The Life?

It's been a while since I've posted anything on here and I do apologize for that, so this is my attempt make up for lost time and to update you all (if there is anyone still reading this) what I have been doing for the last two months.

July
As you know from my previous post, July started on a high (with the end of my safari and trip to Egypt) and ended with a low (with what might be the stupidest accident ever). After my accident, I did fly to Florida to visit family, and go to the doctor (let's just say I have more confidence on the health care I could receive there). After about a week, I was back in walking shape and was able to enjoy the rest of my time with my family.

August
August started in Florida where I was able to attend the wedding of a dear friends of mine from KAUST. He got married in a beautiful ocean-view ceremony. After that, I had the adventure (or "dis" adventure) of a lifetime in trying to get back to Saudi. Turns out my original flight was canceled and because my tickets had been so cheap I had a terrible time trying to get anyone else to get me back to KSA in time. In the end, it took me almost 48 hours and I was only here for about four days before I was sent to Seattle.
I was in Seattle for almost 10 days and had a lovely time. I was representing the university at a conference (which between you and me was a complete waste of time) but at least I got to see some old friends and be away from Ramadan for a bit.

September
I arrive for the last 10 days of Ramadan. Which is the holy month of fasting in Islam. It was quite an experience. As KSA is the nexus of the Muslim faith, it means they run a pretty tight ship. As a result no one was allowed to be seen with food or drink during the day (whether you were fasting or not) and every single restaurant or food-selling establishment was closed during daylight hours. Suffice to say, that whether you were fasting or not, this was not the easiest time to be at KAUST but it provide another glimpse into a deeply religious society.
After Ramadan came Eid. I should explain that there are no real holidays in KSA, no long weekends (with the exception of one), so basically people take their own vacation time and the two Eid weeks. The first Eid is after Ramandan, a celebration of sorts. The other is during Haj, the pilgrimage. But anyway, there was Eid and me with nothing to do, so do I decide? "Let's go to Greece" and to Greece I went! I visited Athens, Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae and Corinth. I had an incredible time!
I returned for a week and was off again, this time to Oman for the long weekend. The one long weekend of the year, the occasion being 'Saudi National Day.' So what do I (and so many other expats) do? Leave Saudi. Oman was lovely. I highly recommend it for its cleanliness, friendly people and overall happy atmosphere.
And now October is here! Yikes, so much to do so little time...