the honest truth

"So, do you like living in Saudi Arabia?"

Kingdom Tower, Riyadh

This is probably the most common question I am asked. And yet, it's the most difficult to answer. I've ponder many times as to why and I think I've finally come to understand.

I have many frustrations living here but there are many things I like about life here too.

Saudi Arabia, just like any other place on earth, has it's good and it's bad. There are things that I do in fact love, and there are things that make me want to stand at a podium in the middle of Riyadh and give a speech about.

Perhaps I should break it down for you.

What I love:


~ I love living in a Muslim country. As a Muslim, it's much easier to fast during Ramadan, pray when it's actually time to, and live with Islamic values.

~I love that my in-laws accepted me and included me into their family so easily. My husband went against tradition by marrying me and not all families are willing to accept such a thing.


~I love that Saudis take care of their families. There is a love and respect for loved ones here that is not often seen in other cultures.


~I love that alcohol is forbidden and that there are no bars or nightclubs (well, unless you count the ones found on compounds)...while this may shock many, I personally feel that this eliminates many problems.


~I love that life here seems to be more affordable.


~I love that there are always accommodations for children, even at work.

~I love that having a housekeeper is affordable. As a working mother, my housekeeper is extremely helpful to have around.


~I love that I am able to witness a culture that is developing at a rapid pace. I often feel that "history in the making" kind of feeling.


~I love that I'm able to teach here. Teaching has been an incredible journey for me.


~I love the food. ;)


What I hate:


~I hate the driving. It's insane.


~I hate the weather. It's hot and dry for 9 months and then cold and dry for 3 months. It's also what I believe to be the dustiest place on earth (the dust is actually sand however).


~I hate the mentalities of some. Minds do not develop as fast as newly built skyscrapers and new technologies. I find this particularly frustrating.


~I hate that I have to depend on a man to take me anywhere, be it my husband, my driver, etc. It's sexist and it sucks (and btw, there is NOTHING in Islam that forbids women from driving, so this is strictly cultural).


~I hate that ppl depend on housekeepers, drivers, and workers to do everything for them. It's okay to have hired help but if you can not get your own glass of water than that is just pitiful.


~I hate that I see housekeepers raising their employers children. If a child's "nanny" is getting them ready for school every morning, helping with their homework, and tucking them in at night, I have to question why the parents decided to have children to begin with.


~I hate that so many women here are dependant on men.


Although I am an advocate for learning about and appreciating different cultures, living in one is not always easy. So I do my best to be patient, keep an open mind, and remain positive.

Al Faisaliyah Tower, Riyadh

So do I like living here in Saudi? My answer is "Yes, but like anywhere there is the good and the bad". And that is the honest truth.


P.S. If you have any questions about Saudi life, ask away. Don't be shy, I've been asked just about everything. :)

images via Yahoo image search