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Author Archives: Oryxiana
Mixed Bag
Apologies to all. I have been on the high seas pursuing a sailing odyssey interspersed with shouting at teenagers, building contractors, and so forth for the past couple of months so have neglected my blog. My children are now in … Continue reading
The Art of Shopping, with help from Sun Tzu.
A couple of days ago, I was invited by a select group to go to the Thumairi Gold Souk in Riyadh on a shopping expedition. I have, so far, been wary of shopping in the Souks as I am not … Continue reading
Men Only “Women’s Conference”
This photo has appeared all over the western press in the last few days both in the USA and UK, it was picked up from social media and then used to castigate attitudes to women in Saudi Arabia. On the … Continue reading
Thursday is the new “Friday” and Saturday is the new Saturday; Confused?
The weekend in Saudi Arabia has officially changed. So instead of being nearly alone in the world and celebrating the weekend on Thursday and Friday The Kingdom has been bought in line with other Gulf States. Friday is the Holy … Continue reading
Unexpected Riyadh
In some ways this should have been the very first blog entry, but how can you write about something you know nothing about. I know that usually doesn’t stop journalists, but I wanted to wait and form opinions rather rehash … Continue reading
Posted in Here and Now
Tagged Al-Masmak Fort, compound, diplomatic quarter, expat, islam, mosques, petro-dollars, public transport, Riyadh, rocky escarpment, Saudi Arabia
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Riyadh Rush Hour
I have to tell you about rush hour Saudi style. The traffic in Riyadh is like nothing you have seen anywhere in the world. And no not even comparable to Moscow, for my Muscovite friends. I have been driven by … Continue reading
Women’s sports: Oxymoron?
When I first arrived in Saudi Arabia, I never considered that women’s sports would be an issue. Even though I was aware of the debate over women competing in the Saudi 2012 Olympic team, and the fact that only two … Continue reading
Not a Pretty Sight
Okay, so this is a more serious post than my usual offering. Many around the world are focused on women’s rights in Saudi Arabia. Foreigners tend to concentrate on the outward signs, veiling, the ban on women driving and restrictions … Continue reading
Posted in Here and Now
Tagged King Khalid Foundation, Saudi Arabia, Shura Council, women's rights
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The Beverage Report.
Those who know me well know that I like a glass of wine. Those who are not British may not get the stupid pun in the title I’ll leave you guessing on that one. Life in Saudi Arabia is Sans … Continue reading
Posted in Need to Know
Tagged alcohol prohibition, mixologist, mixology, mocktails, non alcoholic cocktails, Saudi Arabia
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First Time Camel Racing
I know nothing about camel racing, but am very keen to become acquainted with the basics of the sport. I was invited to a camel race meet at the Janadryiah Festival and excited to have a chance to learn … Continue reading
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