I am becoming slightly more realistic about. Saudis. As the expression goes: My feet have touched the ground: actually with a bit of a thud.
If you say that someone has their feet on the ground, you approve of the fact that they have a sensible and practical attitude towards life, and do not have unrealistic ideas.
Readily admit to being WOWed by Saudis; perhaps I have been a little unrealistic. I, rather accidentally, performed some reality testing.
Alter Ego: How did you do that Alexis?
Me: Impulsively decided to ask Saudis of my acquaintance two questions. The answers were discovered by me and shared on the blog. I knew the answers as I had done work, researching on the computer to learn; 1)when Saudi Arabia became a country and 2) when was irst was National Day celebrated on September 23.
I am fortunate in having made the acquaintance of tens of fine Saudi men and women, many, if not most, are well-educated. Nevertheless, nary a one could answer the questions. It was actually rather appalling. .
But understandable. All were born after the 1932 inception of their country – so they took its formation and the benefits for granted. It is human nature. Suddenly realized this, which is rather frightening. Many Muslims born into the Islamic Faith take their religion for granted. It is frightening for them, not me. It is rumored that Jannah (heaven) is populated by vast numbers of reverts. Understandable, as well. Those born in the faith have to behave themselves throughout their entire life. Rules are relaxed for those new to the faith – deciding to become Muslim when they could reason (and form whole sentences).. Allah (SWT) has determined that they did not know any better, did not realize the error of the ways. Therefore, reverts’ prior sins are obviated. The strict rules of the faith can be overwhelming. Allah (SWT) provides some leeway, allowing us to ‘catch up’ giving time to learn the many rituals. Knowledge of the principles of the Islamic Faith is slowly gained, the task is made easy when the revert learns that Allah (SWT) does not expect perfection, but progress. With me, there is huge room for improvement.
The phrase “huge room for improvement” is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English. It cam be used to emphasize that there is a significant opportunity for progress or improvement. There is significant opportunity as I did, at times in the past, live a rather wild and crazy life. But not any more. I have seen the error of my ways.
The error of my ways is to understand that one was wrong to behave in a particular way and to start to behave differently. Used in a sentence: He had spent a couple of years in prison and there seen the error of his ways. Allah (SWT) is known for His mercy and compassion. If one repents then the sins committed in the present are forgiven as well. The Islamic Faith is intended to be a religion of ease. Many people born into the faith do not seem to realize this – jumping down the throats of reverts who do not do EVERYTHING correctly – citing verses of the Quran out of context and with no understanding of the unique circumstances which gave rise to some of the stricter rules.
More about all of that later. Right now you get to hear about yesterday and my plans for the near future.
Me: Fasten your seat belts. Not just the seat belt but the shoulder harness too.
Alter Ego: You are always saying that.
Me: I know. Do not want anyone to fall off their seat or their chairs out of sheer shock.
Alter Ego: How considerate of you!
Me; Thanks.
So yesterday AK came to pick me up at the Hilton. He wrote to say that he would be a little late but that he had a tiny surprise for me. In the lobby was AK with a guy – who was just normal size. Not tiny, not tall.
Me: Is that my new husband?
AK: No. This is the Captain’s son! His father is flying today but here is his son.
Me: My goodness He must have had his son when he was about six. Hahaha Be sure to tell your father that I said that.
He: I will.
Me: My goodness you brought me flowers and a card. It makes me feel so very special.
I have never gotten so many flowers my whole life – as all of the roses I have received in Saudi Arabia. I am SO lucky. I will include a photo of the flowers and the card just incase you do not believe me.
We went for a fantastic lunch at a place that served Peking Duck. It was SO good. Saudi food is phenomenal. So many different ethnic foods – all better than they are in their own countries. It was definitely YUM.
Then we went to IKEA – which I absolutely love. It is the same everywhere. Same in San Francisco, same in Edmonton, same in UAE, same in Riyadh. Did not buy anything but got piece of mind and some ideas. So there I was with two handsome Arab men (photo to follow).
Me: People are wondering I am sure. What did this woman do right to deserve the two of you.
They: We will not tell.
Me: You better not. Or I will sue you. I used to be a lawyer – you know.
They: We know and we will zip our lips.
Me: Good! I want some respect here.
The idiom ‘zip your lip’ is used to say that one should remain silent or keep a secret. Some synonyms are: buttoned-up, clammed up, close, close-lipped, dummied up, and have tight chops.
When at IKEA talked to many people including a young girl who spoke perfect English.
Me: You speak English so well. Where did you learn???
She: At school. I go to an International School.
Me: I am so proud of you! I am going to try and speak Arabic but I am hopeless.
It was fun. I was well behaved, therefore I spoke to AK with a request.
Me: I have been a good girl. May I please have an ice cream cone for a reward.
He: Yes little girl. Do you want chocolate or vanilla?
Me: Chocolate please.
Muhammed is AK’s friend from school. They both went to school in Long Beach California. That is how AK met the Captain, Muhammed’s father. The Captain has a boat moored in Jeddah. Went for a boat ride in July – it was amazing!! The Captain is a Saudi pilot in real life.
I made a joke when I was at IKEA. Well a joke and it was true. Muhammed disappeared with my purse (actually). So I yelled, calling out his name.
Me: Muhammed, where are you? Come here please.
Ten guys showed up but he was not one of them
Me: Think about changing your name! This is too confusing to me.
Then we came back to the Riyadh Hilton Hotel and Residences and had a very unpleasant experience. Every day something goes wrong at this place. Every day!!! It is getting extremely irritating. This morning I texted Ak.
Me: So far this morning I got stuck in an elevator and then lost trying to find my way back to the hotel from the Residences. Before that I got deaf from listening to the very loud music at the buffet breakfast. I hate this hotel.
He: Oops
Me: And I hate you because you are laughing at me and all of my troubles.
He: Glad to help…virtually.
Me: Nothing much to do now. I am now safe in my room
He: Glad to hear you are safe!
Me: Thanks! But it is dark here under the bed. I am SO funny!
He: You are!
Me: I laugh at my own jokes. It is like having an imaginary husband.
I have saved the really good news until last. I am getting out of this hotel, where something goes wrong every day. I am going to Mecca and then Medinah. The hotels will be less expensive and much better managed. I am tired of being messed with. I have stayed here four times and like Rodney Dangerfield: I don’t get no respect! The employees are wonderful but the management???!!!. Just like in some families who put the dys into dysfunctional, these guys at the Riyadh Hotel and Residences put the Mis into Mismanagement.
Wikipedia tells us: Jack Roy (born Jacob Rodney Cohen; November 22, 1921 – October 5, 2004), better known by the pseudonym Rodney Dangerfield, was an American stand-up comedian, actor, screenwriter, and producer. He was known for his self-deprecating one-liner humor, his catchphrase “I don’t get no respect!”[2] and his monologues on that theme.
Photos of flowers, the enclosed card and an IKEA mirror framing two handsome Arab men and me. (I am the one in the middle).
