First days at the University

The trip into Jeddah on Wednesday went better than I imagined it would. After the long flight, I was escorted by a gentleman who brought me to the front of the custom check-in lines and helped me with my baggage.

I was not searched, questioned, or hassled in any way.

Since that night, I've walked around and discovered that it takes me about 15 min. to get to the grocery store and my workplace. And while my house is not on the water, as some, I am a couple of minutes from the town square, university, and gym. Yay! The architecture is phenominal here, especially at the university! The photos displayed are of the mosque on a canal right behind my house and the walk toward the Red Sea, which takes about five minutes. The mosque is huge and this is just the side that faces my house. I'll post more photos soon!

Yesterday we started orientation at the school, which officially starts Aug. 28 (during Ramadan). It's exciting to meet so many people who come from so many different places.

I made it to Jeddah on Friday. We went to the mall of Arabia. I didn't have to cover my head, but most women were covered or fully veiled. It was a great experience to see different cultures and stores, as well as many familiar places, like Starbucks. The mall of Arabia has an amusement park and ice skating rink. We experienced a couple calls to prayer; when shops close and people stop for a half an hour. Many women crowded into the large, ornately tiled bathroom, some praying, some eating, and many adjusting their veils. The whole trip was much less intimidating than I thought it would be. The people here are really gorgeous and gracious.