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Published: February 24th 2009
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Manir
Here's a photo of Manir from Bangladesh, a professor at the local university. I can't begin to tell you how much he has taught me about India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the history of that region. Last Night in Khobar
I wanted to visit with Manir one last time, and besides, I owed him dinner. We met in Khobar, but first I needed to do a bit of last minute shopping. It was hysterical because everyone recognized me! First I went to the pharmacy to buy some more of my mystery item (I’ll attach a photo) and the pharmacist remembered me from the other night. Then back to the store where I had purchased my coffee pots and the guy recognized me before I was even side. Apparently my good-neighbor discount was still intact and I got the quantity discounts based upon my previous purchases. He then showed me everything that was new in the shop since I had been there last (am I their only customer?).
Manir needed to pick up some photos and we passed a store that sells bolts of materials and shawls. That’s where I took my photo of Manir. The person running the store greeted me like a long lost friend. I told Manir that I was a local celebrity. It was then that I realized that I stood out (in their minds) because there are so few Westerners. That’s pretty
Happy Meals with Pita Bread?
We did not eat there, but I couldn't resist taking a photos of the arches with Arabic. cool! I was a novelty. Ironically, none of the store owners in Crystal know who I am, but in Khobar, I’m famous.
Another lesson learned tonight. You really have to pay attention to the prayer schedule. We almost didn’t make it into the gift shop before prayers. Then it’s a half hour wait. In fact, he closed the door and curtains while we were inside during prayer time. After the photos (which weren’t ready when we got there, so we had some Indian Chai Tea to wait out the time), Manir took me to an Indian restaurant that’s about a 20 minute walk from where we were. We got there just in time for the next prayer cycle, so that was another 30 minute wait. During that time, I was amused by three cars that were in a cul-de-sac that couldn’t go anywhere. For about 15 minutes, the person in the front car in honked his horn to get the car behind him to back up. The car behind him honked his horn to either get the car behind
him to backup (or perhaps at the driver in front of him). The car in the rear just sat there.
Micky D's - Part 2
Khobar also has Applebees, KFC, and Hardies, much to my dismay. Eventually all three cars backed up.
The Khobar drivers still amaze me. I have never heard such honking. Even when cars are moving in front of them, they honk their horns. Perhaps it’s a way of greeting each other.
Dinner was, of course, great. Manir mentioned to the waiter that he had talked to the owner on the phone. When the bill came, we got a discount. There is a whole subculture in Saudi about knowing people. It’s called “wasta.” It’s the main reason that they use outside consultants to do assessment centers because that’s the only way to avoid wasta.
I can’t believe that tonight is my last night here. I still need to pack (it’s 10:15 PM), but I wanted to finish this blog before I fall asleep on my keyboard. I have loved writing this blog and sharing my thoughts and experiences with you.
I am sad that tomorrow is my last day at the SAC center and my last day in The Kingdom. However, I really miss Minnesota, my family, my friends and co-workers (not mutually exclusive, by the way). I can’t honestly say that I’m looking forward to returning to ice,
Bonus Photos
This is from Lou-Ann's trip the the REAL desert near the Yemen border in very southern Saudi. snow and cold, especially with my wimpy Spring jacket that I brought. Still, it’s good to go home again!
And so the story ends, other than a slew of airports and hours. But the real part of my trip ends tomorrow. I would like to return some day.
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Jessica
non-member comment
YAY!
I really enjoyed your blog, Dad. Someone really really wise must have given you that suggestion. ;) What is the first "American" thing you are going to do when you get back? Have a safe trip home!