My Journey to Saudi Arabia.

I have to say, so far, this is the hardest move i have had to make, and i had no idea how hard it would be to say goodbye to my partner, our pets, our home and friends till the day before departure. It was difficult to have dinner not knowing when is the next time you sit on your dinning table. The realisation of no more dinner time talks to find out how each others day was will be reduced to phonecalls just reduced us to tears And they havent dried since, to say the least, the final hugs were heartbreaking and i was miserable all the 11hrs to the land of the King.

My connecting Flight was in Istanbul! I thought of having a beer to calm my tears and to pass my two hours there! Since I had been adviced not to take any alcoholic beverages on my way to Saudi, I asked for a small pint! I was sure to pee it out before boarding, haha. Some of us are on alcohol level after 5 pints so 1 was still water to me, thank Finland for shaping my metabolic system! I then proceeded to the boarding gate and reality hit! Or was it a lil bit of culture shock..

Shortly after sitting there, some guys did some hymns and knelt head down on the carpet! It was prayer time! No wonder the gate was somehow secluded, I didn't know what to do, so I just watched people, trying to figure out if I was the only strange looking primate! My eyes caught glimpse of these two ladies, they looked western! Oh phew!  but were already in Abaya's! On the que they talked to me, they were so freaked out they didn't know if they were in the right que! They asked me and I told them 'I have no idea, we just stand here and follow the rest!' They packed themselves behind me like they are now following my lead! I thought! Good job Lizzie, you got this! They were from Cheq republic, and had ordered their Abaya's online before travel! I thought to myself, people really do take this seriously, am I so easy.. Kinda got confused then remembered I was dressed like in the 80's so baggy, it wasn't funny! No pics for my Trip hahah! 

Arriving shortly after midnight, i was quickly assisted through customs by the officialls, smartly dressed in the white robes and red-checked headscarfs, with big smiles to welcome you to their working nation! The AirPort was spectacular by the way, modern and high  class. The hospital official was already there to meet me but there was no car! We waited for the pickup car for quite some time, when they arrived, no apologies! Apparently its african timers! Not so good for some of us who worked so hard on keeping time! It will be like relapsing after rehab! 
They Just smiled, greeted and ushered us to one of those cars you see in movies! So posh inside with all the cream leather seats! Comfortable! If i wasnt anxious, would have fallen asleep right then. But then again I didn't really know what's right or wrong to do in this country! Too tight rules. They are very tight especially on women.

I was taken straight to my new flat! Easy but everything working well, share kitchen and living room with one female, own bedroom and bathroom! Not bad! Considering its free rent! 👍, the fridge was stocked with food to get you by the 1st week! Impressive! Was so tired, i just hopped into the shower and jumped to bed! The hospital representative left reminding me not forget to get Abaya first thing after I get up.

The next day is another day story.. When reality hit home and.....
Got to sleep now, long tough orientations day tomorrow.. Sleep well...

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