A New Chapter in Saudi Arabia

Finally. After almost 3 months of separation with dear husband, I finally got myself on a waiting list to Riyadh. Flights are almost impossible being the month of Ramadhan. Alhamdulillah, I got the flight and flew immediately. The goodbyes were short and hasty. But it was time and I wanted to go, and I know the kids felt the same way.

So far, I'm happy to say that I feel almost at home in this new place. Seeing so many asians here gives a sense of comfort and familiarity. The rest of it became familiar since I married my Pharoan habibi. In a way, it's like getting the best of both worlds for us. He can now speak arabic at work and outside, and I can speak english or indonesian when I need something on my own. Alhamdulillah, so far so good. I didn't expect to fall in love with Saudia so quickly, but it was hard not to. I love putting on my black Abayya because 1. I don't have to think about what to wear to go out. 2. I won't have anymore debates with habibi if my skirt or blouse is too tight. Now both of us are happy!

The clean and organized malls reminds me too much of Singapore and the oriental treasures here are in much better quality than those in Khan El-Halili. I'm sure it will be pretty easy to fill up a 8-room villa in no time. However, since we are still putting up in a hotel and have not found a decent place yet, I have to halt those retail intentions. Food, aaahhh.. Don't let me get started for this one. The first few days, my iftar was Lebanese, Indian, Saudi and today Egyptian. It's not that bad that I have didn't have any place for belachan, chilli kering and ikan bilis this time!

Just after 4 days, habibi has to travel for work to Jeddah. The thought of him driving alone for 10hours and being away from him that long is unbearable, so we decided to come along. And wala, this hotel has free Wi-fi internet connection! yeay!

Nobody knows whats going to happen next. We'll take one day at a time...Inshaallah