My cute baby

Al Khobar: more craziness

So this past weekend we decided to take a trip to Al Khobar, an Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. There are a couple of towns located there along the gulf coast so it is a nice break from in-land Riyadh. Our first morning there was spent hunting for this "Thursday morning Market" I think only the expats all it that because the locals had no idea what we were talking about. The first place we found was the vegetable and fish market (Felicity loved it Rory hated it). Soon after we realized we were in the wrong place we hunted again and then found it. Well worth the search the girls made their way through the crowd to see the baby rainbow chicks. So cute but I'm sure they were slightly damaged from all that bright dye. While they were playing with the baby chicks and bunnies I tried to haggle with an antique vendor for some of his goods, but he didn't want to play my game (I think he did not like me). Oh well. I found the basket ladies who were more than willing to play. I got some great baskets for $75.

Next we followed some local lds folks to their "private private" beach and played the rest of the afternoon in the water and flying kites, it was bliss. I found it interesting that even on a private beach we were surrounded by Saudis who covered there picninc spot with a half tent for privacy. It's like a stretch of fabric that is unrolled around their picninc tables to keep anyone from viewing the wife who was only showing her eyes anyway.

Friday we hooked up with the Lockyers for lunch and then went to church in the Aramco compound, it was awesome!!!!!!! The lesson focused on 3 Nephi 17 when Christ visits the Nephites.

Saturday was our last day and I had a mission to find the local scene. So we headed off into the sunset to find out what else was so cool about Khobar. Sure enough we found a slew of beaches and even a fair-ish area where they sell goods and give camel rides, four wheeling, cotton candy etc. very cool. Unfortunately we were a little late to join in the fun since we had to get back to Riyadh that night. Earlier we did get to catch some splashes, after having bought full length bathing suits for me and the girls (sorry no pics). Pretty interesting though, mine was very bright so I wore my abaya over top and snorkeled anyways.

to catch up

A few things to catch up on. First; can I just say "What a Crazy country this is that I'm living in!" (not meant to offend anyone) I mean, wow! Last month we finally ventured out for a weekend trip, which took weeks of planning with drivers and permission forms and so on. So we go to Bahrain, supposedly the peaceful sweet vacation spot for Saudis and expats. Drinking, bathing suits, you name it. Soon after we are on our way we catch word that it is now blowing up in protests. But we decide to just get there and see how it goes. It was nice we went to this wonderful museum where we learned a lot about the Arab culture and bedouin life. The girls bought a little souvenere etc. The next morning we hear of a few deaths from the police's early morning raid on the protestors camps (children mothers Fathers and all were forced out of the square). So we decide to get serious about checking around to see just how seriousely we should respond. So Rich calls the local Mckinsey office who is surprised we are there and offers to get us the first flight out. Enough reason for us to get out of dodge, so we book our driver to take us back and we headed out. However we could not resist stopping by a craft mart to buy some baskets, the basket maker made the girls these cute little animals and bracelets. And we found a camel farm that we visited as well. They had the cutest baby camels.