The flight was long but good. For anyone traveling here please note that if you have a connection in JFK you will need to go to the Saudi Airlines ticket counter to check in again. I didn't know this and it was very confusing. Total travel time was around 27 hours but we made it and Abby actually slept for a majority of the trip.
Customs was nerve racking as well. I didn't know whether to cover my hair or what to do. I did change into my abaya before landing. My first taste of Saudi Arabia :) customs was actually rather easy. They checked my passport and asked where Chuck was. When I planned on getting our igamas. Stamped it and let me pass. Very simple compared to all that I had imagined. And finally a quick reunion with my hubby!
Because of Saudi law we couldn't hug at the airport so once we were in the car we said a proper hello but it was hard. After months of not seeing him I had to say hi. Not even a peck or able to hold hands. Abby was able to make up for me though :)
Then into the 3 hour drive to Yanbu through the desert. Every few miles there were these carnivals that were up year round. Small amusement parks with rides. Thank goodness Abby didn't notice them :). We did see camels on the way and sand. Lots and lots of sand.
Our house was waiting, rather empty. Chuck waited until I arrived to buy anything so we had a lot of shopping to do. He had to work the first day we were here but he came home to check on us throughout the day. I started unpacking and settling in.
The second day we went shopping. Wow! You have to plan the trips between prayers and not knowing what there was or where things are in the store it was a challenge. Then Abby wanted McDonald's (yes they have it here) so Chuck left me alone in the store. And yes I was terrified. Thankfully I met my first expat who I'd been talking to all these months. We made it through just before prayer and I was able to window shop a bit :)
Then into the grocery store. Another Wow!! Walmart has nothing on Panda! People pushing and in a hurry (again in between prayers) and me lost as all get out! Chuck went to the checkout and Abby and I sat outside.
While we were there Abby was kissed several times by Saudi women and I was blessed by one who wanted to touch my hair. It's different but not so much. People are people and their culture is just different from ours. We get a lot of stares as a family but more curious I think. Blonde hair and blue eyes are not really prevalent here. Ladies and kids want to touch or hug Abby and some have asked to take pictures. We're the minority by far.
We have had some outings and I'm slowly meeting more and more people. We've been to a bonfire on the beach at one of the compounds and Abby was able to run and play with kids. She had a blast and it felt 'normal' for a bit. We had dinner at 2 different houses (Pizza hut pizza and hot dogs) which was nice and we were able to get out. Last night we went to the park and then Baskin Robbins fire ice cream and some more window shopping (hit prayer time again). Ice cream is just as good here by the way!
After a week the house is finally somewhat together and now it's time to start a routine. A lot of adjusting on all our parts and getting a new normal in place. But all in all ... Here we are!!!