Screw Corporations

Why Are We Allergic to So Many Foods?

Exit visa -Iqama check?

Wedding is finally over so I  can finally be vocal about obtaining my exit visa. Today is July 13, 2011 and I am supposed to be on a plane to Washington D.C.

What happened?

So, yesterday I got some bad news. It’s official I wasn’t leaving on July 13, 2011. I don’t have an exit visa. This would not be a bit deal except that I’m supposed to be at work by the 14^th . Despite the fact that I have a Saudi passport, I can’t leave the country. I can’t leave the country because I can’t get an exit visa and ofcourse, I can’t get an exit visa because we have these different kind of Saudi passports that requires “approval” for asking for an exit visa; thus making the process that much more difficult. it’s already been two weeks since I asked for permission to get my exit visa and still no word. I was told that by Sat I should have it  except work is expecting me tomorrow and they have no idea what’s up.

So they require you to get an exit visa-ok fine. No big deal, right? Wrong. It requires time and you cant even start the process until you arrive in Saudi Arabia. It’s such bull because what if you’re here for only a week? Your totally screwed. Its been over 2 weeks and im screwed.  I don’t have an exit visa  and I can’t do anything about it. I just have to wait patiently and silently for the “men” in this country to do the work for me. And, I have no power and no exit visa because the Government of Saudi  is out to ruin my life? Ok fine, they could careless about me but still why the difficulty?? Who knows how long I’ll have to stay here!

You may think I exaggerate, but no. This happened to me before. Last year my dad somehow lured me into coming to Saudi Arabia. Fine. I came and  I intended to stay for a week. Make Umrah and visit Madinah. That week turned into a month and a half and all because of this  “exit visa” system they have for “special passport” holders. Oh, it was bad. I contemplated immolating myself. I hated my life.  

So anyway, I think I owe my boss  an email. Come Thursday morning, he’ll be expecting me in the office and I sure wont be there.  I’ll be here in Jeddah spending my mornings and evenings staring at the wall and counting sheep. I desperately wanted to go to Yemen but I can’t even go there and I most definitely  can’t even go to Egypt to visit friends. I can’t go anywhere! Just going to sit around here going grey hoping I don’t get fired. 

The atmospheric city of Old Jeddah

My sisters, Ben and I  all decided to go into "town". We arrived right before sunset.

Our driver, Ahmed, took us around with his car and gave us a mini tour of Albalad. Albalad, aka "old jeddah" is known to be the old and historic part of Jeddah and the “it” place for “local” shopping. It’s ancient decaying structures, history, diversity, and street art makes “Old Jeddah”/Albalad a promising colorful place.

Ahmed parked the car and we began to explore albalad by foot. While walking through the streets and alleyways, I saw a group of OLDer men, wearing the traditional white dress known as the “thob” sitting on a corner on the floor playing chess. It was beautiful. It was a Kodak moment but unfortunately I am a woman and I felt that it wouldn’t be wise if I snapped a photo. It’s not common that people go around taking photos let alone a woman. So when possible , I try to be discreet when snapping informal photos.

I continued to walk, exploring, chatting and sinking in Old Jeddah. It is so rich in beauty and history that a day visit is not enough. It’s facinating spirit made me enjoy Jeddah that much more. This is the Saudi that I enjoy and I shall return. But who knows when? will it be demolished? will they preserve old Jeddah ?