5 Senses of Saudi Mar 2-5th

Two months!!  Wow.  While I am sure there will be more to add to this as we are still just beginning to discover our new horizon, we thought we'd share some of the 5 Senses of Saudi we have discovered so far.  Obviously, there are a lot of pictures I've already posted of things to "see" here but here's a few new ones.

Sight:  Sand and date trees--they are not palm if you have been thinking that--like us:)haha.  Lots and lots of sunshine:)  The little black dot in this picture is of the jets flying overhead. I couldn't get it close enough.

the souks

 Abayas--these are the black robes women wear.  They come in various styles and when we went to the cultural event they said they don't have to wear black but that is just what they have always done so I guess they keep doing it.  Some can be very fancy or others quite plain.  I got a steal of a deal thanks to the kindness of a nice man who bartered for me:). I decided plain since I'm not planning on wearing it for fashion purposes---haha-but I think it could make quite the costume someday.

This is called the Crescent round about.  At night it is all lit up and it changes colors every few minutes.

Taste:  Shawamas--it's like a meat wrapped in a tortilla--sort of...also has a white sauce, french fries, sometimes cucumbers and ?.  Sometimes it is the same and sometimes different.  Hummus.  Everything is just a little bit different.  A couple weeks ago a friend brought this yummy(right) to a brunch we dipped apples in.  It is delicious--she got it Bahrain.  I made crepes this week and used the stuff--we licked it clean:)  Addie says it is better than nutella!!  She says it's like chocolate and caramel mixed.  haha!

Smell:  Weird this may be (says Yoda) --but perfume & cologne.  One of the first things I've noticed is that there are a lot of perfume and cologne around.  I just seem to smell it a lot on different outings. This is a good thing right:)
On the contrary--every now and then...there is a less desirable smell in the air.  Not sure where it comes from but it happens:)  Also in our homes we boil water each week and pour them down our drain pipes in order to keep things smelling more fresh.  I was glad to know that it was not just our home.

Sounds:  Air jets in Dhahran These can be pretty loud and we don't have them in Rakah but on main camp, I've noticed them a lot more.  People say you get used to the noise.  Different languages, honking of the car drivers, call to prayer times (5 times a day) ---One day Ryan says to Dave:  "That guys praying again."

Lastly, the phrase "good morning Mom"  This is often heard from the bus drivers or taxis or other workers who are trying to help you.  They are so genuine here and really show respect to moms. It is said in an endearing tone of voice.
Last week as I got off the bus this mom had a small child in her arms that had fallen asleep.  The bus driver got out the stroller for her and as she attempted to lay the child down she woke up.  She tried to put her to sleep and then tried again but the baby was up.:( poor mom.  The bus driver was there watching.  Then he said something to her I didn't understand and she said yes and he went back into the bus.. and then he came back out with another sleeping child on his shoulder and gently laid the little boy in the stroller so the mom could take the children home. I was so touched by his kindness and patience and tender care.  I just love that children are loved here.   They are so kind to help mothers here.  Instead of the impatient and judgmental looks as if you were the worst person to be parenting or even have a child, they genuinely try to help you and show respect.

Touch:  gritty sand--need I say more?  We live in a sandbox:)