Jeddah Daily Photo Journal

Photoblog Expat woman

I am an American woman. I met my husband more than 30 years ago when we were both college students in Arizona. Last year, my hubby desired to move back to his native home of Saudi Arabia. I've been in Jeddah now since October 2007. My new home is amazing: interesting, fascinating, and colorful. The people are warm, courteous and as interested in me as I am in them, however they highly regard their privacy. My camera goes with me every time I step out the door - I don't want to miss a thing!

Tags: Arab Culture, Architecture, Religion, Traditional Clothing, Sculptures

The author

khsusan

I'm an American woman who moved to my husband's native Saudi Arabia in Oct. 2007. The move has been both interesting and challenging. Adapting to the new culture and way of life here has been difficult because although parts of this country are very modern, many things about it seem ancient. It's hard to understand the reasons for a lot of things here and I don't know that I ever will.

Comments

Mam... i was of a very different opinion before i read your article and the pics and now i want to find out more about saudi ..salam alaikum.
by anees965 on 20/12/2008 at 09:38:27

I live in the city of Jeddah People here are very very nice
by toti on 07/09/2009 at 23:02:36

I love your blog!
by QueenOfSheba on 30/03/2009 at 13:28:48

I am so interested in meeting American women who live in Riyadh. I am home in the US, but may be getting married next year to a Saudi and moving to Riyadh. Before I even considering going there I have to research as much as I can, and really would like to hear about the experiences of American women there. So far I have heard the most horrifying things about Saudi for Americans, and am searching for something positive. I am a teacher, and hope that finding a job there wouldn't be difficult, but have heard mixed reviews. Do you have to wear niqqab? Have you been harassed by the religious police? Please advise:) Thank you, Amy
by amyasb on 23/10/2009 at 03:12:33

Would you recommend Jeddah as a place to live and work for us?I am a TEFL teacher and my husband is a chef.We have a 7yr old son and would like a change of scene from the crisis and Spain where we've been for 15 years.We would expect to earn a living,have a social life and do sports..
by sine on 19/04/2009 at 12:33:17

I believe that both you and your husband would be able to find work easily here. More than likely, you would opt to live in a compound, where you will meet and live amongst other ex-pats. This would be a totally different experience than mine, since we live in a flat and my freedom to move about is much more restricted. The compounds have social and sporting activities, but you won't find much of these things outside the compound walls. Also women are required to wear the abaya when out in public as well and cannot drive here. It all really depends on what you are looking for. There are other Middle Eastern countries that are more Westernized than Saudi Arabia.
by khsusan on 22/04/2009 at 16:55:22