Maybe you already know I’m in the Kingdom.  Not Magic, but “of Saudi Arabia.”  We’ve been in Riyadh for about a week, and I haven’t posted because the Internet here hates me.  I think it’s because I’m American.

Anyway.

What???!! Saudi Arabia??!!

You may recall that my husband’s family lives here and that he grew up here.  We’ll be leaving for Mecca/Medina in a few days to complete Umrah (like Hajj, but not), too.

I’m sure you have a lot of questions, and I have lots to write.  But until I’m assured of the safety of my laptop being plugged into the outlets here, you’ll have to wait.  My hair dryer has already been martyred to the cause.

In the meantime, here are answers to some questions you may have:

1. Yes, it was a long flight.  The kids did fine.  Other kids, however, did not do fine.  Oh, but my daughter did throw up and my husband made a flight attendant cry because she didn’t help me to his satisfaction.

2. No, I am not allowed to drive.  Which is a plus because it means I don’t have to drive.

3. Yes, I have to wear an abaya when I leave my home.  It’s the law.  But, what these people do not realize is that I look fantastic in black.  If they wanted people to not look at me, they should have picked lavender.  That’s never been a good color for me.

4.  No, it’s not hot with all that stuff on.  And you don’t know true liberation until you’ve left the house to go out to a dinner thrown by your mother in law’s friend without having washed your hair for three days.

5.  Yes, I’ve seen the movie Not Without My Daughter.

6.  Yes, I have access to my passport.  And my kid’s passports.

7.  Yes, that last question was kind of offensive seeing as how she went to Iran, I am in Saudi and my husband is not a crazy person.

So, I hope that answers at least some of your questions.  I have lots more to tell you.

Riyadh, for example, is a stunning city.  It’s one of the most beautiful and aesthetically pleasing places I’ve ever seen.  Mostly because there’s either a palace or a fifty story shopping mall on every corner.

And, oh, there are lots of thoughts in my head that I’m sure will be of interest to you, too.

Anyway, I miss you Internet, and while I’d say “I wish you were here”, you sort of are, aren’t you?

(I’m also sorry for not being a better commenter of late.)

(And for not using spell check or grammar check on this post).