Sober Saudi

Every major player in this world has someone they can turn to whenever they want to feel better about themselves; a younger, acne-prone step-brother of sorts… Switzerland has the EU, China has the World, the United States has Mexico (just kidding amigos!), and Saudi Arabia has the Kingdom of Bahrain.  Being California born-and-bred living in [...]

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Tonight I attended my first Royal Ball, on National Saudi Day, hosted by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques (and now KAUST); King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.  The official event, the KAUST Inauguration Ceremony. I have never felt better (or cooler for that matter) being so insignificant in my entire life, if you [...]

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If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard the President of our school say “pioneers,” “adventurous,” or “The KAUST Family” in his speeches I’d probably have enough money to endow the next KAUST Project myself… “KAUST 2: Beirut.”  It rings like a new season of The Real World, I like it already. I [...]

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Every culture has their own way of saying “I Don’t Know.”  Saudi Arabia is no exception to the rule.  Some cultures are direct, while others are evasive.  Some people are humble, while others too proud.  Then there are those cultures that have clearly out-thought the rest of us, putting matters directly into the hands of [...]

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The other day, eating lunch in the cafeteria I noticed an unfamiliar face sitting next to me.  At a table full of Mexicans, I assumed the same of this student until he spoke up only to find out that he was in fact Lebanese.  Since Ramadan began, it’s been a menial task recognizing the non-fasting [...]

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