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Published: February 7th 2009
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This is the sign on the back of the door to my room at Steineke Hall. Look at how many rules there are! First day with Saudi Participants
I didn’t have time to scout out the route to the Assessment Center last night because Esbjorn and I went to Khobar and it was dark when we got back. So of course, it was even harder to find it this morning - in the dark. Wait, there’s more. So I walk down the three flights of stairs from my room, go outside, and it’s raining! What the heck? It’s Saudi Arabia, for crying out loud. Fortunately, being a good prepared Minnesotan, I had packed a umbrella. (I did leave my snow boots at home, however.) Fortunately, I went back because it took four times as long to get there as it should. I kept thinking of that stupid Family Circus cartoon where the kid goes all over the place to get next door.
Having survived that (and I got there on time because I left really early), I did my first day of the first center. It was a whirlwind. The best part was meeting the Candidates because this was the first time I really talked to a Saudi. Most were in western clothes, but there were several in traditional Arab clothing. All
Steineke Hall - #1
In case you were wondering. were very nervous and very nice.
As you can tell from reading my blog, I’m fixated on the food. Breakfast included dates and Arabian coffee (which tasted like tea to me). Lunch is always catered and it was phenomenal. It’s like being in the best Middle-Eastern restaurant all of the time. Fortunately, I don’t get bored with one main cuisine, but we’ll see if I burn out over time.
Mostly I “shadowed” the three Aramco employees to see what I am supposed to be doing (remember, there are six of these in a row). It’s not hard, but you are constantly running from one thing to the next with very little downtime. Day 2 of the center is supposed to be easier.
It’s 6:35 pm and I’m meeting the other PDI’ers for dinner at The Dining Hall. Starting with the next assessment center on Tuesday, we are supposed to be piloting a new process (as if this existing process wasn’t new enough for me). All of the data will be entered into a massive spreadsheet for each Candidate. Unfortunately, they discovered that some of the formulas were incorrect, so we (or I) will need to update 72
Steineke Hall - #2
There is a flat-screen TV, but I haven't turned it on yet. The remote is in a plastic bag, so I think it's new. spreadsheets! Ah, the joy of piloting!
Interruption: The head of housekeeping just came. I discovered this morning that my safe wasn’t really locking. Since it contains all my worldly possessions (including my passport), I had to stash my money in an empty raisin box this morning (the passport didn’t fit, so I took it with me). They just took off the door to the safe and replaced it.
Well, gotta run to “The Dining Hall.” Tomorrow night is turkey night and it’s a big hit with the Americans here. Apparently they run out early. By the way, a Butterball turkey in the “Commissary” (the local grocery store) costs about $70! So cheap gas, expensive turkey. Go figure.
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Jessica
non-member comment
Hello!
It sounds like you are enjoying yourself. Good food and Diet Coke - you might not have a reason to return!! Your living quarters aren't too shabby! It looks like you have the place to yourself? I am enjoying the blog! :)