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Don't Miss It! Head Over Heels in Saudi Arabia
Dr. Maisah Sobaihi (photo: Vimeo) "Head Over Heels in Saudi Arabia" is a one-woman comedy show written and performed by Dr. Maisah Sobaihi, exploring the lives and loves of Saudi women with humor and insight. I had the pleasure of seeing this delightful show and writing about it several years ago in 2008. Show More Summary
Almakkiyah: Angawi House
Angawi House is the current residence of famed local Jeddah architect Dr. Sami Angawi. It is a study of western Saudi Arabia's traditional Hijazi architecture.The interior of the home is not decorated with expensive museum pieces but is instead filled with ordinary functional and traditional decor. Show More Summary
Valentine’s Day in Paris, for cynics
You don’t need to watch 'Paris Je T’aime' to know that romance is kind of a big deal here.
1 Billion Rising
As a feminist from a very young age, I’m constantly frustrated and horrified by the treatment of women around the world. I’m not just talking about the horrendous rapes of women that have taken place in India and South Africa recently. I’m just as upset over the fact that the Violence Against Women Act in [...]
Saudi Royal Family Steps In to Keep Murderer/Rapist Imprisoned
The Saudi royal family has stepped into the middle of a torture/rape/murder case that stunned Saudi Arabia and the world. Reports abound that royals were "stung" by the outrage sparked by the case when it was reported that a well known...Show More Summary
Sunday Shopping
Back in July, I wrote about a debate going on regarding shops opening on Sundays. Outside of restaurants, coffee shops, and some grocery stores, most businesses here in Utrecht remained closed by law. Despite a referendum (with around 65% being opposed to Sunday openings), the city council voted this past Thursday to allow Sunday openings [...]
What exactly is going on in Mali?
As you read headlines and news stories from Mali, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Wordless Wednesday: Trial and Error
Tagged: architecture, photography, wordless wednesday, words
23 laws the US should adopt
These laws from around the world could be steps in the right direction for the United States.
In an obscure corner of France
This somber stone house, unfinished barns, and aging apple orchard were to be mine alone.
Saudi Arabia's Brand of "Justice"
When barely-out-of-his-teens Saudi poet and journalist Hamza Kashgari tweeted a few thoughts back in February of 2012 on the Prophet Mohammed’s birthday, the Saudi government hunted him down like a dog to bring him to justice. The young man fled Saudi Arabia but was extradited from Malaysia and returned to his country to await trial. Show More Summary
Bring Back that Monstrance!
You may remember reading about an art theft from a museum in Rotterdam last year. Well, this past week it was Utrecht’s turn to have a museum robbed. However, instead of famous paintings, this time it was a religious artefact stolen from the Catharijne Convent Museum. The museum is home to a number of religious [...]
Reprint From Blue Abaya: Saudi Arabia: Haven for Child Molesters, Wife Beaters and Child Killers?
Perhaps nothing in recent memory has provoked such an outcry of injustice from Saudi Arabia as this story. I talked about it a little bit in my last post and posted links from SaudiWoman and Omaima, who both wrote about this outrageous and unjust story. Show More Summary
A Whole New Spin on "WALL-MART"
I really try my best to present a balanced view of Saudi Arabia, but there are certain times when some issues just drive me batty. Gender segregation here is taken to such an extreme here that it tends to create many more problems than...Show More Summary
Union Jack in France?
It's more than just a flag -- it's a fashion icon.
Mad Traveler's Quick Look at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Toni Riethmaier, manager at the beautiful Il Villaggio Restaurant here in Jeddah, sent me this video which he had a hand in producing. It is a lovely short film shot around the city of Jeddah, showing the Corniche area which runs along the Red Sea coastline and the old part of Jeddah called Al Balad. Show More Summary
The Search for Expats and Their Pets
As we prepared for our move here to the Netherlands, I spent most of the time worrying about getting our pets into the country safe and sound. Two cats and a big dog required their own crates and their own multiple copies of paperwork, as well as a drive to another state so that we [...]
SAUDI ARABIA: Boredom + Lack of Activites = Unacceptable Behavior & Stupid Choices
A big problem that exists in Saudi Arabia is the lack of activities for the youth here. As a result, many young men end up creating their own forms of "fun." I felt sickened and angry when I saw this video of these young Saudi bullies who seemingly have no respect for others or the property of others.
India vs. New Jersey
It is normal to set a watermelon on fire. It is also normal to lie in a box of ultraviolet light.
8 Chinese idioms
Use of idioms is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture and language.
