Sarah- CP5

Sumayah asked me to meet her at Tom Brown Park by the playground for this week's meeting. As I expected, she came with her whole troupe in tow. Her husband (Who I found out is also her cousin. How different our cultures are!) was in charge of Talla and Rital, ages 5 and 3, and Sumayah kept baby Layal with us while we talked. Did I mention how much hair that baby has on her head!? It's like she's wearing a little baby wig! She is adorable, but was a little cranky yesterday, I think because it was so hot outside.

Although I don't think we "click" very well, as it is hard to keep conversation going sometimes, Sumayah and I had a great conversation yesterday. I love asking my conversation partners what the hardest thing was about adjusting to life away from home. But because I already found out all these answers, I thought I'd ask what Sumayah thought I would struggle with most if I moved to Saudi Arabia. At first she said that she thinks it would be hard for Americans because there is no alcohol allowed in the country. You can't bring it through customs, even if you aren't Muslim. Although this would be a huge bummer, I don't think that would stop me from moving there. So I asked what some other hard things would be for me. She said that I wouldn't be allowed to drive a car there, and that I would find this extremely difficult. Initially, I thought she'd underestimated me, because I love not having a car, and walking / bike riding / using public transportation. But then it sunk in: I wouldn't be allowed to drive a car. I asked how on earth she manages something like that, and she said that most of the wealthier families have a driver for the females. She said the drivers are often Indonesian or some other specific nationality that I don't remember. I find this amusing because it plays a bit into some of the stereotypes we are always trying to avoid here. But anyway, in the end, I had to agree with her that not being allowed to have a driver's license and drive a car would infuriate me. Not only because of the inconvenience, but more so just my anger at the idea that women don't have the right to drive.

I am no feminist, and I consider myself extremely open minded to different cultures and traditions no matter how wildly different. But I must admit, This one got me a bit worked up. Fortunately, Sumayah seemed to agree with me. In fact, so did her husband. They both spoke to me about a movement in Saudia Arabia for women's rights, and how so much has changed already. For instance, it used to be illegal for women to hold any jobs other than a teacher (and only that because girls and boys go to different schools). But now, because of progress and activists, women can work at a bank, or wherever else, and even start their own companies.


Not only was the conversation enlightening and intriguing, but she also brought snacks! I sampled some Middle Eastern coffee which was delicious, and some kind of cheesecake goodness straight from heaven itself. She made it up herself and explained it for me, so that I can attempt a recreation later. I was so pleased, that she's insisting on making a main coarse meal for me next time. I am in charge of the tea, which I know nothing about of course. Help and advice is always appreciated! I can't wait until next time!