Kingdom Tower

We had the opportunity to visit the award winning Kingdom Tower. Nearly 300 meters high, this building contains the Guiness Book's highest Mosque. The birds-eye view photos come from the bridge at the very top of the building. FYI--The architecht for the project was American.

Royal treatment.

I have heard this question a few times, "How do the Saudis treat you?" Like royalty! Aramco, our sponsor, has spared no expense on this trip, which is something we American teachers are not used to. From the most lavish of accomodations, to meals that leave us busting at the seems, to gifts that could fill an additional suit case, we have been left spoiled. At the same time, they have exposed us to experiences and introduced us to people that will have us sharing the positive attributes of the Kingdom (as well as some negative) to our students and communities for years to come. Here are pictures from the exquisite hotel we are staying at now, as well as the view from my window:

Riding through Riyadh...

Though I can't comment on many of the buildings, here is a peek at what we have seen from our bus:

The Kingdom tower is visible from my room. We will be visiting it later today.


Sulaiman is the Arabic form of my name :-)

Of course there are many malls here. There is even one connected to our hotel. It is closed during prayer tim, 12-4, which is when our break is :-)

Saudi Government School

We had quite the opportunity today! We visited the King Faisal Educational Complex, a network of 3 government ran Saudi schools. Located on the campus of a local university, most of the attendees are sons of university employees. (The women in our group visited a female school some distance away.) We are the first international group that has been allowed to visit these 3 schools, and the first in the IIE's program to visit a non-private school. It was an amazing opportunity, and an enlightening one to learn about it from administrators, while also having opportunities to visit with students.

The complex is divided into three schools, elementary, intermediate, and secondary sections. While there were certainly differences between the sections, here are some generalizations that could be made for all:

(1) There were good resources for special education students. In all three levels, their were separate rooms/facilities particularly for blind students. Students with higher academic needs were also accommodated with one-on-one attention from teachers.


(2) At all levels, students sat in desks. While sometimes in groups, there seemed to be a focus on direct instruction from the teacher. With the exception of a math and English class we visited, there were no textbooks for students. In all cases, the teacher was standing at the front delivering a lesson while students listened. (I didn't notice them taking notes either.) Now, I can only share what I observed. Perhaps students are more engaged in writing or reading at other times. One of the guides informed me that in the science classes, students only observe experiments. By doing so, they are unable to do some of their own critical thinking that comes through experiencing the activity.

(3) The little social studies instruction they get is in geography and economics. What I found interesting was that the only maps I saw on walls were of either the Arab or Islamic world. The few world maps I saw were focused specifically on the Arab countries. It's worth noting that these maps were also strictly physical maps, or religion maps. Though we were told that they are taught about other world cultures, students' work reflected a focus on the physical geography. One member of our group commented that this could reflect the focus on training petroleum engineers at the college level.

(4) Nearly all of the students were excited and friendly towards us. I really enjoyed getting to interact with some of the kids! When asked what their favorite parts of school were, most said sports--soccer and basketball! (It felt like I was in the US :-)) One said English and another Math. I also met a few students who had been in schools in the US at some point. When asked if which school they liked better, they said the US schools.




(5) Maintaining the Islamic faith is an integral theme in the school. Islam is a pervasive theme in all classes, not just the ones they take on the Koran or the teachings of Mohamed. In the English class we visited, students were reciting religious historical facts in English. Also, the posters on the wall were Islamic in nature. At the end of our visit, it was prayer time. Prayer rugs were rolled out into the center plaza of the school. Hundreds of students gathered to say their recited prayers. Unfortunately, we were rushed out at that point. I think it would have been fascinating to see them pray, yet at the same time I respect their protection of their religion. (It did make me grateful that our schools in the US are not tied directly to any religion.)

More Q and A...

(1) Are the books I am receiving in English or Arabic? Good question! Thank goodness they are in English or they would be useless for me! (Although I enjoy looking at Arabic writing as an art form.) Arabic is an extremely difficult language to learn. To give you an analogy that I heard here, it would take ten years of studying Arabic to have the same language ability one would have from studying Spanish for only three years. I hope to enroll in some Arabic classes though.

(2) Did I ask to wear the clothing, or was it offered to me? Great question Haneen. They pulled me out of the crowd and dressed me in it. That being said, I was grateful, because I really wanted to try it! Even before we left the US, I had asked IIE if the men would be wearing the thobes. I believe that experiencing a culture involves immersing yourself in it. :-)

(3) How do Saudis react to having Americans here? Another great question. It is easy for us to generalize about Americans and Saudis, but really reactions are really based on individuals' personal experiences. Meaning, some Saudis are happy to see us, they smile, and invite us to meet them. Others stare, as if they have never seen Americans before up close. So, to answer the question, I've seen various reactions, but nearly all positive. I will say, however, that on the airplane, there was a woman sitting next to me, who got up and moved when I sat down. I understand this, though. Her traditions and upbringing, rooted in devotion to her Islamic faith, don't approve of her sitting near a strange man. I completely understand this, and want to respect her beliefs, as I would want others to respect mine.

(4) Are there other religions represented in the Kingdom? Technically the official religion is Islam, and any statistics will show that it is 100% of the population's choice. However, I spoke with a Phillipino waiter at one of the restaurants. A graduate in criminology from the U of Manilla, he was here to support his family by doing what one may call a menial task for a college grad. Anyway, he informed me that he is Christian, and that in his community here made up of other Phillipinos, he is able to practice his religion. I don't believe that he can be very open about it with others, though.

(5) What is the income level like, and is there a focus on material goods? Excellent questions! I think that with globalization, consumerism is on the rise everywhere in the world, and it's here in Arabia. We have driven by an Ikea store, as well as dealerships for Jaguar, Hummer, and Mercedes. We have toured the most immaculate "homes" (mini-palaces.) and seen the furnishings of some very wealthy people here. I think that there is a lot of wealth here, naturally due to the oil boom. However, the workers in the hotels, restaurants, etc., are earning only eighty dollars a month, which would limit their ability to consume at great levels. It's very similar to the US.

(6) Is artistic expression limited? The artist we met is committed to networking with others, and establishing opportunities for the arts in Arabia. The Koran says that the arts are important. However, the schools here focus on science, math, religion, and language. Thus, opportunities for art are limited. But, I believe that there are more and more opportunities. At the Hope Center, we saw that art is an integral part of the curriculum for students with disabilities. Today we will be visiting a government school, and I will ask more about art there.

THANKS FOR THE WONDERFUL QUESTIONS AND FOR FOLLOWING THE BLOG! BY INTERACTING WITH YOU, I HAVE A MORE ENRICHING EXPERIENCE!

More life long friends, En Shallah (God Willing!)

I had the privilege of meeting some inspiring people in this "liberal" Saudi city. Beyond talking about Saudi culture and roles of women, we bonded. We shared stories of our families, our hopes for the future, our ambitions, and our problems. They shared their knowledge of Islam and of love. They recommended books, and even surprised me with gifts. I was able to talk with them about difficult and intense issues that just aren't spoken about openly at all in Saudi Arabia, like discrimination, AIDs, psychaiatry, homosexuality, alcohol and drug use, and spousal abuse to name a few. These bonding experiences are the type that can help lead to the change that the world needs. Open dialogue, a willingness to trust and to share, to listen and to be empathetic are some of the most important things we humans can learn how to do. I have come to realize that Saudi Arabia and the US are very similar and run parallel to eachother, while at the same time maintaining their differences. Looking past superficial things, like the abaya and the veil, I see the beauty and am inspired by these Saudi Arabians.

Haneen and I met at a reception one night. As I walked by her and a few other Saudi ladies, she called me over. That was the start of what I see to be an ongoing friendship. She is a descendant of Muhammed, and lives with her family in both Jeddah and Meccah. Only 24, she currently teaches business in a Jeddah college. She will be leaving in November to begin a 9 month Masters program in the UK. (She is one of 5,000 highly qualified Saudis selected for an international study fellowship.) I can't even describe the bond that we two Geminis made. We shared teaching stories, travel experiences, and our hopes for the future. She recommended the Leo Buscaglia book, Love: What Life is all about..., which she surprised me with as a gift before we departed. She also shared some of her poetry, which she hopes to publish, with our entire delegation. Her talent is illuminating.

Asrar works for public relations for Aramco. She will be starting an exciting new project shortly, which will challenge her for a few years working with a new university scheduled to open in a few years. Our conversation started with Saudi culture and Islam, and quickly spread to topics regarding globalization and the future of the world. Asrar and I talked about our personal lives, and gave each other advice from our different perspectives. She also directed me to some excellent books to help me better teach my students about Islam and Suudi-American relations. I can't wait to read Islam Denounces Terrorism by Harun Yahya. She is an inspiration.

Red Sea Resort

We had the privilege of relaxing at a resort for a few hours Friday morning. (Which is Sunday here in Saudi.) Aramco made it possible for us to jet ski, snorkel, take a boat ride, swim by the pool or in the sea, as well as other activities. Completely exhausted from our rigorous schedule, I opted to build a sand castle, swim in the sea, and snorkel. I was able to take some underwater pictures which will be developed as soon as I get home! I've never been to a resort before, so it was quite a treat. Aramco knows how to treat it's guests. (BTW--They will be hosting international delegates here in upcoming months as they undertake ground breaking for a new university in Jeddah. Even King Abdullah himself will be here for the festivities.)