A missive from the desert...

Sarah asked me last night if I was going to blog this trip like I did the last.

Don't see why not, really - although I don't think this one will be as interesting somehow...

The flight over yesterday was fine. Unlike last time, it was a direct flight - so no rushing through airports to make sure I get a connecting flight. Movies were poor - watched Death Race as I hadn't seen it. Hadn't missed much. What was of passing interest was the blurring out of any visible cleavage/midriff.... Was also amused at the dubbing - though that's not directly down to the Saudi influence. Good to hear that 'monkey lovin' is still being used instead of good old 'mf'...

And the food was actually quite nice. Lamb curry type thing. And salad that was still crunchy. Win.

Had a nice thing happen when I landed as well. I had been told I was going to be met. All well and good. But what I didn't realise was that it was to be met as I got off the plane. I was whisked ahead of *huge* lines at immigration, visa stamped and waiting for my bags all within 5 minutes of getting of the plane. I liked that :)

Was met by Tariq, the chap who drove me about last time, and got to the hotel at a decent time. Didn't go to bed until quite late, though, thanks to KSA being 3 hours ahead, and just not being tired...

Got up well after 9am (read 6am GMT), so by the time I'd staggered about, showered and dressed I'd missed breakfast. So I decided to get on with some work (even though Friday is the Saudi Sunday), then wander down to the Atrium for something to eat & drink.

Last time I was here, I didn't really venture outside my hotel room (I know, I know) - but I spent a really pleasant hour or so reading, watching the world go by and eating a rather nice minced lamb in lebanese flatbread thing. With a big glass of iced tea.

I'll probably end up doing a bit more work tonight, 'cos I'm like that. But it's been a fairly chilled day.

The obligatory 'shot from my hotel room window' photo...