I can feel my mind broadening...

Wow.

I know this is technically my 2nd full day in KSA, but it was really my first *proper* day. Had various meeting at the bank - which all went very well. We got to test the training side of stuff today, and that seemed to go well - which is obviously a relief.

I'm being very well looked after. The hospitality here is fantastic. It's really been a day of new experiences for me. Firstly, I've been out in The Heat. 45 degrees centigrade today. For a hick from damp Lincolnshire, that's flippin' hot. Well, for anyone I guess it's hot! But it's a really dry heat - there's something physical about it. And I've been told it'll get hotter into August. It's lovely to come inside to air consitioned buildings, even after just getting out of the car. Not walked anywhere yet. Don't think I will during the day either. It's just not done! I've started getting static shocks off things. Steve mentioned this - because the air is so dry, charges build up and don't dissipate through the moisture in the air (I think).

Had Turkish coffee for the first time this morning. Now, I like my coffee - but this was something else. I initially asked for no sugar - which was met with mild surprise and in went the sugar anyway. I can see why. But it was really good. Strongest coffee I've had - but really tasty. There'll be more of that getting drunk while I'm here...

Steve took me out for Korean food at lunch. Another first - and very, very nice. Spicy without being overpowering. I couldn't tell you the names of what I ate - but it was good! Apparantly, I'm being taken out for Lebanese food tomorrow night - which sounds really nice. I've been told not to eat much during the day because (and to quote) 'Lebanese food really embraces you'!

I'm letting Sarah down by not taking photos - but it's a bit difficult while trying to remain realtively professional and not turning into Twoflower out of the Discworld novels! I did mention it to Steve, and he warned me not to point the camera at any women - and I've read elsewhere that you also have to be careful not to take photos of government or military subjects.

Which brings us on to security. Tight doesn't cover it. On going into the bank (and the hotel), the cars are stopped and checked for - ahem - 'devices'. There are gun emplacements surrounding the bank. Security at the hotel is like going through an airport - bag scanned and you walk through a metal detector.

And some of the little things I'm noticing are strange. The birdsong is different. I've not seen a long shadow here - the sun is overhead fast so the shadows are short. It must rise & set quickly - at least it seemed to get dark fast tonight (unless I was just distracted. Must keep an eye on that tomorrow). Another little thing - they have the old style ringpulls on cans of drink!

Also, I had a really interesting chat with Nouf about Islam and the history of this land. About the similarities between different religions, rather than the differences. She told me (amongst other things) that according to tradition/history (take your pick) this is the land where Eve was 'born', and that she is buried at Jeddah. She has very kindly offered to take me to a museum on Thursday looking at the history of this area, and going into the sort of things we chatted about - I'm really looking forward to it.

It's really refreshing to talk to someone from such a different background and culture. We both know that we're conditioned to a certain extent by what we hear through our respective societies - but I certainly feel that being able to visit a place like this and talk to ordinary people here helps you 'step outside' a little.

I'd better go before I really start spouting drivel - but suffice to say I'm enjoying this for lots of reasons.

So, three days of training ahead. I'm comfortable with this now we've got an environment to train on (thanks to some last minute hard work from the chaps back at Dean Clough!). Looking forward to getting stuck in and hopefully delivering some good sessions. It's going to be yet another experience tomorrow. Certainly the most diverse group I'll have ever delivered training to...


An old style ring pull, earlier today...

(OK, I know it's a crap picture, but it's the only one I took today - I'm working!)