Canadian Summer 2011

Stunning glacier in Courtenay BC Vancouver Island

When I watched the sun set over the spectacular horizontal glacier in the Comox Valley, it symbolized my Canadian summer was coming to a close. That in itself made my heart bleed. As I reflected on the wonderful places and people we visited it makes leaving our beautiful Canada endurable.We appreciated stand up visits in stores or on the street, dinners, walks, boat rides, lunches and shopping excursions too. We are so grateful and thankful to each person or family who offered us a bed (17 in total this summer) as we racked up over 4200km.

This much we know is true. Canada is a spectacular country; complete with beauty people and specacular landscape too.

Todd, Glenn and Trucker

Inner Harbour - Victoria BC

Save her Bob! Transformation on the Shore - Campbell River

Sandra and Normie in Langley

long straight uncrowded roads - Hwy to Kelowna

hiking high above Okanagan Lake in Kelowna

fellow hikers - Cousin Charlene, Jeanette, Glenn and Robair

Chillin' under the cherry tree - Nai'a & Glenn, Vernon BC

at Wilson & Viv's on Okanagan Lake - Vernon BC

Best B & B - Kicking Horse Ranch - Liz and Russ - Clearwater BC

Edmonton Alberta with precious people!

Jakob (Arab boy) and Steve

Baby Micah and Mommy Katie

Kyle and Papa

   

Happy Engaged Couple!

Taste of Edmonton - so many choices! Nan bread and Indian chicken with some of my fav peeps

Central B.C. - Greeen Lake at the Hughe's cottage

family of goats on Hwy 16 stop all traffic in Jasper Park

Duffy Lake Road

Sea to Sky Highway - how I miss you my majestical mountains!

Just outside the Nanimo Harbour Vancouver Island 

Vancouver Island family and friends

Kye Bay, Comox Valley

Trevor and Val - Kye Bay, Comox Valley

Toresa and Terry - thank you for the lovely anniversary dinner.

Gio, Glenn, Keri, Diane another yummy dinner and fun time too.

Val and Rick still smilin'

lunch with dearest Lori

Karen D.

A windy summer day with Cathrine in Deep Bay.

Pratt cottage on Horn Lake. Thank you Oopie and Laurie for a most marvelous day!

Ever seen a stop sign in the middle of a lake?? LOL Heavy boating traffic on Horn Lake.

Family BBQ complete with IPad presentation! Thanks Chris and everyone for a great way to end our summer!

Well Now, That's Different!

While we have only been away for just under one year, coming back to Canada is exciting and gives us a huge sense of appreciation for our beautiful country, organized systems, and easy of travel.  Adjusting to Canada in early July was effortless compared to adjusting to our new life and lifestyle in Jeddah last fall. The familiarity of our hometown and beyond made our jetlag practically non-existent.

day lilies in Mom's Langley garden

English our recognizable and common spoken language, contributes to easy conversations. Not understanding another’s language has its advantages though. When we can’t understand the words, it doesn’t take up any headspace because we have no opinions or lingering mind thoughts. Reading body language is our only clue to a foreign exchange.  We enjoyed chatting and understood every word when sharing travel stories with a friendly policeman at the ferry line-up as we made our way to Port Angeles. Asking for directions and returning items to a store has also given us a sense of clarity and ease. Not once have we heard “Enshalla” when we required service from businesses, clerks, or when we booked hotel rooms. Regardless, we have been very lazy language learners in Jeddah. English is prevalent and spoken with a cute accent.

In total contrast from the common language we participate in and hear, our eyes continued to be stimulated by the individuality of each person’s dress. In Saudi Arabia, all Muslim women wear black abayas always with a head covering and often with a face covering too. The men wear a long white thobe with a head covering too. The mens’ headgear is to keep the scorching sun from burning their neck; the women cover to hide their beauty from others. In Canada we see a kaleidoscope of colour, bare knees and arms, rump hugging pants, accessories, ball caps, jeans of every variety and hairstyles of every kind. Now that’s different! No wonder it is so much fun to watch people in Canada.




Chinatown Victoria BC



Visiting Todd in Victoria gave us time to be tourists in our own country. We gagged as we were in the vicinity of some dope smokin’ dudes in downtown Victoria. We have smelled weed wafting out onto the street on various walks in Campbell River as well as Victoria. This too is different! We saw some funky Canada Post mailboxes downtown Victoria. The mail service is interesting in Jeddah. As an Expat, all mail comes to your employer’s business address. In our case, it is then delivered to me at my work place. Often we get 4 or 5 letters all in one day; all stapled together. Personal pieces of mail are a special treat for us. In Victoria and on the route to Seattle, emergency vehicles are respected. All other vehicles pull right and stop. The drivers in Saudi do not do this. When I first saw drivers ignore an emergency vehicle’s siren and lights it was very disturbing for me. Yellow fire trucks and other emergency vehicles are treated as all other vehicles, just louder and flashier. Victoria is a beautiful city but not without some hardships. There were so many panhandlers, bottle collectors and many people with various mental challenges. Seldom do we ever see anyone in a wheelchair in Jeddah. There are some ladies and children who beg at different intersections, however don’t sit on the sidewalk with a sign asking for food, money, or rides.

Shopping experiences are different too. In Jeddah after we have purchased something, and we go into a different store, we are asked to leave our bag in a secure area. No need for this security measure in Canada or the USA. Initially, we both felt uneasy as we packed out purchases from one store to another. In North America, women can try on clothes prior to purchasing them. For the most part, changing rooms in Jeddah do not exist. Women purchase their wares, take them home and if they don’t fit, return them to the store.

Globally, technology is prevalent. We are however, appreciating the up to date internet services; booking on line and researching information. This is difficult for us in Jeddah. To find a store, we jump in a cab, drive around looking for it, hope it is open and or not prayer time and finally with optimistic anticipation hope they have what we are looking for. This makes life very interesting and each outing an adventure! It is indeed one way to get to know Jeddah.



driving in Jeddah - lanes? not really!

 Speaking of driving, it is a privilege and treat to get behind the wheel again! Truth be told, I was a little nervous about driving when I first sat in the driver’s seat.  Thankfully, our many years of experience were individually and quickly resurrected as we cruised, parallel parked, merged, and make our way through many windy Tim Horton’s drive through windows! One other thought regarding streets in Canada which we find different is the road is the road. We are continually commenting on the spaciousness all around us. We recognized why this is so. Many businesses and stores provide mini parking lots for customers to park in. In Jeddah, the drivers sometimes park two deep while shopping in the store. Given there are few or very narrow sidewalks, the storefront and parked cars create a congested roadway. 

I am sure all those that have travelled can conjure up various bathroom stories. The stories might range from deluxe bathrooms to horror stories. Bathrooms are one other distinguishable difference for us. Bathrooms in North America provide dry floor space and not only one roll, but usually industrial sized rolls of toilet paper. Because of cultural differences, bathrooms in the Middle East have sprayers which always produce wet floors. This fact makes women hike up their abaya prior to entering too far into the washroom. All North American women quickly learn to pack their own tissue paper when visiting washrooms in the Middle East.

Do you have a pet?  We have missed Trucker and Remmie this past year.We have enjoyed stopping to pet the pups and loved visiting with Trucker at Todd’s. We have also enjoyed the big dogs and little dogs to when we visited others on our road trip. There are very few dogs in the Middle East. The cat story is different. There are cats abound. They are feral garbage cats, often diseased and found everywhere in the city.

Although there are many things for us to think about and appreciate while in Canada this summer, the hugs and visits with our family and friends is at the top of our list. That has not changed. No difference there!

Graduation – Little and Big

Working and playing with English language learners this past year has made me a better listener, concept thinker and most certainly improved my clarifying skills. I have also found some common words which Arab people consistently use. Big means older, little means younger.

Given the entertainment is limited here in Saudi Arabia and there is no mixing of genders (even extended families), parties and shopping are the preferred leisure activities. The summer months for women mean party time. Starting at the end of May and running until after Eid at the end of August, there will be ongoing gatherings (women only), dancing (women only) and many tasty dishes to consume. I had the privilege to attend three private parties in June; one ‘big’ graduation, one ‘little’ graduation and one private family and friends gathering. I probably should include our own AGS Graduation here too.

ASG Kindergarten Graduation party

Merfit’s daughter graduated from high school and Majoleen graduated from Kindergarten! Both functions were filled with fun times and opportunities for me to appreciate and learn more about the Arab culture and in particular, the ways of Saudi women. I had never witnessed ‘dressed and done up’ until I was surrounded by hundreds of Arab women. With their makeup and hair professional sculpted and their designer gowns flowing, one could easily call both functions classy events!

It is common that whomever the party is for, there are door sized portraits, (yes more than one), which honour the bride or graduate. There are several life sized photos at the entrance to the ballroom and at least two more on the stage where the princess stands or sits. The entrance to the party has snacks, gum, mints, cascading flower arrangements, cookies and usually a guest book.

pretty little Majoleen in her first dress of the evening, surrounded by dolls, delicate eats and special portrait

The family who is hosting the party (mother, sisters, and grandmothers) sit just inside the entrance and greet you with several kisses (one on one cheek, three on the other), while simultaneously chatting and giving hugs.

The ballroom itself is beautifully decorated. Chairs are covered with colour co-ordinated pretty chiffon bows, chandeliers glisten, tables are stocked with more food (layers of savoury and sweet, carafes of Arabic coffee and regular black tea), and creative table centerpieces. There are different dainty glass cups to drink Arabic coffee from and mini glass tea cups and saucers for the tea.



present petite princesses (three lovelies from AGS KG3)



The evening party doesn’t really start until midnight or one. It is common for women to sleep in the early evening, get up at midnight and then go the party! Hallas, for those that come earlier, there is plenty of entertainment. The party usually has live singers, (not a band but a male DJ who plays the sound track, in a different room of course), ongoing snacks, gifts, dancing and plenty of laughs. Of course the buffet ends the evening and is offered at about 3:00 a.m.!  It is served in a separate room. Who needs food at that time of night, especially after all the eating - all night long?



One of two graduation cakes at Merfit's daughter's party. Although edible, no one eats it, just pretty to look at.



The actual ‘entrance or honouring the distinguished guest’ is quite an interesting and lengthy affair. Along with filming live and displaying it on the big screen, rose petals are thrown, and drumming persists along with the ear piercing high shrill the women make.

At the little graduation, Majoleen’s father and big brothers (4) came to honour her. This of course meant all the gowns and hair dos were covered prior to their entrance. Once the family made their way to the stage, it appears it is proper protocol for dad to kiss Grandma first, and then kiss the oldest son to youngest son. Majoleen and finally mom finished dad’s kissing greeting. Following dad, older brother did the same, followed by his younger brother and so on. Mom finished the family greeting. Given the Arab greeting requires at least three kisses, this took a long time.

After the family’s public display of affection, Majoleen cut her 4 tiered Graduation cake. She then fed each member of her family one bite each. Same order, beginning with dad and finishing with mom!

Finally, the family did a public dance on the walkway and stage. I could tell the brothers weren’t entirely comfortable with dancing on an elevated platform in front of so many women. Can’t say I would be comfortable either! Guests clapped and cheered through the entire festivities.

The parties I have attended are so much fun; however, one hour of sleep prior to work makes focusing on work challenging! Regardless, I felt very privileged to attend both big and small graduation parties. Aside from that, I have never been able to resist dressing up and enjoying a party!

Dashing Through Dubai

One weekend in Dubai was not long enough. We found this relatively new city was clean, orderly, service orientated, glitzy and grandiose, friendly, and a welcomed breath of fresh air. Canadians now need a visa to enter the UAE and because we are 'residents' of a Gulf country, we were able to pick it up at the Dubai International Airport. We were fingerprinted, received our eye scan and four line-ups later we were through! The metro is a couple of years old and took us right from the airport to our hotel area.



tv swivelled (to watch it  in the tub) and mini fridge underneath it

 The Al Manzil Hotel was beyond our expectations. Classy, clean, contemporary, a five minute walk to the Dubai Mall, delicious buffet breakfast, comfy bed and they offered us service with a capital letter 'S'!  We had two letters and one phone call during our short stay to ensure everything was satisfactory. The bell hop asked us if we needed anything. He brought us toothpaste, shaving cream, a special plug for the laptop and extra towels (within minutes of our arrival).

chandelier and skylight in the Dubai Mall



The Gold Souk - ahhhh




check out the little moving stars on the ceiling (Dubai Mall)




base of Burj Khalifa tower - dancing fountain in the fore ground




Burj Khalifa tower "At the Top"




Jemeirah Emirates Towers




lots of green in Dubai




very large Egyptian sculptures




world trade center



metro stations look futuristic



lost city of Atlantis - ceiling in one section at the Atlantis on the Palm Resort




this hotel is called The Palace (we walked through it several times to get to the Dubai Mall)




orderly - everyone drives in his/her own lane



We travelled on the Big Bus, a double decker British style bus and saw many amazing sights while listening to a running commentary of the city’s history. The Big Bus allowed us to jump off, see a site and then catch the next bus to take us further along the route. The red route was the ‘old city and shopping area’ and the blue route took us to the beaches and the famous Atlantis on the Palm Hotel and residential area.

While the retail opportunities are a shopper’s paradise, we focused on seeing the world famous architecture. We did make a few purchases; one was a birthday present for me. I am now learning how to run my new DLSR camera.

The Dubai Mall had lots to offer every shopper, and if one gets tired of shopping, other adventures are varied and plentiful. We went to the Dubai Mall aquarium and while the sea life was not new to us, we were reminded why we love to be near the water.We watched the amazing dancing fountain several times.The shooting water sways, explodes, swirls and is choreographed to different pieces of music. It was so stunning and beautiful to watch.



one of the many wonderful decorations!! (referring to the handsome and adventurous hubby)

 Another attraction inside the Dubai Mall is “At the Top”. The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building (828 m) in the Middle East and it can be seen from 95 miles away. The elevator moves fast - 64 km per hour and is so smooth!  I think they told us it covers 10 stories per second. The public observation deck is on floor 124 with more floors beyond the public observatory. The view is of course stunning and when looking around, it makes the 60 story buildings look like baby lego buildings! This building and others were build to diversify the economy in UAE. One of the reasons it was built was to boost the tourist  traffic and attractions in Dubai.



View from 'At the Top' - Elaborate dancing fountain equipment in the pool, a part of the Dubai Mall on the far left, The Old Souke in the middle (connected by a bridge across the water), The Palace on the right. Behind the palace you can see a large pool with a 'cross' in it. We walked on the middle sidewalk of this pool to get to our hotel. The Inuksuk is there.



Canadian inuksuk in the middle of the 'cross pool' and Burj Khalifa in the background 

Watching folks skate on the indoor rink brought back ‘hockey day’ memories. Of course the mall had amazing restaurants, movie theatres, stores of every kind, and beautiful decorations too.



mama on the ice rink in the Dubai Mall



While Dubai is a bustling cosmopolitan city today, it started as a humble fishing village. The men dove for pearls and they fed their families from the Gulf. These old metal bowls were in the Dubai Museum and measured the size of the pearls. The pearl industry died off once cultivate pearls became popular and easy to produce in the Far East.





While our time in Dubai was short, our dashing and depositing dirhams everywhere we went let us see and experience many architecturally amazing sites. Dubai is definitely worth a second visit and although it was very hot and humid, it was a breath of fresh air from our 'home base' in Saudi Arabia.





Mother's Day in the Kingdom

Mother’s Day in Canada is a day where we honour our precious moms. In Saudi Arabia, it is a day where mothers provide fun activities for their children; demonstrating their love through their generosity.  I equate a Mother’s Day school event with a GIANT fun fair!



Special cake, special school!





one of two chocolate fountains



Like every other social function I have had the privilege to attend, our Mother’s Day afternoon at school possessed the same glitz, glamour and giving nature of the Arab culture. Our Mothers came bearing gifts, food, Arabian coffee and amazing crafts. Their collective effort pleased every taste bud and creative design!

Whenever there is a gathering, the party starts early! We have many wonderful moms, one who is particularity kind to the staff members and nourishes us with not only juice, Arabian coffee and tea, pastries and croissants but with her love and hugs. She adores how her daughter is learning and growing in our school and thanks us by bearing offerings to start our day off!  



boys first trip to the soft ice-cream machine!



steamed corn on a stick



so beautiful to look at - Discipline with a capital letter "D"





the finishing touches



The food; oh my the food!  Every time I attend an Arab function I have opportunities to try new food. The newest dish I tried is called belaylah. (This is phonetic; no doubt spelled incorrectly) Marinated chick peas are the main ingredient, served with various spices and crunchy red diced pickled beets. Moms brought cakes, platters of pastries decorated with fresh flowers, fresh Tunisian treats (really – bought in Tunisia the day before especially for our Mother’s Day), salads, spring rolls, samosas, dishes kept warm with their own little burners, 7 large boxes of Crispy Cream donuts, donuts from the House of Donuts, stuffed grape leaves, snow cones, soft ice-cream maker, corn on a stick, chocolate fountains, fancy sandwiches, cupcake decorating, popcorn, and many containers of every shape and size holding piping hot addictive Arabian coffee.



Arabian coffee served in tiny cups



The crafts were as varied as the food. One mom had a little souke market! She set up in one corner and gave each child so many gifts they couldn’t carry them all! We had children fishing for their own live fish and making their own special aquarium. Children enjoyed beading and making jewellery, decorating containers and filling them with candies, creating sand art and making wooden spoon puppets. Students painted with brushes and their hands, they painted ornaments, planes, stained glass and decorated picture frames. Some had their face painted and others enjoyed playing with the clown and participating in her tricks.



mini souke



future pilot?



sure way to catch a fish!

All in all, our school was buzzing with happy kids and mothers alike! Regardless of where we are in the world when we celebrate Mother’s Day, the one reciprocal similarity is, "I LOVE YOU!"

Many Blessings and Happy Mother’s Day to all!