Hi'yall
There are people in Saudi Arabia that do not like Americans. This is fact! However, when you get here do not make the mistake of thinking cause you are American you are better than Saudi's or that you should be treated any better than others. I have been here on and off for 5 years. Our accents stand out, we look western and we act western. I am lucky as a gal many Saudi men do not dare to talk to me in public ( except pre-pubescent boys in malls). I wear an abbaya when out, cover my hair when needed. I can't drive and I am careful who I am seen with in public - especially male friends.
There is a feeling by some that we shouldn't be here, but this goes for all westerners. Without western or foreign workers this nation would not last long, y'll see what I mean when you get here.
Is it safe? Yes. Your not likely to get your bag or cell ripped from your arm, you will get wolf whistles and being a female the attitude by saudi's is we are cheap and want Saudi men ( how wrong). Some male friends have been abused verbally in public. Some have been told "go home Amereki". Just watch which area you visit. Most Americans do not go out in public much. Some tell people they are Canadian. The embassy website gives good advice. Read it.
The hospital system and the Red Crescent is not like home. Things are different. We cant change the system but we work here by choice, no one is forcing us to be here. The "we don't do that like this at home" attitude doesn't work here.
You make what you want of life here. You can drink, yu can dance, you can party (like adults boys-forget Xbox), you can travel, you can have a life albeit different to how we do it back home.
I work in a hospital these days not EMS. We have heavy security all around. The RC guys don't. They work all over the city, they visit undesirable neighborhoods, they don't have security or Police with them. How many have been attacked? None that I know. Do they wear stab vests like London? No. Do they feel threatened? No more than where they came from. People, relatives get emotional especially when there is a death involved, just like anywhere in the world. Hopefully maturity and experience will guide you.
Hey you will feel like home there are more Yukons, Caddie's, and Crown Vics here than stateside!
Think of it like a holiday resort that wasn't like the brouchure depicted. Not all is glossy believe me, but you make it what you want. If you have doubts dont make the trip. If you want a challenge you'll get it.
The helicopter looks great. It has landed at my hospital a few times for training by the look of it.
Time to go pack bags for Chrissy in Dubai.
Look up the word insh'alla.... you'll here it heaps
Its sort of the Saudi way of saying "whateva" although means god willing
