Riyadh Intercontinental

... traffic like salmon through a stream not adhering to any road markings but just slotting in where it seemed appropriate using the full width of the road. It was quite a spectacle to see all the other cars doing this too. We were only travelling at about 50 miles p/h but it was a small wonder that there weren’t any accidents on the way. Aidan also called to confirm that I had arrived safely and promised that he’d get in touch the next day.

After about 30 ...

... their own cars, men that is as women aren't permitted to drive. But Glenn and a couple of his work colleagues like having a driver they know and trust to taxi them around. Makes life easier...

On the drive to the compound i had a chance to look at the scenery....buildings are large, I was surprised at how much english language is around, lots of new buildings going up. Kingdom Tower ...

Four weeks later it was time to head for home. We loaded up our car again, although this time our luggage rack on top of the car was completely full, and left Jeddah in the early afternoon.

We passed through Makkah again on our way, and inevitably we got lost. They have gotten so much better about having street signs, but even so and even with a detailed map of the city, we followed the roads and ended up at a dead end -- specifically a road that ...

When you are entering Riyadh from the east, you pass a lot of agricultural spots -- date farms, dairy farms, fields with modern irrigation equipment. Leaving the city heading west it's as if you have come to the edge of a vast cliff and are now headed down into an enormous valley. Our ears ...

... small barrier to the families' entrance, and back in again. I shared a small chuckle with the staff as they were the same people, they had just shifted down the counter a bit. I was also the only customer in the store, on either side.

Large mocha chip Frappucino in hand I felt ready to face the next ten hours or so of drive time. We drove quickly along the city highway, not much traffic but still considerable winds and a lot of sand blowing around.

... to be by the patients' side and help the nurses. They are there 24/7 on the wards, sleep next to the pateints and all. Trying to navigate a trolley into the small 4-bed rooms of the regular wards, with sitters sleeping on the floor next to them, with all the curtains closed permanently because they are female patients can be lots of fun! :p At all times you have to be mindful of the cultural aspects of looking after the Muslim patient. 5 times a day the ...

... morning, which is one of the traditional markets here in Riyadh. It was amazing to see, and it seems to be the place to go for gold, carpets, handbags, and exquisite ball gowns. I couldn't believe the amazing jewellery, the gold was so ornate, and unbelievably cheap! I took some photos of the dresses they had on display there as well, they were all so beautiful and exotic - not the same old things you see back home. I have decided that before I go I'm treating ...

... shopping, of course! :P) The other major tower here is Faisalliah, whish has this giant ball at the top, which is apparently a restaraunt. Apparently you can have high tea there for about 150 SR... Definitely on the "to do" list! I was invited to an embassy party the other day, which was pretty cool... Big BBQ, REAL alcohol served (yay) and a big dance floor and DJ. Really awesome night where I had the chance to meet lots of Aussies from all over Riyadh - not just from my hospital ...

... out to exotic locales (Taiwan, Australia, and one, like us, going to Egypt.). When we got to the airport, we joined Barbara in line at the Egypt Air counter and readied our tickets and passports. "These tickets are not valid," was the first sign that things were not going to go as planned. "What do you mean, "These tickets are not valid"?" I asked. "How can they not be valid? I paid for them in full a month ago!" Things were not looking good. The clerk called the ...

... hotels he has booked tentative reservations at. After seeing one (gross!) we accepted rooms at the second one. After meeting Qassim's family (very nice people), having coffee, and following him around Amman to find a restaurant that was open (this WAS Ramadan, remember, and to boot, the night before Friday, which is to Muslims what Sunday is to Christians). We had a great time over dinner and then went back to the hotel to sleep. Ahhh....and here ends the first day!