Arabian Adventures: It Rains in Jeddah, But Not on the Lloyd’s Parade

Yesterday, December 29, 2010 we had real rain in Jeddah. Today, Thursday December 30^th, we had the same experience. Yesterday the rains started at approximately 9:30 a.m. and today about 10:00 am.

Because it only rains every few years in Jeddah, and because there is no drainage on the roads or buildings, the country and its people seem to get quite panicky. In all fairness, historically speaking, there have been several deaths and major destruction when the rains fall.

Yesterday was a school day and the moms and drivers started to arrive to pick up their children as the first raindrops fell. Ironically, it was “Yellow Day” at the KG school. In our morning assembly with all adorable babes in their yellow frocks and trousers, it seems like it was going to be a bright and sunny day. Not so. Children left in a steady stream, similar to the water that flowed inside the building. With most children gone, we gathered the remaining children into classrooms where the water was not pouring through the ceiling light fixtures. We did experience some sparks. The water flowed under many window sills and indoor pools formed. Halas, all babies were picked up. The energy of the day reminded me of back home teaching at Miracle Beach when we needed to call all parents because of an electrical outage.

Wind and breakers on the Red Sea

This morning we went to the hospital to get Glenn’s iqama. Mission accomplished! On the way back home the sky opened up, instantly the wind tore trees, roots and all out of the ground, and within 2 minutes all vehicles on the road inched along with their emergency flashers blinking. Our trusty driver Omar, told us he couldn’t take us grocery shopping because it was too dangerous. Indeed the rains were coming down so hard visibility was virtually non-existent. Instead, he brought us home and I invited him in to have breakfast with us while the rain passed.

(Splash from front tires - Reminds me of the spray from our speedboat)

Finally the rain tapered off and Omar dropped us at the mall to get some groceries. That’s where our parade got really interesting! With the shopping done, and Starbucks drinks in hand, we walked to the road to hail a cab. No cabs in sight, however, Mamdouah, an Egyptian business man was driving by in his jacked up suburban and said, “Please let me give you a ride.” I knew he was a friendly person but to be on the safe side, I pointed to Glenn who was standing high and dry one road away. I told Mamdouah we were trying to catch a cab. He said, “No problem, I will give you a ride.” He backed his vehicle up and drove over to where Glenn was standing. We piled our groceries in and had the most pleasant ride back home.

We found out Mamdouah is from Aswan, one of the destinations on our cruise when we visit Egypt in February. He is going home for an extended holiday shortly and insisted we call him when we get to Egypt. Isn’t it so that we all want to share the special parts of our hometown with visitors?

As it turns out, he also invited Glenn to send him his CV for possible employment. So as the raindrops dry up in Jeddah, the rays continue to shine on the Lloyds.

Bring in the New Year!