Westin Jeddah

... was pretty much confined to the dates market, the gold souq (I wanted to sell some rings) and an enormous open-air market called the Heraj. Some areas sell used clothing, used furniture, used appliances, and other areas of it have new, but all are ready and waiting for haggling, at which I am terrible. I generally just select what I want, point it out to my husband, then leave and let him deal with the money end of it. The sad part of ...

Arrived at last on UK don't care if its freezing cold, if its snowing, if there are gales, even 5ft of snow I don't care.......I'm just happy that I am safe...didn't really want to say how much I was frightened the last few days and didn't want people to worry but the tears of relief when that plane took off I have never felt before ...

... But hey her loss!!!!! Also found out from the guard that she has had my ticket and passport since Wednesday!!! So not a clue why she kept telling Jana that she didnt have it!!!! Apart from her showing her authority!! But all she has done is shown me how Saudi Royals treat Wester people!! Im just so so glad Im out of it as if this is what she can be like then who knows what would have happened in March!!!!

... had a call from a guy that interviewed me for a job in November they live between Saudi and Jordan wants to speak again to me when I get back to the UK but I just don't know this has been such a terrible and frightening experience I just don't know what to do. Ive taken a few photos today well I had to didn't I just to prove that you can be a westerner out here. OH and Ive got loads of souvenirs on my legs, neck, arms, back etc etc

... have a life here as well as work. They where telling me yesterday about a Ball they all went to on Thursday evening at the English Embassy , there is another Ball there the end of March and they have these things on at least each month!!!! It is in an English School so I have sent off my application form, CV etc etc so fingers crossed and we will see what happens. Forgot to take my camera with me yesterday as I was happy and excited at being let out for the day, so didn't get any photos.

Sorry I have not done much on my Travel Pod but not really got the heart or mind to do it maybe after a week or so I might!! Need to get a leats a few photos before the end of March. At least I can say it was an experience and it will make me stronger as a person.

Arrived safely and got through passport and customs with no problems. Went for a medical this morning for my residency visa. The place where I am staying/living is very grand lovely and big and airy......though I must admit my room isn't as large as I thought it would be, especially when I see the children's (Princes and Princesses) rooms they are like HUGE beds bigger than king size and also a seating area with like two 3 seater sofas in!!! But hey I've got to remember ...

... lol) and of course my all time favorite for the flavor of old Yemen, Souk Al Yeman, and Souk al Yumama - for gold... Had some terrific meals, and met with many friends, and can only note that the ongoing urban development, the quality of the new construction and the concerted effort at creating a solid IT infrastructure for all residents of Jeddah is commendable. The new buildings are the dream of great architects, a must see.

... done differently - people think nothing of walking into to class thirty Min's late and just joining in. or the whole class will turn up 20Min's late and expect you to sit around and wait until the are ready. gym out here is very social most women turn up to get out of the house and see friends rather than use it as a workout. there are a few ladies that do not get off their mobile the whole time they are here ...

... to help your family. It's nice, right? It's so amazing to see the flight attendants who have been flying for 10-16 years or more in service... no complains, no regrets. And of course, I'm proud of my batch mates that we're still sticking together. Trying patiently and we can say, "WE LOVE THIS JOB!" It's not all hardships in life.... God gave us this job for a reason. All you have to do is to enjoy it... just count your blessings! I'm proud to be one of them. So... wanna be one of us?