Friday, August 29, 2008

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Drive to Riyadh's First Chinese Restaurant.

Slice of life view of a drive to Riyadh's First Chinese Restaurant:

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Construction in Bahrain

The scale and scope of construction ongoing in GCC nations continues to be staggering. Video of construction in Bahrain:

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Crossing the bridge between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia

Camels & Convoy

Surreal juxtaposition -- Nik playing Convoy while we pass camels in Saudi Arabia on the way to Bahrain.




Monday, August 25, 2008

KSA Human Rights Commission

The Saudi Arabian Human Rights Commission is across the street from my hotel. Guess I can go there if I have any problems?



















Krumz Bistro - brunch in Bahrain

Krumz is a great little bistro in the capital city of Bahrain, Manama. Full English breakfasts (in addition to other items) and alcohol if you want it.











Sunday, August 24, 2008

Bukhari cuisine

Bukhari are apparently Muslims from parts of Asia (e.g., India) who settled in Saudi Arabia after pilgrimage here. There are restaurants that serve a sort of fusion cuisine as a result. Very cost effective and delicious.

Mr. Sabih Khan of the UK enjoys in this photo and a photo of garnishes.


Monday, August 18, 2008

SaudiLifeHack # 7 - Anti-sand damage car coating = sand + water coating




If you are driving long distances in Saudi Arabia, be sure to stop by your neighborhood gas station to have the attendants spray a water and sand mixture as a coating onto the front of your car. BUT be sure not to have your license plate numbers covered!

SaudiLifeHack # 6 - Flickr

Direct uploads to Flickr seem to be blocked here in Saudi Arabia — but using the Flickr Uploadr works.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

SaudiLifeHack # 5 - Pouring Traditional Arabic Coffee

When pouring Saudi Arabian coffee, use the left hand at the base of the pot or kettle. Do not pour too much into the cup — that signifies that the drinker is glutunous and unwanted. Do not pour too little either which is also not respectful.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Camel Burger



Had the (in)famous camel burger at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Manama, Bahrain. Camel is a very, very lean meat. Not an ounce of fat in it.

"Buffet Lunch" in Bahrain


As submitted to The “Blog” of “Unnecessary” Quotation Marks. Given the wild and woolly nature of Bahrain, what's in that "buffet lunch"?

The skilled Filipino band at the Crowne Plaza Hotel bar, Manama, Bahrain.

The skilled Filipino band at the Crowne Plaza Hotel bar, Manama, Bahrain. I was testing a new software on the iPhone and was not holding the iPhone "head up" therefore these came out sideways...