The last Blog entry for 2011, and near the end of the first full year in the Magic Kingdom. With the passage of time there has been much time to reflect.
December has been a time to say goodbye to some good friends (masalama), as they leave the Kingdom "exit only", and a time to ponder the upcoming holiday season. In public here there is no sense of the Christmas Season, just more days like any other time of the year. This makes it all the sadder as we have always enjoyed the festivities of the holiday season - and of course the emotional aspects of not seeing family and old friends who we miss dearly. The things we sometimes take for granted but never should. Oh and to see some snow again (really!) to give that seasonal feel - instead the continued warm sunshine, blue skies and palm trees.
Life here in Jeddah just continues on as usual.
A view of the small street below our apartment balcony at night. Now look at the cars - not atypical driving habits here, so many people driving in a rush to go nowhere. Here we see two lines of traffic facing each other, neither line wishing to give way! Of course lots of honking horns. Now you understand why I didn't purchase a vehicle here. Another evening in December where the only seasonal colors are the tail lights.
A "masalama" during the holiday season. Jim (in the middle on the couch) was a major strength in our small expatriate community, leaving to take up a faculty position at a university in the American midwest. A sad time for us but happy for him.
The three "masalama" people in December - Jim, Julie and Denice. All will be missed. However these events become part of the expat experience here as at some point we will all be leaving. One understands that life here is transient not being on the more solid grounding of life at home. Despite this developing relationships and "community" events become important.
Yes preparing for these events takes a lot of effort.
It does not take much of an excuse to develop these events. The western expat community is much smaller than it was in the 80's and 90's, things being different since 911 and recently with the "Arab Spring" activities in the region. Although the Magic Kingdom is stable and safe, the images one gets from the news makes people in the west less likely to come than they did in the past.
The merging of mindsets - of masalama and Christmas.
The closest we will get to snow in the Kingdom is this snowman next to Santa.
Christmas in the desert decorating our small tree.
Our two small Christmas trees in an attempt to bring in the holiday season.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all, both far and near.
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