Yesterday I had a fantastic day – thanks everyone for your birthday wishes! This was my fourth birthday in a row in the Arab world – first two were in Syria, the third in Libya, and the fourth here in Saudi Arabia!
Since my birthday fell on a Thursday (which is during the weekend over here), I was able to relax at the compound. It was another gorgeous day – sunny skies, 100 degrees – we played some pool volleyball in the afternoon, then had a BBQ in the evening.
Local Saudis, at least in this part of the country, don’t actually celebrate birthdays. In fact, here it’s considered “haram” or shameful. So much so that even the word ‘birthday’ in our English textbooks has been blacked out! Here is a photo of a page from our course book:
Life on the compound, however, is rather different… it’s a small western bubble in the middle of the desert – and we put on a great party! There was plenty of food, friends, music and even some dancing by the end of the night! There was even a cake (…which I made!) – Betty Crocker’s super moist chocolate cake – only just the best cake mix mankind has ever created!
Here are a few photos from the party. I’ve posted more on my “photos” page… just click here. Enjoy!
Nigel of Arabia 
Hi Nigel, happy birthday for yesterday. I am glad you had a good time with your friends on your special day. it made up for not being able to spend it with your family.
We are also having some unusually hot weather but not as hot as yours. I am glad that you have settled in and seem to be enjoying yourself. Cheers. Diane.