On Sunday I finally caught up with T and had a good chat about Saudi Arabia, the people, the customs, what to pack. Was really great to speak with someone who had lived in Riyadh for years and could answer my questions and tell me a bit about how life will be like over there. She also bought me over an abaya so I will be able to cover up appropriately when I get off the plane. She told me that she grabbed a fairly plain one from a local shopping centre but I actually think that it is quite pretty.
It comes with a matching scarf that I was told I should always wear with me around my neck. I am not required to cover my head at all times but it needs to be there in case it is asked of me. Having one to see and feel while wearing has been really good for me and will be a real help when I am packing as I now have a much better idea of what I can wear underneath it. As it turns out, most women wear whatever they want, including short skirts and singlets – tho that’s mainly the western girls. Its made of a light crepe so it is soft and quite light but thick enough to not be completely see-through. Its exactly the right length and sits just above the floor and the sleeves come down just over my wrists. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect fit really.
I know the first thing that most people have asked me about is what I have to wear so I thought I would share. I imagine over the next 12 months I will acquire a few more of these. Its the one essential addition to my wardrobe and I will wear it everywhere, except for at work, where I will have a lab coat and inside the compound.
That's a very insightful post, Stacy. Of course most of my friends here in Phoenix think the women wear burkas but I'm not inclined to have to explain the differences. One advantage, I suppose, is that you won't have to be terribly concerned about taking a lot of party and clubbing clothes. My current concern, on the other hand, is how to transport a year's worth of clothing — mostly Dockers and golf shirts — along with books and videos. My sponsor says "All you'll need is a couple suitcases." Believe me, I'm not a clothes horse but I don't really thing two suitcases will do.