Holiday! From Jouf to Demmam

I'm officially on holiday from today! It has been a long and stressful term and any teacher needs a serious break.

However, I am deciding to sweat it out here in Saudi Arabia instead of going anywhere else.

I am tempted to book a flight to Turkey and experience the summer of Istanbul, but at the same time I need to give Saudi a chance. JOUF is not Saudi, and believe me, after spending 6 months here, one would start to believe that Jouf is all there is.

the BIG KABSA DISH in cental Skakah, Jouf

The compound life in Jouf has made life more interesting. Living in a place where there is a sand dune or your right and left can make anyone weep and the mental state can make you call your mom and beg her to fetch you. However,I have grown fond of Jouf. I love the peace and quiet, and the small community feel. 

I live in a small place called Gara and there is a massive Arabic Coffee pot, just as you drive into our compound. There are a few houses surrounding us and the rest is just sand. Most Jouf people tell us "this is not even the real desert"....I beg to differ on that. 

Jouf has taught me a few things. 1 Start shopping, 2 enjoy shopping and 3 shopping is the only thing that you can do.Most of all the teachers at the compound has made it bearable and a "walk in the park". 

If you come to Jouf for the first time, you will probably want to pack your bags and go back to the airport and demand for the first flight out, However, you need to give this province a chance. 

I have recently spoken to my best friend about my love for Jouf, who is from Saudi, and he didn't know Jouf. Before I came here he tried, as in TRIED to get information for me about Jouf. Not even, Saudis come here. So you got to give the teachers a medal for really living here and enjoying the small community.There are some great things to explore. For instance, there is a wonderful olive festival where you can tantalize your taste buds with different olives. Also, you can enjoy the clear air and the moderate summer (as in 45 degrees celcius). You get to go to Shaloop street to get all the bits that you need to start making life in Saudi. There isn't much sightseeing here, only enlarged national items like the BIG KABSA DISH and the BIG COFFEE POT near my house. 

However, as I have enjoyed Jouf, I do need a chance of scenery to revitalize my mind and emotions. I would say it is a "necessity" rather than a "want" to leave Jouf for a week or two. 

That is why I am escaping to Dammam. 

So, I have decided to brave it out in Demmam or Jeddah for my short holiday before summer school starts. I am eager to see  the other side of Saudi Arabia and to learn the Saudi culture. 

I know what you are thinking, "you have been spending 6 months in Saudi and you haven't experienced the Saudi culture" Once again JOUF  is not Saudi. 

I have heard beautiful things about the coast of Saudi, the beaches and the holiday places. I have just booked my flight to Demmam, and I am so curious to discover this place.. who knows...I might just LOVE it. After all, I am a true sucker for the ocean and anywhere where I can sit with a coffee and just watch the waves crashing would bring tears to my eyes.

To be honest I have no idea what to expect of my trip to Dammam. All I know is that a lot of ex pacts are staying there. It is more "open" and there are a lot more things to do. 

I am looking forward to the wonderful places to just sit and sip coffee outside near the beach. I am also looking forward to learn more about Saudi and to get the hang of things. 

After all I am not hoping for a revolutionary holiday. Just a quiet one to keep the sanity alive.

I will sure keep you posted about Dammam and I will swing by Al Khobar to see what is happening over there.

So keep your fingers crossed and I  will splash you with some Arabic coffee and dates.

Peace.