Saudi Villa in Jubail

Well, since our crossing into Saudi from Baharain, it is a totally different world here. Going through immigration and customs at the Saudi border was not too bad. Our driver went inside with me to get my fingerprints and picture taken while Bill and the kids sat in the car. It was like something out of a war movie. The Saudi guards were speaking Arabic all stoned faced and then they burst into laughter. I was glad to get out of there. It was a good thing that we arrived into Saudi at night. It is very ugly here. Jubail is a industrial town. On the way to the hotel was nothing but huge chemical plant, refineries etc. However I was pleasantly surprised when I went on a tour of Jubail the next day into town. The Royal Commission area is quite clean and pretty. The beach and water here are beautiful. We have several western fast food chains here, so I knew we would survive. The prayer time here is unbelievable. 6 times a day they call to prayer. The stores all close up until it is over. We were at the grocery store when call of prayer happened and we were locked up inside until it was over. The stores also are only open from 9-12 and reopen at 4:00, but there is also prayer time, so it seems the only time to go out is after 7 when prayer is over. Our hotel is quite comfortable, but not being in a compound is horrible. There is nothing to do at all. I am well rested and the only stress I have is being stressed about having nothing to do. I will be glad to get my pups sent here for some company. On Saturday January 7th, the kids went to visit their new school. ISG-Jubail.org. They start school tomorrow (Jan 10th) Bill will go into work late so he can drive them their first day. I was happy to meet several ladies from the states. Most of the office staff and teachers are from the states. I met a lady from Sugar Land and another from Sweeney. I am looking forward to getting to know them. On Saturday we also went to visit our villa at our compound. The picture is above. It will seem much more like home when we are able to move in. I will be able to mingle with other westerners there. The compound is very safe. It has a private beach area which is awesome. I have met two ladies there as well. The next time I go out, I will make sure my camera is charged and take some more photos.