For the next two years, I will be traveling throughout the middle east with home base in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. While pursuing a Master’s Degree in Engineering at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), I will make an attempt through this website to keep friends and family in the loop with interesting stories, experiences, and pictures of the new life I lead as they arise.
Bare with the inconsistent entries, as those of you who know me (or have traveled with me) know that I’m a much bigger fan of living life than recording it.
Enjoy. Comment. Don’t Complain About The Heat.
-Eric.
Congrats Eric!!!! We are all soooo proud of you!
Your blog popped in my rss reader somehow, and I really love it.
First of all, welcome to Saudi. Its funny how this goes, an American coming to Saudi for a Masters degree, and I, a Saudi is going to the US for one too
Been hearing a lot of buzz about KAUST and how awesome it is. But its great that I can get true insights and opinions straight from the horse’s mouth
Subscribed
Welcome أهلاً و سهلاُ ya Eric to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
Did you think before that one day you’ll come to Saudi Arabia for any reason,
I really wish you a nice, joyful, great,……..etc ^_^ time here in your second country.
If you need any help Pls. let me know:
a.a.g-07@hotmail.com
Best Wishes,
Quick-E-mart,
What’s going on man? Long time no talk. I saw your bro the other day, and he told me to check out your blog. So here I am. I just wanted to say what’s up and see how you are doing. Have fun over there man. Take care,
-Belch
hey Eric!
its really you are so welcome in Saudi Arabia i wish u the best
aright ,,, have a good one !
hi eric, enjoyed the blog, thanx v much, was looking for info on kaust & the flood & there it was.. spent 3 months there this summer, its a special place, enjoy, look fwd to future posts, r u tweeting also?
hey lina, not tweeting, but glad you’re enjoying the site.
Hi Eric,
somehow i came across your blog and warm welcome you in Saudi Arabia. Hope you get what you came for.
I am at the east cost of Saudi in a city called Jubail Industrial City where most of the petrochemical industries lies.
In case you had chance to visit this region, please call me to explore around Jubail, Dammam, Al-Khobar.
Goodluck.
Aref, I will definitely hold you to this. Maybe even as soon as a few months from now. Thanks again. Enjoy.
Hi Eric,
I’m living at KAUST, with my wife who is the Head Librarian at the KAUST Schools. I’m a ‘retired’ Engineer, Photographer etc.
I’m working a bit on helping people at KAUST communicate with each other. See KCOMM.INFO aka KaustCOMMunityINFO on the web.
One thing I think we’re missing is the personal touch and the personal stories and observations from Students, such as your great blog. You are very articulate and have a perspective that’s, (um, I was going to say ‘refreshing’ but that’s too Dorky…) YouKnowWhatIMean…
WhatIf I linked to your (and some other) Blogs on kcomm.info?
I know enough never to ask permission from KAUST, but YOU might have to ask for Forgiveness??
Whatcha Think??
Regards, Terry King ..On the Red Sea at KAUST
terry@terryking.us
Terry, sounds good! Check your email!
first of all welcome in Saudi Arabia,,
Have fun as much as you can.
umm.. I like you blog, keep it on..
I wish you can visit other cities like Makka, Al-madena,Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, and Alkhoubr. Also , visit UAE, KWT, and Oman.
may I take KAUST’s pics for my presentation ?
best wishes
Mashael
hello, i appreciate the comment, and hope to visit more of the kingdom in the next 6 months. feel free to use the pictures. let me know how the presentation goes!
thank you brother,,
and my presentation was amaizing : )
This is a cool site Eric
Remi
Hey Eric,
Cool web
Question
How much is your monthly stipend?
Love reading and catching a glimpse of what you are doing. Thanks to you I now make hummus and fattuosh every week!
eric u seem like u wud kno about the private beaches of jeddah, can u tel me exactly where they are? how far ahead after the public beach area on south obhur (just after nakheel…) im looking for a nice PRIVATE beach to go to with my skool frends..we are mixed company.
very much enjoyed the blog… I am moving to KAUST in August as a research assistant and over the past weeks I have been trying to mine the blog-o-sphere about SA and the university to try to get an idea of what I have gotten myself into! Cheers, I hope the other KAUSTians are as lighthearted as you
Oh wow, another Gaucho!
It seems like you already graduated. It would have been so interesting to meet you..
I was told by my adviser that two UCSB mechanical engineering students went off to study at KAUST, I don’t know if you were one of them
Hey Maya, yes I’ve already graduated; but I’m happy to hear that another Gaucho is on the way. I’m in Saudi though, when are you coming?
I’m already at KAUST now, but just for the summer.. I’m doing research in chemistry at the moment. I already have a full scholarship to attend UCSB for my bachelor’s degree and then do my grad work at KAUST. I just finished my first year, so I have a long way to go.
Is there any type of student databases or student life offices to meet students who graduated from UCSB?