Merry Winter

A week and a half to go until Christmas (Winter if you prefer) Break and we are definitely happy about it. Our home is more and more comfortable each week, as we pick up a piece here and there. Our latest additions include a new carpet, candle sticks and most importantly a Charlie Brown style Christmas tree. What this tree lacks in foliage, it makes up for in character (and if you cover it with enough tinsel no one will know that your tree is basically see-through). Combine these pickups with a holiday bizarre or two and you are left with the feeling of consumerism that we all miss this time of year. As our tree comes together we can’t help but think of home and the family and festivities that we will be missing.

Our Saudi Arabian carpet - it's going to be a family heirloom.

We have also finally figured out how to cover up Mavis in public. A new Abaya that has been “Bedazzled” always puts a smile on a woman’s face. I would say that sparkling patterns resembling jean jacket cuffs are far more attractive than the inch of wrist that lies below, but that may just be my own westernism showing through. We infidels love our bedazzlin’!! We've included a few pics of the beautiful bedazzled abayas.

In an attempt to do my Christmas shopping I have tried to find a few shops here in Riyadh and it has left me wondering why I can't remember the directions I am given. Then I look at the street names and understand. Have a look: Directions in Riyadh: "Turn left onto Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi road, then make a right at Makkah al Mukkaramah road and make another right onto Prince Muhammad Ibn Abdulaziz road." What happened to Main St. and Chemong Rd? We have turned to Westerners directions in Riyadh, take the road with the powerlines until you see the Pepsi sign, make a left and once you pass the big mosque, turn right.

We are off to Kenya and Tanzania for the Winter Break, but will be thinking of friends and family at home. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!! Egg Nog for everyone!