There are so many things that we take for granted in the states, and after 4 months away, I got very comfortable there, so upon my return, I feel somewhat like I'm starting all over again. I've already forgotten to carry wipes with me and tissues. This is a big must here, especially with a little girl. Most bathrooms here do not have toilet paper, so you have to always be prepared! It's one of the little things that always gets you! Most all bathrooms have a sprayer for emergencies, but it's always good to have the tissue on hand. With the sprayers though comes the wet floors, and with a full length abaya -well...YUCK! So I also have learned the art of tying the abaya into a knot at my knees.
With the bathroom issue, there is also the problem of traditional "western" toilets versus Saudi toilets. No one explained this to me when we arrived, so it was certainly a shock. Many places, the mall, the schools, the airport and especially in "old" Yanbu or downtown do not have "western" style toilets that you sit on in abundance. Instead, they have what we refer to as "Saudi" toilets, and as you can see from my picture, they present a challenge, especially for a 3 year old! You have to search each stall when entering the WC to find the right potty and then break out the wipes to take care of things. Then I always have the fun experience of trying to explain the whole "Saudi" potty to a 3 year old and why she can't use one - or sit on the floor to go.
Other things to get back in the habit of - always check the dates on meat at the store and make sure the freezer or cooler is on with the meat in it. In addition, dates on milk and dairy products must be compared and checked. Pick up the abaya when on stairs, wrap the scarf so your neck and chest are fully covered. Make sure to take the produce to the bagger for pricing before going to the counter to pay. For my husband, it's the same way. We've been traveling and were used to holding hands in public, a simple touch or hug on the shoulder, things we don't even give a second thought to. He tries to help me by letting me know when my scarf is falling or if I'm showing too much skin. He has to walk slower because I inevitably will trip on my abaya at least 3 times in any outing.
There are so many little things and daily routines to remember, that it all takes me around a week or so to get my brain back on track. Yet another reason this is truly an adventure for our family!