cup?). Cannot wait to hear about the embassy dinner. Am trying to picture the embassy crowd doing the salsa. Hmm....maybe best not to! |
| 25th May 2009 ellen | 4908 hits...almost like susan boyle - From: Photos to Music Ted: Wow, so many hits. I actually fooled around with the blog web site and when you search for blogs from Saudia Arabia you and one other guy comes up. Your blog blows him OUT OF THE WATER. So glad you are coming to NY. Need you to take a pix of me for mom. My webcam experiment took a good pix but forgot about the pixel thing and when it is blown up, it looses a bit of clarity. Keep having fun for us and thanks for the food pix. |
