Food Overload & Religious Police

I don't particularly recommend eating a large vegetable stuffed crepe, plus a medium sized iced mocha with whipped cream and a scoop of strawberry cheesecake ice cream (in that order) so soon after iftar (the meal that breaks one's fast at sunset during the month of Ramadan). It does not bode well for the rest of the night. I think a gained a kilo tonight, which is fine because the metric system does not mean much to me quite yet.

My husband, sister-in-law, her kids and I spent the evening at Riyadh Gallery, a lovely mall located in the North side of the city. I saw the Committee of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (mutawaeen) for the first time today in the mall. From what I hear, they've relaxed significantly over the years and do not get involved quite as much with Riyadh residents. I think I even saw one of the older religious figures crack a smile;it was not that clear, but I think I saw a twinkle in his eye and a faint smirk buried beneath that thick beard of his. They are basically there to tell women to cover their hair and make sure there aren't any single men or teenage boys bothering (note:picking up) any of the women. Good thing I finally received my Iqama (residence card) in case I strike them as a troublesome figure with my face showing.

Jest aside, God knows best.

First Impressions

To say that Riyadh is hot is an understatement. On a good day, it is around 105 Degrees Fahrenheit AT NIGHT. Stepping out of the airport, I felt a blanket of hot air envelope me, as if I was standing behind a fume-emitting truck. With that being said, the air conditioning everywhere lets you momentarily forget you are basically living in a desert.

One thing I noted right away were the beautiful, modern buildings in the North of Riyadh. No two buildings are alike, each is built with what seems to be a very specific and well thought out design. The Kingdom and Faisaliyah Towers reign supreme among all the rest, complete with restaurants, office spaces and shopping malls (of course).

I've come at a lovely time during the holy month of Ramadan; life has been turned upside for Saudis and expats alike. The workload is less strenuous during the day and the city comes alive at night. I never thought I would be shopping at 1:30 am and I'm not going to lie, I love it.

More thoughts to come!