Saudi Women: In Focus (VIDEO)

This is a compilation video about women in Saudi and how they are making strides to be more independent and contribute to their national history as well as local society. The educational reform that I am currently working under is meant to do just this! Create more independent women and provide them with a sense of self identity. Now, whether or not that is happening to the level of significant impact is another story. Unfortunately, as I am sure we can all relate, most of the institutions meant for women reform are more concerned about the money than anything else. 

Kingdom Centre

I have driven by this massive structure on several occasions when traveling to our other two colleges; however, I never took the time to explore exactly what the structure was all about. So, this business trip I decided to go a bit early and get in a little sight-seeing; mainly the massive structure affectionately known as Kingdom Centre.

Kingdom Centre is located in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh. It is the third tallest building in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the third largest building in the world with a hole. The centre encompasses a mall, the Four Seasons hotel, and the Sky Bridge. The mall is fitted with various named brand stores from across the country. The Four Season hotel speaks for itself. The Sky Bridge was a wonderful experience with a large view to take-in and enjoy the scenery.










Kingdom Centre

Work, Work, and Work

Well, since I live in the Middle East, April did not bring showers and we are now into May, and it brought Mayhem. The job is getting ridiculous! Honesty is my policy so, there is simply no other way to say it. Numerous teachers have resigned due to ill-mannered treatment and two members of our senior management team have resigned. We have also gained a few senior management that I believe we can do without as I have not seen a benefit to the organization since their joining.

For me personally, I have had to put a few of my senior management colleagues in their place as they thought it would be okay to speak with me in any manner they saw fit. Well folks, they now know and understand that if you come for me I return the favor two fold and when you speak with me it better be with respect. :-D. This is definitely not what I signed up for when I took this position several months back; however, the matter is at the forefront and there is no changing it so I am aware that it will require me to adjust. Now, the type of adjustment I choose to make completely depends on what I observe until the trimester ends.

South African Celebration

 

I went to my first South African Celebration in the UAE. Naturally, when I heard that there would be a celebration in Riyadh I was excited and wanted to attend. And, I must say that it was nothing like the event I attend in the UAE which was a bit more lavish! Yet, it was a good time all in all.

This South African event was to celebrate Freedom Day. Freedom Day commemorates the first post-apartheid elections. There were no longer restrictions on people of color being able to vote and they even allowed foreigners to vote. It’s basically the equivalent of our Civil Rights Movement in the USA. There was signing of the National South African Anthem, a slide show to honor those who fought for the right, networking, food, and dancing. 

Riding in Bahrain (VIDEO)

Well, I must admit my weekend in Bahrain ended on a very high note! After all, it’s not every day that a Bahraini hands you the keys to his Italian motorcycle and walks away. My friend’s boyfriend met Abdullah at the bar and they started up a conversation about riding as he had noticed the riding jacket hanging on the back of his stool. He graciously came and retrieved myself and his girlfriend. Abdullah and I began to have a conversation about him riding and how he was surprised, amazed, and impressed that I too rode. That’s when he relinquished the keys saying, “Go, have fun. Enjoy. I will be inside at the bar.” What!?! Who does that? He did! So, what did I do? I got on the bike and took off!

The motorcycle is an Italian Moto Guzzi V7 II Racer, which is a limited edition (Note: You can see the motorcycle information below, if you are interested). What a privilege. And the icing on the cake were of course that I was riding a motorcycle in the Middle East after 6 months of no riding or driving.

“THE NEW V7 II RANGE, RAISES THE BAR IN TERMS OF SAFETY AND STANDARD EQUIPMENT AND RIDING COMFORT.

V7 II RACER COMPLETES THE V7 II RANGE, BOASTING A COMPLETELY NEW STUNNING GRAPHIC. MOTO GUZZI CENTRO STILE HAS EXCLUSIVELY DEVELOPED THIS GRAPHIC FOR THE NORTH AMERICAN MARKET; AS A RESULT THIS GRAPHIC CARRIES THE EVOCATIVE “RACER AMERICA” NAME. THIS SPECIAL MODEL IS MANUFACTURED IN LIMITED EDITION (1/1000) AS INDICATED BY THE CELEBRATORY ALUMINUM PLATE LOCATED ON THE UPPER STEERING YOKE.”

Reference: Click here for the original source. 

Al Fateh Grand Mosque

I spent the weekend in Bahrain simply to get away from work colleagues, have some fun, and spend time with friends. I had some free time so I decided to take advantage of it and do what I have been doing for the past few years in Middle Eastern countries, visit their grand mosque. The country of Bahrain was no different. I invited my friend Mia to come along with me as she has never been to a mosque.

The tour guide was very impressive as he was well informative about Islam, Christianity, and the mosque’s architecture. Mia thanked me for inviting her along as she said she enjoyed it very much. I believe it is always good to experience cultures and religions besides your own. It provides you with understanding. 

Formula 1 (F1) – Bahrain (VIDEO)

To my surprise the company purchased a corporate suite and gave us tickets to attend the F1 festivities in Bahrain. That also came with hotel accommodations. When I heard that I would be attending, it brought back memories of how I used to attend the event in Abu Dhabi and its numerous concerts. Those were good times! 

The weekend turned out well and the F1 festivities were fun. The most enjoyable part was the view from the suite; being able to see the cars pull in and out of the pit was amazing and loud too!