[VIDEO] My Expat Life in Saudi Arabia…

Living in Saudi Arabia is definitely different than living in the United States. People are always interested in what is going on in this country. I think it’s because the country is a closed door to most of the outside world. Saudi Arabia does not care about your tourist dollars, and seemingly, they don’t want it. You can not get a tourist visa to Saudi Arabia, unless you’re a Muslim going for Hajj. I think that is why there is such a strong curiosity.

When people find out I live there they ask me, “What do I do?”

Well…this video answers that question.

Happy Viewing!!

[youtube]http://youtu.be/a9U9lYp5pvs[/youtube]

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About Terri Lundberg

Terri Lundberg is an American expat currently residing with her husband in Saudi Arabia, but she calls Seattle and San Diego home. She’s a travel writer, an avid photographer and is a resource and cross cultural trainer to expats relocating to Saudi Arabia. She's been to 100 destinations, 30 countries, and counting.

Comments

  1. OK, Miss Terri – I think you are living the life that I aspire to. Great video but I have a few more questions if you don’t mind.

    When you say you live on the Compound, what does that mean?
    When you say you missing driving, is that because it is illegal for women to drive there or you haven’t bothered with the car hire thing?
    What is it like for a black female living in Saudi, as opposed to just being a foreigner?
    Last but not least – do you have a spare room for a sister??

    Thanks and keep having fun with that slower pace of life 🙂

    • Hello Victoria. 🙂 I have a good life, but remember with all things in life, there is the good with the bad. In regards to your question regarding what it’s like being a black female versus other foreigners. I can not speak to other groups as I would be making assumptions, I can only speak to my experience. What I can say is that my experience interacting with Saudi’s has been mostly positive. It’s usually other expats, typically Americans (of course) when it comes to the racism or offensive comments. Women are not allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia. If my husband doesn’t drive me than I hire a taxi.

  2. umm yara says:

    great positive video!way to go. and like you i use the “lady of leisure” answer. after working all my life now is the time to just chillax.loving it!

  3. Hi,
    I’m Muslim Saudi girl and I’m Studying dentistry.
    You are welcome in Saudi.
    I found one of your vedios suddenly when I was searching in YouTube.
    I want clarify somethings for you:
    Regarding Abayah. I wear Abayah and cover my face when there are men other than my relatives and my husband if I get marriage in future. This completely not a tradition or being enforced by someone to wear it. I wear Abayah and cloak my face because my religion orders that and I’m very proud and comfort. It is a symbol of purity and chastity.

    Islam raised the status of women, if you want to know how I will tell you. The condition of women in Islam is different from what media trying to represent or other people saying.

    Regarding racism, Islam denies any differences between people except in their faith. The best one is who has a greatest faith.

    You can ask me what ever you want. I have twitter account, if you want to contact me through it
    Feel free.
    Have a great day.

  4. I just want to say I love your videos and your outgoing spirit! I just stumbled upon your blog and it’s soooo interesting! Please keep making videos about life in the middle east.

  5. Rebecca J says:

    I’ve stumbled across your blog whilst googling for info about being an expat woman in KSA. My husband and I are considering a move there (Dharhan) from the UK and I’ve found your blog reassuring! We have two very young children so lots to consider. Thank you for writing/filming about your experiences. Many people think I’m mad to even consider such a move, and it was also my initial reaction, but the more I read the more I think it’ll be good for us, although not without its challenges I’m sure!

    • Hello Rebecca,

      A lot of families like it here. I actually think if you have children to keep you busy that helps with the adjustments. For me it’s just my husband and myself, and their are few younger couples without children.

    • Shana brown says:

      I wanted to know how was compound living in Sadi? My husband got a job offer for a year but don’t know if me and kids should go? Do they have things for kids to do and what about school for children? Do they have church? If I go what should I pack? Thank you for your help.

Trackbacks

  1. […] me sharing what I “do” all day, and what my life is like. You can check it out here: http://www.blackchickontour.com/video-my-expat-life-in-saudi-arabia/. So…there you go. That’s all I got. Take Care and […]