Saudi Arabia, Lasik, and Vacation!

A few weeks ago I went to Saudi Arabia for the first time.... We flew to Bahrain (1 hour) rented a car and drove to Dhahran. This was about a three hour trip, and we went through immigration on the causeway between the countries. We got there about 1pm, and had to go out, be fingetprinted, walk across the border, and then go back to the car. Temperatures there were at about 110F, and of course I wore my new abaya (black dress that covers everything) they aren't as strict for foreigners, so I didn't have to wear the scarf too,

We stayed with some friends in the Aramco compound in Dhahran, where I had this dejavu feeling of being in California in the 60's. The houses are like they were when I was growing up, wall-to-wall carpeting, 110 voltage, popcorn ceilings, and women can drive inside the compound. Women don't drive in Saudi Arabia and are not allowed to be unaccompanied in public. The picture is of a street in the compound, and of me roasting. I hope the women who have to wear these all the time get some that are more comfortable!

Yesterday I joined the family and got Lasik done to my eyes, following in the footsteps of the kids and Waldo.It was much less scary than having the retina repair surgery that I had in 2006 before we came to Dubai.

Things are still a little fuzzy--the doctor says it will continue to change. by my next check-up next week, he says that there will be a big difference! This doctor has a clinic in Atlanta Georgia, and comes out to Dubai for a week each month, to do the surgeries.. It was interesting seeing all the diplomas from US universities--reassuring, really.

We have one more month to wait before going on vacation!! We are really looking forward to seeing the kids and grandkids! We'll be driving the motorhome like usual (Waldo says it's relaxing!!) and stopping in Salt Lake to see Marci and Mike, Rick and April, then stopping at a lake in Arizona for a few days to play. Then on to Simi Valley to see Waldo's family, back to Utah to meet some leaders for Waldo's calling (his other full-time job), then back to Seattle.

It'll be relaxing for me, I'm not driving!

We hope your summer is wonderful!