12 things you probably didn't know about Saudi

1.     Tissues for everything! At work and at people’s homes, everyone uses tissues after they wash their hands. They also use tissues during meals in place of napkins

2.     Sock it up. Badr’s sisters and mom and aunt told me I need to wear socks or I’ll get sick. I don’t like wearing socks in the summer but they say the tile will make my feet too cold

3.     What’s your number? When Saudi’s give you their number, instead of saying “050-222-1688” they will say “050- triple two- 16 double 8” 

4.     Perfume me. Saudi’s LOVE perfume and cologne. I constantly walk past people and find myself in a cloud of good smell. I don’t know how they manage to make it that strong but it’s really nice

5.     Can I try this on? Saudi malls and stores do not offer dressing rooms. The common knowledge is that you buy the item, try it on in the bathroom, and return it if it doesn’t fit

6.     It’s a boy! If you have a baby, YOU are the one who brings treats to work. A guy I work with had a baby and he brought a big dish of nice chocolates for us to enjoy

7.     Cats rule and dogs drool. Saudi mostly don’t like dogs. They are either deathly afraid of them or just think that they are dirty. Cats are the animal of choice

8.     Where do I park my car? I have yet to see a garage here. People park outside under a tent like cover

9.     Let’s go to the gym. Everything is separate here. Gyms are entirely men or entirely women. They don’t even have separate floors. Just “Men’s Gym” or “Women’s Gym”

10. Where’s the kitchen? Most kitchens are entirely closed off. In the States, the kitchen is open usually to the living room. Here, the kitchen is closed off by a door. I think it is because the smell of food is unwanted in the living room and the rest of the house. My kitchen is a unique exception

11. I’m starving. Dinner on a school night is frequently served at 10 pm. During Ramadan when everything is done at night, it is normal to eat dinner at 1 a.m. and then sleep until 3 or 4 p.m.

12. Can I have water? At restaurants here, when you order water, you pay for it. It comes in a plastic or glass bottle. I usually order soda because it is CHEAPER than water