Blogs from Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, Middle East

Friday was spent at the beach in Ras Tanura (RT to those who are in the know). But first it was a trip to the Hobby Farm. I mentioned this in another blog, but failed to explain what this is. First off, it not just any hobby. For example, this is not a farm for stamp collectors, coin collectors, or even Beanie Baby collectors. Well, truth be known, it’s not even really a farm. It’s a place for horses. From what I understand, the Hobby Farm is a place where Aramco people (known to everyone as Aramcons) can own and ride horses. Undoubtedly one of you will know why it’s called a Hobby Farm as opposed to perhaps a Horsie Place. Or a stable. What’s even stranger is that we don’t go to the Hobby farm ... read more

A More Relaxing Day Off Breakfast today was the specialty of house: waffles. They have about 12 giant waffle irons and everyone says they are the best. Well, when in Saudi Arabia, do what the Americans do: eat the waffles. So I had a huge waffle and a mug of coffee for about $2.00. The dinner plate sized pancakes are a $1 each. Not only does the Aramco compound look like 1959, but the prices match too. (Including the price of gas, of course). After breakfast, Esbjorn (the unofficial tour leader with 20 trips here at 3 weeks per trip), Glyn (from Australia), and I went to Ras Tanura, which is another Aramco compound an hour from Dhahran. It’s similar to here, but they are right on the Arabian (Persian) Gulf. We spent about three hours ... read more