Freedom in the form of Budapest and Vienna

So this past week I got a much needed taste of freedom, and did a little traveling. One of my desert friends (a Kiwi that I work with) found cheap tickets to Budapest last month, and had been counting down the days till our vacation began. We worked our regular 3 shifts and then had a 3am flight to Cairo. We were scheduled to have a 6 hour lay-over in Cairo, so we hoped on a 3 hour city tour to see the sights!! Was a great idea- went to the pyramids, the sphinx, drove thru the city, and ended with a tour of a local perfumery. I am scheduled to go back to Egypt in November when an old traveling friend of mine will be meeting me there, and I can't wait to get back!!

We then had a shorter flight into Budapest. I have really got to do something about this fear of flying- meds seem to help a little, but I'm pretty sure my travel companions do not like to have to hold my hand. I'm also pretty sure that my death grip on the arm rails while rocking back and forth praying might make other passengers nervous. Anyone know of a good hypnotist in Saudi Arabia??

We arrived in Budapest safe and sound, and checked into a small hostel on the Pest side of the city. People on this side of the Danube were not so friendly (maybe they thought we were American?? Just kidding!) We did have a delicious meal that 1st night, and some great wine- so rudeness really didn't matter anyways!

The Opera House in Budapest

St Stephen's Basilica

Inside the Basilica

View of the Parliament from the Danube

After 2 nights in Budapest we traveled by train to Vienna.

Vienna was lovely- the people so friendly- going out of their way to give us directions. The weather was less than ideal though. We went from temps in the 40-50C in Saudi to 15-20C in Vienna. It was cold, windy, and rainy. We made the best of it- and tried to stay dry!

Schonbrunn Palace

After 2 days in the cold and rain we headed back to Budapest. We checked into a lovely boutique hotel, and the weather was perfect. We toured the Castle District and went for a dip in the Gellert Baths.

It's funny the things I took for granted before I lost my freedom in this desert. I miss walking outside- here its too hot, and there aren't sidewalks conducive to walking. I miss wearing a sweater, sitting at a cafe, drinking wine. I miss the change of season, being able to take photos without the fear of being yelled at. Prior to this trip I bought a new camera, and I had a great time playing with it, and trying the numerous settings it has. It took amazing night shots- here are a few of the Danube river in Budapest:

So after a week away I brought something back that I wish I hadn't- a damn summer cold. Have been off sick the last 2 nights. On a work note- someone decided that after nearly 4 months of being here I was competent enough to be left in charge of the unit?? I am proud to report that everyone was alive and kicking when my shifts were over- phewww!!!

I'm a big girl now!!!

And I'm not talking about size!! I have finally graduated, and conquered the city of Riyadh on my own (well not totally alone- with my trusty Indian sidekick driver name Chandoo). Today I ventured out solo- in the midst of Ramadan, with my hair uncovered, blowing provocatively in the air!! 1st stop- the Canadian Embassy to have a visit with the notary. 2nd stop- the grocery store where an elderly Saudi lady approached me and said "Salaam Aalaykom" to which I replied "Hello." My Arabic is coming along quite slowly as the majority of the patients at work speak English. When put on the spot any words I do know fly out of my head- and English is all I can get out! 3rd stop- the purchase of a very overdue new camera. So looking forward to using it in Budapest and Vienna this coming weekend!!

On a travel note- my dear dear pal Jen is coming to see me on the Middle East in a months time- we are meeting in Jordan, and planning on traveling up to Syria and over to Beirut if all goes according to plan. This will mean I have a visit to the Syrian Embassy in the next couple weeks to look forward to! Also just booked my ticket for Sri Lanka at the end of October- let the traveling begin!!!!!

The Path

So the other day while at one of the local bookstores I stumbled into the game section and made an amazing discovery!!! I found the Muslim version of the game of Life called "The Path." So last night we pulled it out and gave it a go, and let me 1st say it did not disappoint!!!

The premise of the game is similar to the game of Life. You get a career, get a house, a car, get married (only once), and have as many children as possible. The rule guide said that "raising good Muslim children counts towards winning the game, so you want to have as many as possible." Mom- I am happy to report that on "my path" I was very fertile and you would have more than enough grandchildren to be happy!!! The game was amazing- the car choices ranged from camel to BMW. The houses from a ti pee to a houseboat (hardly useful in the desert) to mansions. Oh and you got prizes for shopping and countries visited!! Great way to pass a Thursday night!! This is what a winning card might look like:

And this might be a losers card AKA my card:

Nursing Lingo

Work is a very interesting environment- often with many different nationalities working together. On my floor we have Canadians, Americans, Australians, Kiwi's, Filipinos, Czechs, South Africans, Jordanians, Egyptians and Saudis. This can make communication quite interesting. Phrases that I took for granted can mean different things- or nothing at all depending on where one is from. For instance vital signs are referred to as "obs." Report is called "hand over." My personal favourite is something that I didn't think could really be called anything else. BM or "bowel movement" (for those non-nurses out there) is referred to as "bowel motion", BO does not refer to body odour but "bowels open" or BA "bowel action." I pretty much giggle like a school kid every time someone says any variation of these phrases.

Ramadan

So the holy month of Ramadan is upon us. For the next month (according to the Hijri calendar) Muslims will fast through the day and break fast after the evening prayer. People will be working much shorter hours, and those not working will be awake all night and sleep during the day. Non-Muslims must be respectful and inconspicuous. Chewing gum or candies is not allowed. Drinking and eating must be done out of eye sight. Restaurants will be closed during the day. Stores and malls will open after the evening prayer and stay open until 2 or 3am. It is said that the religious police (Mutawa) will be out in greater force, and western women should not leave their compounds with there hair uncovered. Luckily, I am going on leave for a week during this time- and am counting down the days!! I am heading to Budapest and Vienna in 17 days and counting!!!!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle- NOT

Growing up in Canada we recycled everything- seriously everything. My mom was anal that soup cans be cleaned and put in the metal recycle bin, and the paper label into the paper bin. Plastic sandwich bags were washed out and reused. Very specific. Here, not so much- or really not at all. Recycling does not exist in any form. Everything gets thrown out. I feel like a small part of me dies every time I throw a soda can or water bottle out. Often times things don't even make it into the garbage. At work it is not uncommon for a patient to simply throw their things on the floor- even when a garbage can is like a foot from the bed. Weird. I sort of raise my eye brows and say "OK then" and turn and walk away. I have to remember that employing servants is very common here, and I suppose maybe at home a persons garbage is picked up off the floor, and placed into the garbage by someone else? Different culture- different cultural norms.

Picnicking- Saudi Style

So last night while on the way to a compound party we passed a bunch of cars pulled over on the side of the highway, and there appeared to be groups of men laying out on carpets (possibly magical) and eating. It was like 10:30 at night, and an odd time for a picnic. Oddly, you see this all over the city, usually once the sun has gone down. Families or groups of men will set up picnics at the side of the road/ highway, or under an overpass, lay down a carpet and eat/ hang out. Kinda odd. I'll have to ask one of the Saudi's at work about this. There are very few parks in the city- so I guess this is the next best local?