Making to Big Move!

So starting August 9th, I started my grand move to Jubail Saudi Arabia.  I would like to say that everything went smoothly, but I don’t really want to lie to you dear readers.

Final Farewell

Before I left, Lindsey and I had a birthday celebration for her overnight in Detroit without Simon.  We got a corner suite at the Westin Book Cadillac 

Since Westin is a Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) hotel, I was able to get points with my SPG American Express card.  Since we are looking into getting into travel hacking a bit more (more on that later).  This is a great card to have.  It has a $95 annual fee, but I got 30,000 points when I spent $3000 in 3 months.  That is equivalent of 3 nights for free!

We like staying at the Book Cadillac because they also have Michael Symon’s Roast. Michael Symon is one of the Iron Chefs from the Food Network TV show.  We both always get the filet mignon and it is always to die for!

A great start

Everything seemed to start off well.

Almost everything we are taking!

Packing Hack #1

No real problems at the gate with the luggage.  You will see on the cart a couple of rubber totes.  After doing some research, we felt that this was the best option to transport a few of our bulky things.  The 18 gallon Rubbermaid Roughtote fits with airline luggage parameters, and we drill 6 holes on the lid and then secured them with zip ties.  I also taped zip ties to the underside of the lid in case TSA wanted to open them up. (Which they did for one of the two)

What did you pack in there?

We really wanted to have two things with us in Saudi — the Instant Pot and our Vitamix.  You might be asking if you think we are crazy.  Perhaps, but we will probably be using that Instant Pot 4-5 times per week.  It is awesome!  Plus a Vitamix is a Vitamix!

We filled out the rest of the totes with bulky toys and books for Simon.

Oh yeah .. and tampons.  Lots and lots of tampons.  This is one of the things that you can’t find over here I guess.

You will be happy to hear that everything arrived safe and sound and intact.  The Instant Pot has a dent in it, but it is only cosmetic and works perfectly.

The Flight from Hell!

I would like to say that the entire trip was smooth.  Unfortunately, that would be a lie.

The first leg on the journey should have been a quick flight from Detroit to Chicago – O’Hare.  Unfortunately, American Airlines decided to delay the flight for an hour and a half.  This meant that my 2-hour layover in Chicago became a 30 minute run from one terminal to the next to catch my flight!

The second leg of the journey was from Chicago to Abu Dhabi aboard Etihad airlines.  First, let me say that Etihad is a wonderful airline.  Comfortable seats, actual silverware with meals, good entertainment system.  One worry that we have with Simon traveling is that he is a fussy toddler.  He doesn’t like to sit still, and driving in the car seat wasn’t great.  I think that whatever he could do would pale in comparison to the twins that were on our flight.  They cried the entire time.  No joke.   12 hours straight of crying.  When one would stop, the other would start.

Now normally is this were to happen in the United States, you would have people get frustrated, maybe a bit passive-aggressive, maybe even openly hostile and say something to the parents.  I don’t know if it is a cultural thing or not, but everyone on the plane kind of took it as the norm.  There were also a lot of children on the plane!  I suppose our fears are unfounded.  Time will tell.

My entire flight

The third leg of the flight, from Abu Dhabi to Dammam, was not memorable, however, I did get a chance to meet a couple of my colleagues on the plane, Chris and Amy.  We got a chance to share our fears and excitements.

Upon arrival, we were met at the gate by a meet-and-greet VIP service.  These nice Saudi gentlemen ushered us through the lines at immigration and helped get our luggage (luckily none were delayed).  We then met the head of HR and our principal who had come to meet us at the airport.  (On a side note: the school has been nothing short of fantastic at helping all of us new teachers adjust to life in Saudi.  I think that they realize how hard it may be to adjust and everyone has gone out of there way to be helpful)

Al Reem – The Dream!

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We then proceeded to our housing compounds.  Our compound is called Al Reem. It is basically a luxury resort with extended stay villas.  There is a huge pool, fitness center, 2 restaurants, kids play area, a small movie theater, convenience store.  Basically, everything that you need to survive.  Take a look at the pictures of our 2-bed apartment!

In the next post, I’ll write more about life in Saudi Arabia.  I have a lot to catch you up with!