Embracing the Saudia Culture

March 8,2013 5:25pm Qatar airways took off from Manila Philippines carrying 3 passengers who decided to face a new life in a new land.

My Pedia friend Dr. G. Ramirez and her husband send us off.  I never felt indifferent, it was just like any other travel we had together except that we are not on a leisure trip and not coming back soon.

Qatar Airways' Meal Serving

Glecy, my colleague told me that Qatar Airways serves delicious food. So I was anticipating and I wasn't disappointed, except that the dessert does not fit the menu. I am no food critic but I don't think that "Maja Blanca(coconut pudding)" fits a seafood and pasta entree (pan seared fillet of dory with chunky tomato sauce and penne pasta in herb cream sauce plus buttered vegetables). This was concluded with brewed coffee.

Boarding Gate 3 going to Gassim

We arrived in Qatar airport 10pm and we have to stay there for 3 hrs since the connecting flight is at 1:25am. Still the same no significant changes felt since Qatar is an open country.

Then as we near boarding time women wearing Abayas (black overcoats) with black Hijab/ Tarha ( the hair cover) and face cover came flooding in. We were not planning to change since we were advised that only in Gassim Airport that one needed to be in Abaya. However, it felt different when everyone is looking at you as if you are the odd one out. So, my daughter and I decided to change. After a few minutes we were already strutting Qatar airport clad in all black fashion ( this is optional for first timers, all one needed is an abaya and a tarha of any color will do). Abaya is available in the Philippines in Quiapo at a cheaper price but if you are not used to going to Quiapo you can get one from Greenhills at the price of 1500 php.

The travel to Gassim took 2 hours. We arrived at 3am, contrary to expected the line is not separated by gender, couples and families stay together. It was not very strict after all but be prepared to wait since Saudi nationals were given priority. After an hour at the immigration we were fetched by Al Flaiw Van driven by Khaleed a Saudi Citizen (Only employers are allowed to fetch at the airport).

Take note that when someone tries to help you on your bagagge(porters) say no if you don't want to pay 20SAR. Do not take their insistence as kindness. They will just grab your baggage.

The travel from Gassim airport to our flat took 30 minutes. The flat provided for us is fully furnished and the refrigerator was stocked. Insaallah! At least it contains the basic necessities to survive a day or two in a place where you don't know where the bakala (store) is.

We did a bit of unpacking then went off to sleep.We woke up at  9 am feeling dizzy and hungry. I prepared instant noodles which we brought from the Philippines and coffee. Good thing I also brought an electric kettle :)

Kabsa: Saudi's traditional dish

12nn ( 6 pm Philippine time ) our doorbell rang. It was Dra. Raquel, her husband Arthur and their son Sebastian. They brought our lunch courtesy of our employer it's a Kabsa ( Rice ,Pasta, Chicken )

I felt so comfortable and blessed to have an employer who knows the needs of the people. And so we had a hearty lunch.

I have to rest some more since I am anticipating that I might start clinic that afternoon eventhough I was praying that this day be spared.

My phone rang, it was my employer and he said he will pick me up at 3 pm so I prepared. He told me he will bring  me to Al Khabra Clinic. It was a Saturday and its the first day of the week in Saudi Arabia just like a Monday in any part of the world. My employer arrived at 3:15pm on board a White Tahoe. He introduced me to Analiza a nurse who will be my assigned nurse assistant and travel buddy to Al Khabra everyday.

The clinic was flooded with Men in White and Women in Black. I was not culture shocked, somehow I was expecting this. Buraidah is a very conservative city and Al Qassim is strict than Riyadh, Jeddah or Dammam. In any other place in Saudi, expats/foreigners/non muslims like me are not obliged to wear a face cover, just an abaya but here in Buraidah women are completely covered.

The clinic where I will stay is complete and with ultrasound. I can say doctors are very spoiled here, everything that you will need is anticipated and provided. The only challenge I will face is speaking the Arabic Language. So far having decided to go here seems to be a right choice.