Saudi Summary

Been a bit rubbish at keeping a blog while I've been out here this time, but it's pretty much been work work work. Because of the +3 hour time difference here, I've been getting in from working here and in my head thinking it's 2 o'clock back in the UK - then checking emails and catching up on work until 5pm GMT (8pm KSA), then eating, then bed. Silly really, but that's sort of where my head was! Did have a couple of nights off, but I've been doing the silly tired/awake thing much more than last time I was over...

I've found Saudi as interesting as last time, however. I've been delivering the training at a new place - much nicer, but a longer drive out. That was pretty good, though, because it got me out of the centre of Riyadh and out into the equivalent of their suburbs (I guess). So different buildings, different things to see. As you turn off the main road leading out of Riyadh (King Fahad Road) and you look down it seems to just disappear into a haze and the desert. If (when?) I come again, I must try to arrange a trip out...

The training has gone really well. We've done good simplifying the way that the articles are posted to the site - many more smiling faces at the end of the days training this time than last. And we finished early most days as well. From a business point of view, it's been a very good visit.

Steve Shaw was kind enough to take us out for lunch today on the 77th floor of the Kingdom Centre. Amazing views over Riyadh - makes you realise how big this place is - and flat. THere are very few really tall buildings, but the city sprawls. Went up to the skybridge (99th floor) as well. Pictures to follow on my facebook account :) The food was great (Lentil and cumin cream soup, Red Snapper with marinaded peppers and a goregeous carrot cake). Good conversation over lunch - getting a Saudi view on Iran and the Israel/Palestine issue. Very interesting - and different from what we're fed by our media. Cautious optimism about Obama as well...

As we were chatting, what has struck me again is that there is so much to learn about this country and it's people. Then you pause, and think that this is probably true of so many cultures. We're missing so much.

Anyway, just finished packing. Plane is at 1:50 tomorrow morning. Thanks to the time diffrerence, that means I arrive at Heathrow at 5:45am. And then I have a 3 hour or so drive home. I can see lots of stops and lots of coffee. By the time I get home I will have been up and on the go for about 30 hours... Must try to grab a couple of hours kip on the plane, but I've always struggled sleeping on planes.

A bit sad to be leaving, but keen to get home...