Much has happened this year. I forgot to mention earlier, the reality of the Israeli attack
on Gaza. For a month, students, faculty and staff raised money to help Gaza citizens who
had no food, fuel or medical care. I asked where the money was going. I would not
support funds to Hamas, but the millions of residents of Gaza were, as always, caught in
the crossfire.
Israel used phosphorus bombs on Gaza. CNN showed the images, so did BBC, not just Al
Jazeera. Israel denies it. I've seen the pictures. You cannot limit the area of a phosphorus
bomb. It explodes high and rains down burning phosphorus over a wide area. This is a
lose, lose situation for everyone and it is difficult to be an American here when students
ask why the US supports Israel, no matter what, without trying to limit the harm to
civilians.
And it isn't just Israel. Egypt closes it borders to Gaza, also. Gaza is an island blockaded
by sea and roadways (I don't think there is an airport). There are few jobs in Gaza. Most
of the employment is in Israel. They are trapped and being used as hostages by all parties
who are trying to make political hay out of the whole thing. It is sad.
And, since I teach here I have students who did not know, from day to day, if their
grandparents were still alive.
So, students boycotted American made products. Coke and Pepsi for example. Then they
realized that Pepsi has a local bottling plant so they were potentially harming a local
business with local employees.
Thankfully the war ended for now, but it is still a powder keg with a conservative
government now in Israel which does not want a separate Palestinian state.
I have put Bush 43 down for many years, but one thing he refused to do was wonderful.
He refused to sell bunker busting bombs to Israel so they could take out the nuclear plant
in Iran.
Just this week (May 16-18th) Dar Al Hekma College hosted the first ever graphic design
conference held in Saudi Arabia. Our presenters included Terek Atrissi, a world famous
designer and typographer who even created the identity for the country of Qatar, Will and
Doug from Adbusters, Jonathan Barnbrook of Barnbrook Design in London. A designer,
typographer, connected to Adbusters. Mohammed Harib, animation director, designer,
known for development of FREEJ, a 3D animation of 4 Emeretic grandmothers in a
modern world. It is hysterical. You can buy it with English subtitles. Nadim Karam, a
Lebanese architect and sculptor who has work in Australia, the middle east and Japan.
Anja Lutz, a book designer, who developed "Shift". Teal Triggs, from Texas by way of
London, explores design criticism and is a professor graphic design.
The presenters gave workshops to students during the day and lectures to students and the
general public at night. It was fascinating and inspiring.
Teachers, after all, are the in-house staff of "moms" whose advice is often minimized.
When known designers say the same things, ears perk up. And, many of our presenters
were from the Middle East. They speak from the same heart and background as the
students.
Many of our students would like to address greater issues. One of my students has been
floundering with loss of focus until she met the guys from Adbusters and say their
presentation. They discussed Digital Detox Day and the Don't Buy Anything Day. It
reminds me of Joellyn Rock's Take back your time day –
Quite a few students have told me this was a turning point in their education. It was
inspiring for me also, meeting people in person and talking to them about teaching and
design. I am currently designing a publication for Dar Al Hekma. My team worked to
create a bi-lingual logo. The one we currently have has been approved by the client, but I
asked Terek if he would look at it. He did, was excited to be asked, gave great feedback
and it is now ever better. Masha'allah.
On another note, if you haven't seen the movie Helvetica, watch it. Show it to your
students.
So, I am tired, planning to rest most of the weekend and study Arabic. I am in a class. I
now recognize most of the alphabet, and read it with the same skill as a kindergardener. I
often have no idea when at I am saying. Vocabulary follows reading… weird way to
learn, but I can see it is working.
I will be heading back to the US July 12, spending some time with Jen before heading
north.
I have been here nearly four years. I've watched the country grow, face itself and struggle
into a new future. One advantage of having a king is that things here can change more
quickly than a factionalized democracy. The current king, Abuddullah, is trying to push
the country into a newer way of thinking. He recently replaced many of the people in his
Council with more liberal individuals. He is trying to stop the child bride system still in
place here, has instituted a Council on Women's Rights and even appointed a woman to
his Council (for the first time).
The five economic zone cities he is building here will allow coeducational education,
movie theatres and women to drive (perhaps) in the city limits. One of these will contain
FAUST, a new science and technology university. It is 30 miles north of Jeddah. One of
the guys on our compound is designing the seaport there.
The last part of this is also recent: EARTHQUAKES. Yup. 4.9 and 5.6 on the richter
scale in NW Saudi. We didn't feel anything here, but I saw in the newspaper that last
month there were two small quakes in the area with extinct volcanoes. Knowing there is a
rift valley in the middle of the Red Sea, I wondered if the volcanoes were extinct or
dormant. Well, folks, the earthquake on May 20th, send villagers running into the streets.
Aerial photos of the area after the quakes show large cracks in the earth. Civil Defense
people have advised citizens to avoid breathing the gasses coming from some of the
fissures. Volcanic activity is beginning… whatever.
Wow. So, war, design conference, natural history making a new chapter…
Hugs
S of A and A
OLD NEWS
In an hour I go to the hospital for cataract surgery on my right eye. I am looking forward
to more balanced vision.
A rather humorous situation arose during one of my presurgical visits. As you know,
there are ladies sections everywhere because men and women are segregated. So, I
arrived for my appointment and sat in the ladies section. I am usually the only westerner
at this hospital… and I don’t cover my head, though I have a scarf with me if I need to do
so. Anyway, another couple ladies came into the area, saw me and decided to sit outside
in what usually is the men’s section. Then a guy showed up and had to chose whether he
should sit with the covered ladies or me.
So, now we’ve got a guy sitting in the women’s section and two women sitting in the
men’s section. A third lady showed up and was about to join me in the women’s section,
saw the guy, then backed out at looked at the wall to see if there was a sign.
About 15 minutes later, the guy was called by the nurse. Meanwhile the incoming men
and women had no idea where to sit. That’s the problem with over control, I guess..
I am on Hajj break. We are off until December 14. (It is now February 27. No wonder I
am getting are you alive e-mails from people.)
…
Back from surgery. Last time my eyesight in the bad eye was immediately much better.
This time the repaired eye is cloudy, but every hour is better.
As they were getting me ready for surgery, the staff asked where I was from. America,
says I. What about that Obama, they said. You bet, says I. Woo-Woo. Says I. They were
quite happy.
Except for Pakistanis who fear a US invasion under Obama, everyone else is quite happy
to have a change in administrations. I understand from talking to some folks in the US
that there is some kind of fear of Obama. Outside the US the joy is universal. It’s fun
being proud to be an American again. Really.
I’ve never been a raging patriot, but see that the US can be more of what many of us hope
it will be more of what it can be: equal opportunities, life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness (without driving over the top of other citizens.)
I bought some little lights and some decorations. Now all I want to get is either a palm
tree or Norway pine to decorate…
Christmas has come and gone. Same with New Years. Jake turned 22 and I turn 62
tomorrow.. 62. That’s a concept.
Here, the King appointed the first woman to one of his councils. A good move. And for
every step forward there is one backwards – when the Grand Mufti said it was just fine
for 10-12 year old girls to marry old men. My students were more upset than I was.
Our semester ended, finally. My director went to the States for a conference leaving me
as acting director for a week and a day. My signature is now permanently changed.
OMG I have never signed so many papers.
Over break I helped chaperone a trip to TAIF up in the mountains. It was beautiful and
very cold. Windy, too. There were cable cars. Ugh. I do not do cable cars or towers – just
ask my sister. So I gleefully stayed on top while the rest of them went off into the blue.
The girls sang most of the way from Jeddah to Taif. To me the interesting part was the
sharing of national anthems. I rather blew the Star Spangled banner, but received a round
of applause.
Been watching Obama’s first month. He’s sure trying hard. The Republicants (as my Dad
called them) haven’t said a positive thing about anything since he was elected, except the
three moderate Republicans who understand comprimise and that the tired old ideas
didn’t work.. Look what happened.
The winter (giggle) has been very nice. I haven’t spent much time on the patio of my new
villa because the mosquitos have been fierce.
Security is very tight as Saudi asked Interpol to help find 85 terrorists on the loose who
have threatened violence again foreigners in Yemen and the government of Saudi.
Nothing has happened, and God willing, it won’t.
I’ve made my flight arrangements for this summer – arriving in MPS on July 12. I’ll stay
with Jen for a few days, then drive home to Cloquet.
If I get my act in gear I will send some photos. The other exciting thing this week was
going to the Afghan souk. I bought some beautiful carpets and wall hangings. The
maintenance guys from the compound help put them up on the walls. I am very pleased,
but am sneezing a lot. I think from the dust. Pa-choo.
So, that’s is from the Middle East.
Hugs: S of A n A
]]>As a service to you all, since I noticed while in the states that the national news there doesn’t carry much international news:
• Congo erupted in violence again – 250,000 refugees have fled the rebel area. The dispute is over an oil agreement negotiated with the Chinese. The rebels believe a better contract should be written.
• Flooding in Yemen, Gaza and now Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as all areas of have too much rain.
• Worst flooding in 20 years in Viet Name, particularly around Hanoi
Meanwhile, my flight to KSA was short to me, as I took too many sleeping pills on the plane. The first one didn’t seem to work, so I took another one. Slept like a rock until just before we landed. Sadly, I do not remember getting off the plane or riding the bus to the terminal. I tuned in just before customs. I’ll never do that again. Geez.
Here, we have had three days of rain – unheard of. The storms have consisted of lots of lightning, thunder and even some rain. Parts of southern Jeddah have lots of water standing on the roads from last night’s storm.
In fact, last night a group of us was at the Green Island, a wonderful restaurant built out over the Red Sea. We were seated outside when the first band of rain came through. The ladies wanted to wait out the rain, so we ate in a light shower… then it got heavier, so we moved into one of the rooms built over the water. All the windows were open, sea breeze. It was lovely… we watched an electrical storm come ashore from far off in the sea.
THEN… all of a sudden my body felt so weird. I mean weird. I was about to stand up or ask for help, when there were bright bursts of light behind me and three explosive sounds. The top of my scalp went wild. One of the others said the lightning hit just north along the sea from where we were sitting. I have never heard such a loud series of noises. The same lady said the lightning in Texas is the same way… So, my friend Craig, who has been hit by lightning a number of times can confirm if that was a very near miss…
This illuminating even followed Obama’s win in the election. I was so happy and so were my students. Other faculty and staff congratulated all of us Americans and expressed a deep relief that America will become, again, a positive force in the world. I’ve told you that our reputation abroad is horrible – the bully nation that attacks anyone with or without warning… memories of a kinder USA are out there…
….my own included.
]]>Gee – I didn’t realize nearly two months have transpired since my last communiqué.
Spring semester is nearly done. Classes have finished, grades are in and I still have
course files to make up for every class. Summer semester starts tomorrow.
I have started packing for a return to the US on July 20. A month from today Wow, time
flies.
Saw a cute sign across the street from the Hospital I use: a restaurant selling sandwiches
including: Humbergers. Yup. Humbergers. The musical sandwich. Funny.
There is a critical water shortage in Jeddah, so we are all doing our part to reduce water
consumption. Practice for when the same ordeal hits the US.
Seems like the world is physically falling apart. Course, we have a lot to play in some of
it. On the upside, I think the Gaza/Israeli truce is holding. That’s a good thing.
I was very distraught with all the wars and human catastrophes in the world recently.
Then this truce came from nowhere. Well, folks. It really is up to them. If they decide to
stop fighting, they will. Just as I have the choice to be vindictive or angry myself. My
choice. So, I hope they continue to choose peace. It will work.
We had our spring student exhibition during the first week of finals. It looked very good,
but was exhausting.
I am attaching a few photos. A couple are of the Red Sea Mall foundtain show. I did take
a long shot across the fountain to the main food court so you get get an idea of the size of
the place…. Since the food court is only a small part of the center court of the mall which
has 4 wings.
Also, I have taken photos of the color coded garbage containers, attending trucks, etc.
Am still trying to snap-poof a shot the workmen, portable bins and brooms. A package
deal, you know.
Tim Russert’s death is saddening. I am grateful that so many other people noticed how
special he was. How can we hold a national election without him. And what about his
son. I was really impressed with his presence.
So – that’s it for now.
April 16, 2008
Day after tax day. I just got back from a new mall in Jeddah – the Red Sea Mall, located
by the sea. Holy cats. Amazing. I’ll got back next week to take photos. Heads up, Jenny. I
want to go to the Mall of America when I get back to see if the store décor has changed
because the Saudi stuff is incredible. I bet she smiled and leaped for the sky… And she
has a new house….
The color coding of the garbage cans, waste bins and workers even uses color coded pick
up trucks. The lavender bins are hauled around by trucks with a lavender cloth roof. I
understand they are finally going to start recycling in Jeddah. YAY. So, now the ad
agency is trying to figure out how to continue the color coding with recycle bins next to
the regular garbage bins.
Now that I know I am coming home, I am trying to determine what to bring back as gifts
and just stuff. Poor Jake. He probably envisions more stuff with no where to put it…
We are on break. One week to sleep and design the rest of the semester. And, thankfully,
we now have three weeks left of the online Harvard class. Too bad we have been
teaching such a heavy load, because we all could have participated more in the class.
I have learned quite a bit. Though, about the whole process of understanding. Teaching
for Understanding is the name of the course and from this study, we have analyzed the
internalization process.
April 26th, I think…
It is Sunday. I had cataract surgery Thursday morning. This has been an amazing
experience. The presurgicall check up showed I had an infection, though it didn’t
interfere with the surgery. My eyesight in my left eye is now fabulous. Clear as a bell.
The care has been super. I may try to have the other side done before I return. I am aware
now of how the vision in my right eye is dimmer than the repaired eye. I don’t need
glasses on that eye. I might need reading glasses.
The clinic I used is the best in Jeddah. Most of the patients are Saudi, so I was in the
women’s waiting rooms, etc.
The instructions say I am not supposed to bend over for two weeks. Though that is a
minor inconvenience, it is a major problem for Moslems who bend over to pray. The last
stage is being prostrate on the floor, which I am told is the time when a person directly,,
spontaneously pray to God.
I have my plane ticket home. The school can arrange for a longer exit/reentry visas
should I decide to come back spring semester. I have applied for one job locally (in
Duluth). I’ll see what happens.
Summer is starting. It was 106 yesterday with a morning sandstorm.
I see that NE Minnesota keeps getting blizzards. Egad. Part of me can hardly wait to
build a snowman; the other half wonders how cold that first winter will seem.
The Harvard course is nearly done. I have learned a lot from that and two workshops
given by a fabulous lady from Ottawa, Canada.
This has been a wonderful experience. While I was in a waiting room, I was playing a
finger game with a little kid who couldn’t speak English, I can’t speak Arabic. We had a
good time. I here to report that peek=a-boo is international.
I haven’t been able to take pictures of the garbage service yet, so that will come with the
next e-mail.
Salam,
Sandy
The internet is down again. Since the cables were cut, the internet has been spacy and
often so slow it isn’t worth the trouble.
The new semester has started. Alas, the students continue the group decision that classes
don’t really start until the second week. This gets frustrating.
I enjoyed watching the Dubai Open live. As you know I am a Tiger fan, so watching him
play is wonderful. The sports channels here carry rugby, cricket and soccer. Never have
figured out cricket.
Here, I think some of the censorship has been lifted as more articles are appearing in the
local paper (Arab News) about some of the downsides for women here and about the
harsh tactics taken by the matawa (the religious police). The King has created a ministry
for the rights of women and general civil rights. I believe (personal opinion) that the
censorship has been lifted in these areas as proof of the need for the reforms.
I notice that Saudi is in the news almost daily on CNN for something screwy. Valentines
day was not outlawed in Saudi. Only during the day itself, but flower shops delivered
roses before and after. It’s seen as a day to honor love. Religious conservatives disagree.
Another Thursday – Feb 28.
We’ve had two more sandstorms this week. I took some photos of what looks lilke the
moon, but it is really the sun in the morning.
Well, now it’s March 27. Can you tell I’ve been busy?
There are new garbage containers in Jeddah. Apparently the color of the large dumpsters
is based on the district within the city. Color coded. Our area is purple. The garbagemen
are dress to match the containers. So, they wear lilac colored work jumpsuits. Near the
school the containers are a tealish blue. So, the guys wear light blue. I understand the
local government hired an ad agency to help with the color coding. I’ll try to get photos
for you.
We have been hugely busy after losing some faculty after the first semester. So, we are
teaching six classes and taking one online from Harvard on "learning through
Understanding." It has been quite interesting. I confess I wish I had more time for it. I
had to discontinue Music Club due to a lack of free time on my part.
Hey – got one for you…. Truly. A student told me of another person’s grandfather – a
bedoin who usually lived off in the desert. The man came to Jeddah, tasting food from
various local restaurants. When he came back he wanted to eat again at 88. 88? The
family couldn’t figure out what 88 meant. While driving around the city, the guy said –
there--- 88. McDonalds. You see in Arabic an upside down V is an 8. so the golden
arches looked like 88.
It has been very peaceful here lately. The security guards aren’t as uptight.
The King is really trying to move the country forward. The country is building a new city
– near here. It will have a huge college with co-ed classes. It is not being structured
through the ministry of higher education – they would not allow co-ed classes.
….oh, I bought a video camera so I can capture Saudi on film.
I went to a lecture on tribal truck painting – which came here from Pakistan where it is
done a lot. There are even garages throughout Pakistan where a scratch can be repaired
quickly. No one would want to drive a scratched truck.
Another recent experience came at a local mall. I had an osteoporosis test – the one that
checks ones foot. I was told I was in great shape and have a very low risk of developing
osteoporosis. Well, my doctor just fell of his chair. I have been diagnosised with
pariosteoporosis and been treated for it for years. So,, this means the new med I have
been taking the past two years have rebuilt calcium in my bones or my feet are stronger
than my hip…
To apply for a summer grant you must fill out the Viz Lab access application (http://www.d.umn.edu/vdil/access/accessForm.html) and the Summer Grant application form (http://www.d.umn.edu/vdil/access/summerGrantForm.html).
If you have any questions regarding the grants, access or the Lab, please check out the Summer Grant website or contact the Lab at 8093.
]]>Happy Hijjra – the Moslem new year. 1428 is gone and 1429 is just begun. There were
celebrations yesterday at school. People wrote the worst incidents of 1428 on sheets of
paper which were put through a shredder. Not a bad way to celebrate a new year.
The Moslem calendar is based on lunar cycles and the beginning of the year as well and
the year itself, are based on the date Allah (God) told the Prophet to move from Mecca to
Medinah, where he is buried in the grand mosque in Madinah.
So, today is the second day of 1429 and the 10th day of January. And something
miraculous happened. It rained. We haven’t had rain in over a year. For a brief while it
poured. The skies are still cloudy, but the streets and patios of the compound are drying
rapidly.
It is winter here. A joke for any of us from northern climes. But, the weather has been
beautiful – upper 70s. Breezy. Low humidity. Locals complain about the cold. It’s great.
School has started again. I swear these fall semesters are unending. Two more weeks of
classes, then two weeks of final exams. We started the 10th of September.
Incoming crop of freshmen are super. We have had lots of fun.
Here, security has been beefed up for a variety of reasons. Some Al Qaeda activity in
Jeddah – 28 guys were picked up over Hajj. They were going to bomb some of the holy
places around Mecca and Medinah. Another bust at a local compound has pulled the
strings tighter. More check points. More car searches. I am looking forward to going
home, I admit. Not that it is that dangerous, but I fantasize about jumping in my car,
driving to Wal-Mart, then stopping by a friends house on the way home.
I told one of my Saudi friends that the country is finally beginning to get to me. She said
– congratulations, you are now a Saudi. But I can go home, says I, because I am not
Saudi.
On the yippee front, I am now able to get Minnesota Public Radio on iTunes. I probably
could have gotten it years ago, I just didn’t understand that simple feature of the program.
Music club is dwindling. It always does because students find out that fingers get sore
and practice is a must.
I have been watching the beginnings of the primaries with great interest. I look forward to
voting in the election next fall.
I think Bush believes that "the surge" is working. Maybe. I just think there is a lull in the
sectarian violence. I wait for the day that moderate muslims decide that somebody
claiming to be muslim and wants to blow up holy places in Mecca is not on the side of
Islam. This time of year, the new year, the solidarity of Islam is part of the practice.
Because unity is so important, I think moderates are less likely to go against extremists,
even though they don’t agree with the extremist points of view.
Happy (both) new years to everyone.
Oh – general celebration that the King pardoned the young raped woman. Conservatives
have put the lean on our school so the next exhibition will be strictly segregated.
More later.
Jan. 24.
My Dad’s birthday. I miss him.
We have had quite a bit of rain. The skies have been very cloudy and the rain floods the
streets a bit. People don’t drive well in dry clear weather, the rain makes things worse.
Jan 25,
More rain. It’s getting down right tropical….
Cultural differences:
One of our colleagues is very ill. She is from the Western Hemisphere, and like most of
us want to be left alone when very ill. The tradition here is "sitters" where family and
friends take turn sitting with the person. In fact, anyone who cares can sit with the person.
So, our colleagues was inundated with caring Muslims. She, being western, felt obligated
to be hospitable to them. Talk, talk. This brought forth discussion the next day at school.
We appeared uncaring because we weren’t there and we saw them as inconsiderate.
Interesting, eh? So after further conversation, the "sitters" realized the difference in
perceptions as did we. But since the college was sick, all visitors have been turned away
as she got sicker and eventually ended up in a major cardiac unit here in town.
We also had to hold an exhibition using the old-old rules of Saudi. The turn out was
rather poor for those who qualified to attend. Whereas we still see constrictions "the new
way", this was a reminder of how things used to be and it irritated quite a few of the
students.
I willl turn in my notice of non-renewel next week. I am coming home end of June for at
least a year. We are so short handed that we will be teaching six courses a piece…
maybe more next semester plus we have the opportunity to take a course online through
Harvard’s grad school of education.
Going to be a very busy semester. I will have to cancel music club.
Look forward to cold weather. Snow.
S of a
]]>Zack and I appreciate your support.
Thanks!
Bill
]]>Faculty artist piano & composition recital features works by Beethoven, Chopin, and a premiere performance of Wegren’s Triumph for piano/synthesizer, electric guitar, bass guitar, drum set, two altos, and tenor.
Wegren composed TRIUMPH at the Visualization and Digital Imaging Lab using the Kurzweil synthesizer.
]]>The actual marriage takes place when the father of the bride meets with the groom and
his father and a maazoom, a muslim cleric. The papers are signed. It is a done deal.
Within Islam, the couple could start sleeping together. By Saudi tradition, they are
married, but cannot cohabitate or have sex until the wedding feast. The feast can follow
the paper signing immediately or be put off for years. If the couple decide to not have the
feast, they have to get a legal divorce. Sometimes there is an engagement party, but that
celebrates the soon to be signing of the paper or something like that.
I admit I kept waiting for the culminating moment when the crowd burst into applause.
Nope. Not a local custom. No one stood at a certain time. A great time was had by all!!!!
Another topic:
Someone told me recently that drinking diet soda causes brain damage. Other than the
fact that it rotting my teeth and adding unwanted weight, I had not heard about brain
damage. The broader view, however, proves that my memory (what’s that?) is getting
worse and worse.
This semester I have 80 new students. Egad. Remembering names and faces is so hard. I
wonder if the two are related.
Ironically, the head of the nursing school sent out a paper on improving their memories. I
noticed the first suggestion is to tell yourself to remember it. This is the exact opposite of
my telling myself – oh, crumb, I have to remember all of this.
Wednesday nite I went another dinner theatre. It was hysterical. A British comedy called
"Natural Causes" about an assisted suicide to be performed by a guy from "Exodus".
The meal was very nice. I was going to say quite nice, but my British friends tell me that
"quite good" means not very good.
Anyway, the play was very funny – black humor about death and dying. Hoho
Last night was Thanksgiving. I ordered three turkeys and made 4 loaves of bread worth
of stuffing. I was lots of fun. The rec room on the compound has really taken a beating
though from earlier parties and the compound kids who have treated it harshly. No fridge
anymore and the stove was horrible. It boiled on every setting… At least the gravy was
hot. Not as many people came as last year. One group had a "by invitation only"
Thanksgiving by the pool. Kinda weird,
The meal and the company were terrific. One guy works for Mazolla here in the Middle
East. He brought some presents for people – t-shirt, oil and mayo. First Thanksgiving
I’ve ever attended where there were gifts. I love the cultural mixes here.
Today, my legs ache and I am relieved that soup makers have the carcasses, extra turkey
doled out with a supply for my lunches next week.
The compound chicken
So, I noticed a chicken (live) panting under a tree a few weeks ago. It was not afraid of
me when I walked by. I asked another resident about said chicken. He didn’t know about
it either, except that some of the guys had designs on it. Later, I found out that one of the
assistant managers purchased two chickens. When he butchered the one, he saw a tear go
down the cheek of the other one, so he doesn’t have the heart to butcher it. It is now
named Coo-Coo. It follows his wife as she works about the compound and scratches at
the door if he isn’t out at his normal time to go to work.
The square dancing group put on a demonstration at another compound’s Tday dinner
yesterday afternoon – another reason the day was so hectic. That went well too. I sure do
enjoy square dancing. We have a new group of students who are learning very quicklcy.
One couple is from Minnesota.
School is very busy. There are the regular classes as well as accreditation papers with an
upcoming visit by U.S. officials. This is for U.S. accreditation. That has made classes
longer, so the workload is heavier. I am tired most of the time, but faculty 15 years
younger than I am complain about it, so I guess I’m not doin’ too bad.
November 30
Egad, I’ve been trying to get back to this without much luck.
I recently noticed that all the pick up trucks in Jeddah are white. White with detailing,
white with logos, but white none-the-less. Since I started trying to confirm this discovery,
I have seen a silver pickup with detailing around the box. Then I saw anothing silver one
with the same detailing. It could be the same truck.
A U.S. Congressional delegation was in Jeddah on Wednesday. They visited our school. I
met a very astute woman from John Conyers (D-Michigan) office. I was very proud of
the accomplishments listed in the presentation made about our college. We are making a
difference and will continue to do so.
Our dean said we will open the first driving school for women in S.A. The guys need to
learn how to drive, trust me.
The press is controlled here, but Saudi is making the news worldwide, thus I can keep up
by watching CNN, BBC and MSN. The 200 lashes case is now being discussed in local
media – which means someone has allowed it.
Quite a few of my students are very embarrassed that this has happened. A few thought
she must have done something (adultery) to get this punishment. One report said that she
staged a protest or wrote an open letter demanding that women drive. This means she is
"uppity".
The retired judge who appeared on one of the discussions must be a mutawa – no
headband and a long beard. He talked about protecting the marriage bed for the husband.
Some, he missed, that the marriage bed had already been destroyed by a gang rape. It
takes the pleasure out of being close. And then add 200 lashes (no back) and that further
diminishes the desire to be close to anyone.
Her lawyer is right – this case could help institute the changes in the legal system the
King wants. He has just established a council to protect women’s rights. Within Islam,
women have equal rights with men. It is local cultural traditions which put women in a
submissive, objective position. I have said it is over protection, in many cases. I still
believe that. Anyone who has been overprotected knows how awful that feels.
Anyway, because of the international media attention, I do hope the woman does not
have to serve a sentence or get 200 lashes. Lashing is common here, though. I don’t kow
if they have probation.
On a lighter note, music club has started again. There was a mob scene last week. I feel
overwhelmed. A good feeling though – knowing that the students who play are finding
each other – they can keep the club going.
S of A
Well, folks, last night I attended a Saudi wedding. Wow. I had heard they were amazing. A student got married. She is really sweet and has had a heck of a life so far, so I wish her the best in her marriage.
I went with two colleagues who are Saudi. I felt a little awkward at first because I do not have the kind of clothing one wears to a Saudi wedding. As Basma said, wear what you would wear on a red carpet. In case you hadn’t noticed, I am not the red carpet type. So, I settled for a Maylasian bahti (batiked silk)… relied on the Saudi acceptance that foreigners try their best and away we went.
The affair was held at a wedding ballroom complex. The men with the groom were on one side. I assume they eat at dance.
The women were together, dancing to an Arabian women’s band playing all kinds of Arabian music. I have never seen so many elegant gowns. I learned two different Arabian dances. It was great.
Then the lights dimmed. The bride appeared through a curtain, then slowly walked to an area against the far wall in the center of the festitivities. She eventually arrived at the top floor of the platform, where she sat on a large white couch. This was videoed and photographed by a crew of female photographers. Everyone sat and watched this with interest. I asked if we were to stand up when the bride entered. No, says they.
After a time, The dancing started again. Her family came up to congratulate her. Then friends, then everyone else… I was part of the teachers crowd.
So, more dancing. Meanwhile, serving staff brought around trays of finger foods, Arabian coffee, cappuccino, tea, and juice drinks.
These affairs run into the night. We got there about 11:00. The bride appeared about a half hour later. Then an hour after that (I think), the lights dimmed again. The women, who had been dancing in their gowns, dawned abayas, or at least scarves to cover heads or bare parts.
Suddenly the curtains opened without much fanfare. The groom and his male relatives walked through the same curtains that the bride originally used. They approached the bride on the platform. Everyone greeted everyone (kiss, kiss), then the female relatives of the groom joined the stage after all the male courtage left. The bridge and groom sat on the couch as the female relatives danced. There was no other dancing when the groom was in the room.
After a time, they left the platform, toured an area of the ballroom that had been walled off, then left. Bless them.
The partitions were moved away revealed a feast set for royalty. No kidding. I have never seen so much beautiful food with remarkable presentation in my life. Three sushi bars, so much food of different types, I was stunned and hard pressed to choose something reasonable. By this time it was 1:30 – 2:00 in the morning. I have never eaten a large formal meal at that time, so I kept the selections small.
The deep fried prawns were exceptional. I thought about having more of them, but did not want to be a pig about it.
There were huge amounts of food left. Quite a few people left before the meal. I asked one of the ladies what they did with the left over food. They give it to charity.
I don’t think anyone had a piece of cake. It was magnificent, rising four deep tiers or so with a stiff frosting that extended from the sides of the tiers. It looked like it could fly away.
This was a real treat. Well worth the late night.
Another benefit for me personally, was being with the students from my first semester of teaching here. Most of the girls from my first 3D graphics class were there as friends of the bride. They insisted that I sit with them. The two women who took me to this event are former students who are now Tas at the school. It was a thrill to hear about their new adventures in Jeddah, working in the design community.
Talking was limited to time between songs. Egad, the music was loud.
So, a totally grand time was had by all.
The semester is well underway. We celebrated a club fair on Wednesday. I again am advising Music Club and to my great joy, there are more guitar players surfacing along with some keyboard players. Other members want to learn piano and perhaps violin. One girl wants to learn classical guitar. The only person I know who could teach that is my brother-in-law in Michiga. He is a) male and b) a touch far away.
Anyway, the night before a fellow in the compound (my bridge partner, as a matter of fact) gave me an Egyptian tabla (drum) in exchange for my teaching him guitar. I took the tabla to school yesterday as a part of the music club booth. A member from last year, who’s name and face I had forgotten (heavy sigh), attached herself to the drum and played magnificently. Another girl played myguitar and bystanders banged on tambourines and the bongo drum I picked up last year. They all played and sang Arabic songs for nearly two hours. Other people clapped along. I didn’t have to do anything except help sign people up for the club. I am thrilled. I have asked if another faculty member will be a co-advisor. I want someone to continue the tradition when I leave. With the girls all over this, it will survive into the future on its own momentum.
On another note – a flat one actually, I see the King is getting flack from folks in the UK. I read a report that the liberals are against him because of the torture of women here.
?
?
It is true that there are limitations and I wouldn’t be surprised if women are physically harmed here. But women are harmed everywhere. The leading cause of death in the U.S. among pregnant women is being murdered by husbands or boyfriends…. The second cause of death is cardiac…
Bride burnings in India.
The way women are treated in Afghanistan is horrendous and our fearless leader like the Taliban before 9/11 anyway.
You get my drift.
So, I think it is crummy that the guy is being put down when he and King Abdullah of Jordan are two fellows who are trying to make a difference here. Osama has price on the King’s head – did I tell you that already?
Anyway, the school continues to grow. We had a convocation this week. The dean listed out the college achievements in the past two years. It is impressive. The school is adding new tracts, including diplomacy so that future female amabassadors will come for us. There is a new law (prelaw) major and a couple of master’s programs on the horizon. Rather remarkable for a school that is nine years old. It is a great honor to be a part of this institution and the changes it has already brought to Saudi Arabia.
The King is trying to move Saudi into the 21 century with ties to the cultural past, but moving into an information age. One of the Princes wrote an article in the Arab News last spring calling for an end to gender segregation in the Kingdom. It is no longer needed, he pointed out, as women enter the work force and will be driving very soon.
So, that’s the latest from the desert.
Salam
S of a
Hey, the world is full of little victories. I have another computer which successfully
allows me to use Skype without me sounding like a verizon commercial. There are still
some bugs to work out … and I can now listen to Minnesota Public Radio. Yippee.
So, I just finished listening to the local station that plays Arabic music and now listening
to something wonderfully baroque…. Life is good.
I’ve been here 10 days, square danced twice, scrabbled nearly every day. First day back I
was clobbered 915 to 556 (super scrabble, more tiles and quadruple score squares).
Customs went rather well. At first they complained about something when looking at my
passport so I thought they questioned my citizenship. No red ink, I finally understood. I
had filled out the form in red ink – a no no. I was told later it is a throwback to
communism. Once I filled out the form in black, it went very smoothly. I did receive
some minor scrapes and bumps in the line around the baggage claim machine.
I had to rework my office and I admit the first days back at work have been filled with
hugs and coffee. The main cafeteria is closed. We have a Coffee Bean (like starbucks) on
campus. The ladies came in to get set up for the start of school, but they made the mistake
of leaving there door unlocked. A small herd of us walked in and the marketing teacher in
the herd convinced them to open since we were thirsty and starving. So, the first day
there were some kinds of coffee and the ladies who work there haven’t spoken English in
two months. The most challenging part of the first week at work was communicating
with the Coffee Bean staff. But one must understand when there is a will there is a
way… and when humans decide there is mutual trust it is even better. So, I paid for
breakfast (for 2 of us) with a 50 riyal bill; the lady had no change. So she wrote 16 on a
piece of paper. Later in the day I went down for another coffee and something, and paid
for it with a piece of paper with 16 written on it along with some more cash.
I look forward to seeing some students next week. We are registering freshmen next
week as well. I hope they will let us cap enrollment at 40 – no more than 50. We are still
short faculty – so any MA or MFA female is interested, let me know.
The world is an amazing place. When I came back to the US, the first new thing I saw
was Coke Plus. What’s that? Coke with vitamins and minterals. An oxymoron if you ask
me. Her a company is making a sorbet, either raspberry, lemon/lime or mango. Oooooo
are they good. The company name is Miranda (I think). I did find flavored water in the
US that was not carbonated and sugar free. I hope to find it here, too, so I will be
encouraged to quit diet Pepsi. Pepsi, by the way, is a much bigger brand here than Coke.
My dishwasher died while I was gone. They brought in another one from an empty villa.
The guys hooked it up and within minutes they were shutting it down and running for the
mop. So, #2 was hauled out. Good that I got used to handwashing dishes in the States. No
choice, as my dishwasher died just after I came to Saudi Arabia in 2005.
Oh – a new restaurant opened a couple weeks ago: UNO Chicago Grill. I guess it is
American chain, but it is very good. One of the desserts is beyond brilliant – a chocolate
/peanut butter filling on an oreo cookie crust with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, covered
with chocolate and peanut butter sauces… ooooooooooooooo.
They also have the first pizza "pie" I’ve had since I left Kansas City in 1968. It is more
like a pie shell filled with the topping and cheese. Yum.
Recognizing that I am back in the land of carbs and great food, I have walked the track
once (sort of), danced twice and gone swimming.
Swimming – there I admit I am spoiled. I have always like warm water – a bit of a wuss
when it comes to cold water. I don’t like the adjustment period. The pool water is hot. It
would kill yeast. I thrive in that kind of water….
Otherwise, the world is good. The Kings Abdullah continue to press for peace and
understanding in the Middle East.
Sept 7
Friday. School begins tomorrow. Most of the freshman still haven’t registered yet.. I
expect next week to be a bit zooey…
Did I ever tell you that potato chips are in the ethnic food aisle of the super market?
The stores are preparing for Ramadan – a month long celebration. No one eats or drinks
between sunrise and sunset. It marks the month that the Archangel Gabriel started
dictating the Koran to Mohamed. (The Prophet)
There is a special colorful cloth that merchants use to decorate the entrances of their
stores. May stores hold drawings for gifts. One store is raffling off a Mercedes. This is a
time of generosity also. As Eid (the end of fasting approaches) merchants pile bags of
rice on the corners of streets for the poor to take.
This time I did not have visa trouble getting in, nor did Ms. K, the one who usually has
visa trouble. But, for those getting work visas this year, a last minute form has faculty
stranded in Canada, Jorden and Godknows where else.
Again, good see everyone this summer.
S of a
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