November 21, 2007 - Houston, Texas

"Three cities. Two weeks. One lifetime."
~ Doug Hoffman

Ahlan. Marhaba. Hala. Hello.
Assalam'alaikoom. May peace be with you.

Saudi Aramco is one of the largest oil producers in the world. Owned by the Saudi Royal Family and having an affiliate office in Texas, in 2004 the company began taking 25 U.S. educators to visit Saudi Arabia twice a year with the purpose of experiencing regional culture, education, and industry. After three days of gaining background information in Houston, tonight we leave for Saudi Arabia.

As the holy land of Islam, Saudi Arabia does not allow tourist visitors into the country, unless one is on direct invites from an oil company (Saudi government) or going on the Haji (pilgrimage to Mecca). This was my initial draw for applying to the Educators to Saudi Arabia Program.

I have few expectations, but many questions.
+ How does Saudi Arabia get along with its neighboring countries?
+ With an unemployment rate around 23%, why does Saudi Arabia employ so many American citizens?
+ What is it like to be a woman in Saudi Arabia?