House Hunting in Riyadh: Things To Check Before Signing That Lease Contract

Okay, so we've been combing Riyadh for the rental home of our dreams and we think we found, The One. Okay, reality check. Probably not our dream home, but at least a comfortable place to live in here in Riyadh. But before we jumped in and signed the contract, we had to make sure that everything was going to be acceptable by turnover. After all who doesn't want to come home to a nice and cozy place, right? 

We've compiled a list of things you might want to consider when choosing your new home. Some of these may be self-explanatory but sometimes we get carried away by how the flat looks and we overlook the important things. Ready? Let's get crackin'!

Phone/Internet 

Hubby and I both depend on our computers for work. Suffice it to say that we cannot survive without internet access. Hubby had to make sure that our new flat could be fitted with an STC line and installed with an internet line or a fiber optic cable. In case, you know, we'll need 40mbps of internet at home. LOL.

Anyway, he called STC and they asked if the building already had an "STC Cabinet". Look for a metal STC sign around the building wall. If the building doesn't have an STC cabinet it will take longer for you to get a line. Ours took only 2 days to install because it was already STC-ready. Also if you plan to upgrade to a fiber optic line, check for the letters "FTTH" on the second row.

Water Pressure

The flat we found was nice to look at but when hubby came back to check, it turns out that the tap's water pressure was really low. So we asked to building owner to repair it first. Trickling water is a deal breaker if you live three floors up.

Cracks on the Wall or Ceiling Damages

When a building is new, sometimes it needs to "settle" first. This is very common for places that experience extreme temperatures as it causes the building materials to expand and contract before finally setting in. If it's just hair line cracks, that's normal and easy to repair. But if these are wide cracks that re-crack after repair, it may indicate structural issues with the building. You have to take note of these because you might be held responsible for damages when the time comes to move out.

Painting

Are you allowed to paint the wall? Do you really need to paint the wall? If you do, be prepared to work on it over the entire weekend. Do this at least a week before you move your things in as some paint smell can be really harsh. Talk to paint sellers to determine the right kind of paint for your needs and lifestyle. 

Air Conditioning

Some buildings are built with big rectangular holes ready for window type A/C installation. But some flats are built with split-type A/Cs in mind, in which case there are small built-in holes ready. Most of the time you won't have a choice in this matter and you won't be allowed to tear down the wall, so take note of this and weigh in your options. Split A/Cs are much more expensive than window-type A/Cs and hiring someone to install these units will set you back around 200-300 SAR/per A/C unit.

Kitchen

Is the flat outfitted with a built-in kitchen? That's great! If not, buying second hand kitchen cabinets at Haraj would cost around 1000 SAR plus installation charges. New kitchen cabinets costs around 1700 SAR - 3000 SAR including installation. The price depends on the kitchen measurements and you can customize the cabinets to suit your needs. You can also choose the colors of marble counter top and choose between an aluminum metal sink or a marble sink. You might also chance upon expats selling their kitchen cabinets but you'll have to find your own carpenter/plumber to install it. IKEA kitchens cabinets are beautiful but they also cost much more. But if you can splurge, why not. Hehehe. You can check out their website here: http://www.ikea.com/sa/en/

One of the dainty kitchens we found on our house hunting escapades

Tiled or Carpeted

Some units are fitted with beautiful tiles and this allows you to go carpet-free. Carpets on the other hand are good insulation and can maintain the room's temperature during Riyadh's harsh winter. Should you decide to install carpets it will set you back anywhere from 15 SAR to 100 SAR per square meter, depending on the quality. 

Electric and Water Bills

Check if the flat has its own electric and water meters. Some buildings do not have individual meters and you might end up splitting the electricity bill with 2 or more flats. Are you going to be comfortable with that? Different areas and buildings also charge differently. Don't forget to check if all the rooms have enough electric outlets.

Location

Is the neighborhood safe? Are there enough parking spaces? Is the building close to a bakala or grocer that sells drinking water and other stuff you might need? How close do you need to be to a Mosque?

The Contract

If you're ready to take the plunge, check the contract first before paying the Aqari Fee, as this fee is usually non-refundable and will cost around 500-1000 SAR. The contract will usually state who will be responsible for repairs so make sure that any problem/solution will be discussed before you sign the contract. Some building owners do not offer maintenance service and you'll have to shoulder the cost of repairs, so you have to make sure that everything is in tiptop shape prior to move in.

Tips 

It's much better if you look for a house with your spouse because you'll be able to decide right away whether a flat is acceptable or not. However, make sure that you are on the same page with what you expect to rent, your budget and what you can compromise. Also, if you really like a flat don't wait too long because it might not be available the next time you come back. Don't forget to bring water as you'll be in and out of your car a lot while you scout for flats.

While house hunting and choosing a flat can be tedious and time consuming, don't be deterred. Try to make it an enjoyable experience by brainstorming, daydreaming and planning with your spouse. Try to be creative together. If your wife's not in the Kingdom yet, take videos and photos of the flats you scout and show it to her online.  Keyword here is Together.

The trend of finding your home online is becoming more and more popular in Saudi. Websites like Lamudi and ERA are for those of us interested in renting or buying apartments, villas, lands, office space or even a piece of land. Results will show photos of the properties and other contact details of the seller. Oh and they have listings in both Arabic and English, so locals and expats can use them. It`s a good way to check your options before getting in the car and start running around from a place to another without having a clue about the property you're visiting.

Good Luck and Happy Hunting!

Sampaguita Pride

How To Deal With Christmas in KSA

(or the non-existence of it...)

A few hours to go before Christmas! We all know how hard it is to be away from home during the holidays, especially when you're all alone in a land that doesn't even recognize Christmas. Here are our few tips to our kababayans in the desert of Saudi Arabia where December 25 is considered as a normal working day for every one.

1. Be homesick and do something about it. On ordinary days, OFWs tend to get homesick already but the level of homesickness goes up a notch during holidays when memories of you and your family enjoying Noche Buena come to mind. Acknowledge that you miss your family and friends. Acknowledge that you miss your holiday rituals in the Philippines. Don't deny yourself of these nostalgic yet happy thoughts. And then, call home. Or use Skype and Facetime to see your loved ones after your work. Greet family members and friends, wherever they are, a very Merry Christmas. That's what Facebook and Twitter are for. Of course the chances of you being envious of seeing them celebrating Christmas together in the Philippines might create another wave of nostalgia and self-pity but think of how happy they are and how you helped and caused this happiness. 

2. Always have the Christmas spirit in you. There's no Christmas in Saudi Arabia but you can always bring the Christmas spirit in you. Or at least, create it. No, we are not encouraging you to flaunt your Christmas decors and attend Christmas parties in isterahas... please don't! But here are a few ways on how to get into the Christmas spirit without getting yourself in trouble...

a. Listen to Christmas songs at the comfort of your homes or personal music players. Just avoid "Pasko Na Sinta Ko" and all the other sappy songs that will just make you tear up. Listen to the happy ones. Even Jingle Bells, if you wish, just to get you in that merry groove. 

b. Have an awesome dinner. Even if you're alone, indulge! And what's the very first indulgence that comes into mind? Food! Whether it be in a restaurant that you're trying for the first time or a restaurant that serves your ultimate comfort food... or in the comfort of your flats (because you can cook a mean caldereta or kare-kare or menudo), eat something wonderful and exceptionally satisfying. Have that steak for goodness' sake! Dinner doesn't need to have keso de bola or hamon. It just have to be something special that you don't usually eat or something that reminds you of Christmas Noche Buena back in your home country. You can even host a small dinner for your colleagues or flat mates if you want. All boys or all girls only okay? 

c. Decorate a small space in your room. Don't expect us to tell you where to get Christmas trees and Christmas decors in Saudi Arabia because well, we don't know and that's a little bit too out there. You can, however, print some stuff like greeting cards. Even shiny objects and glittery sashes are found easily in Abu Riyalin stores. You don't have to make it bonggang-bongga. One or two to cheer you up is okay. Light up some candles with peppermint or hot chocolate or pine scents (you can find them in Bath and Body Works) to create a simple holiday ambiance. 

d. Dress up. Red and green are just not the colors of Christmas and we would like for you to avoid these colors when going out tonight or the days around Christmas. Go for something glamorous like black and gold or silver. Don your embellished abayas if you like. Use a lot of accessories. Sparkles and bling bling tend to remind you of the holiday rush. Glam up your nails with glittery, metallic, or uber shiny polishes. Wear red lipstick! Wear something new!

3. Have gifts. You don't have to wrap them in Christmas-y wrappers! It doesn't even have to be big ones. A small special token is enough for your friends or colleagues (who can relate to the celebration, of course). It doesn't even have to mean "Christmas gifts." It can serve as friendship gifts or thanksgiving tokens. It can mean anything good and wonderful, with or without occasions. Stumped on what to give? How about books, frames, scented candles, lip balms, caps, etc.? I'm sure you have a lot in mind. Also, give yourself a gift! (Very important!) Buy something for yourself. Itching to get a new cellphone to replace your battered one? Or maybe a new camera? Or a new abaya? Whatever it is, give yourself a gift. You deserve it.

4. Make December 25 special. You don't have to treat the day as "Christmas" per se but why not do and try something new on this day? Here are some ideas:

a. Write a letter. Remember the days when email and text messages didn't exist? Handwritten letters are still nice. It still creates warm fuzzies in your stomach and brings up a lot of memories when your children used to send you ones. Write letters to them or to your loved one back home. 

b. Relive 2012 by making a collage or a list. It's so nice to reminisce the year that was. The highlights will make you proud and happy. The lowlights will bring a tear and a lesson.  

c. Get a haircut. A new hair style to celebrate? Why not! Book an appointment to salons or go to your trusted barber and get that much-deserve hair or nails service. Get a massage after work! 

d. Donate to charities and causes. Clothes for the victims of Typhoon Pablo, for instance. Or to our kababayans in Riyadh who are in need. Ask the Philippine embassy how you can donate and help! 

e. Get on that ride! Try Riyadh's entertainment centers like Star City and Al Hokair Land. The Pink Tarha ladies haven't been to these places but we'd looove to. 

There are a lot more of "new" things to try and activities to do. Be as imaginative and creative as possible. We support you! (As long as they're legal activities, of course! ;)

5. Be kind. This should be done every day but an extra dose of kindness on special days is not a crime. Smile at strangers (just don't smile like a maniac, haha!). Say hello to your tea boy and ask him how his day was. Give an extra tip to the nice taxi driver that brought you home or the waiter that served you cocktails. Share your lunch with a colleague. Pray for joy and peace. 

Saudi Arabia doesn't recognize Christmas and doesn't tolerate expats celebrating it so we'd like you to treat this day as normal as possible when in public. After all, Christmas, wherever you are, doesn't have to be flaunted to be celebrated. It's up to you how you celebrate this day and how you can translate the message of this special event in your lives. 

Be merry. Be jolly. Always. Happy holidays! ~ Sundrenched

How To Find Your Way in Riyadh

How do you address the address situation in Riyadh? It's not easy to remember places. Believe me, when I first went on my trip in the city center on May 2008, I muttered to myself, "I will never ever be able to navigate this city!" Riyadh is a grid of long and wide roads, boxy and low-rise housing and villas, and a ramble of Arabic-named stores. Fast forward to today, I can pretty much go out on my own (of course, equipped with taxi tips from this blog: here, here, and here)  and I can pretty much find addresses, no matter how vague they may seem.

Here is The Pink Tarha's ONLY tip:

Hire a reliable car/taxi driver that knows his way around. ;)
A good and knowledgeable driver can save us from haggardness and stress. Most of you probably have your own drivers but for those who don't have, pick your own suki from the drivers of taxis you've ridden. Choose the one you're most comfortable with (and someone whom you can trust your life with).

Of course, our reliable drivers are not know-it-alls. No one knows where every store or house is so it's really a good thing to have good drivers who'll be patient enough to take you round and round an area to find the specific location you're looking for. ;)

Now you may ask, what if our drivers don't know where to go? Or what if I have a husband (aka driver) who gets cranky when I ask him to go to this place but I don't know where that place is either? Or the taxi driver keeps on saying "mallum" (I know) when I asked him if he knows this place and suddenly becomes clueless when I'm already inside?

Well, here are our other tips when the ONLY tip doesn't work for/doesn't apply to you:

1. Never leave your house or workplace without knowing where to go. If you have a restaurant or store in mind, look up their address in the Internet. If the address is as vague as "Tahlia St. Riyadh, KSA" then call their contact number and ask them where it's located. If they don't have a contact number or no one is answering, ask The Pink Tarha. Hahaha. Chances are, we've already visited the place, or have seen it in our lakwatsas. Ask in our Facebook wall so we can answer faster. :P

2. Memorize major streets and highways. If they're major, they're popular! Check if you know where these are:

Can you see the Faisaliah Tower up ahead?

^King Fahd Road

Newly-constructed!

^King Abdullah Road 

Try if you know the following streets and visualize them in your mind:

Makkah Road

Khurais Road

Oruba Road

Olaya Street

Tahlia Street

Takhasussi Street

Thalateen Street

Dabab Street

3. Remember prominent buildings. They will serve as your landmarks, guides to your trips in the city. And we're not just pertaining to the Kingdom Tower or Faisaliah Tower. All the big and popular malls can serve as landmarks. Or those establishments which have huge, catchy signs in the major highways or those with unusual shapes or structures. Remember hotels and government buildings (hello, Ministry of Interior!) too. Associate these landmarks to the major streets. 

In your neighborhood, try looking out your window (I hope they're not too screened) and see the stores or eating places around you. Your building will probably have a number too. I thought ours doesn't exist but it was right in the center, just above the doorway of our building! Haha. What if you're in a residential district where most houses/villas are the same? Chances are, you have a number outside. Or take note of the color of your gate and walls. Draw maps to your house so you can guide relatives and friends over. Speaking of maps...

4. Learn to navigate maps. I know, I know... it's so old school. But they're helpful! What isfthe only available address in the Internet for the newly-opened store you're looking for is on Wikimapia? When Sugar Sprinkles in Takhasussi was new, I looked up the store in the Internet and found this map:

Where you at?

That little red box is where it's at. Now, if you look at surrounding details, there's not much to go on. Er, an empty lot? There are a lot of those here. Wow, the building near it has a pool. Nice! Okay, so you can't find it looking from above so what you do is to zoom out a bit until you can see the surrounding areas in a wider scale. To give you that perspective, here's what it looks like zoomed out:

Click to see larger image.

I spotted the Kingdom Center a few frames below. Hello, would I know where that is?! You bet! Now that I know where it is, I scrolled down a bit more to know that Faisaliah is way below (South) so Riyadh Gallery must be up that map (North). I can already clearly see the roads in my head and they're like puzzle pieces forming into a picture.

From King Fahd Road, I will just turn left to Oruba (where the ornate  AlGarawi building is in the corner) and head to Takhasussi. From there, turn right and drive straight. From that time on, I'll already be on the lookout for the Sugar Sprinkles on my right side.

This visualizing and analyzing is easy if you have mastered tip numbers 2 and 3. Don't worry, you'll get there. Just be observant when you're out and about Riyadh. :) Thank goodness, the street signs in Riyadh are also translated in English now. There was once a time when I just stared helplessly at those Arabic green signs and arrows looming overhead. I could only translate the numbers then.

5. Use a GPS device. My father would have laughed at me if I told him I'm still studying and consulting maps when the coordinates are clearly in the page too.  From the Wiki, it says Coordinates: 24°44'7"N 46°38'54"E for Sugar Sprinkles. With the right GPS device, it will be easy for you to find the place.

Hi-tech navigation!

However, I don't own a GPS device and the father is not always around. I'm guessing you have the same fate with your fathers and husbands so it's always handy to heed tip number 3. However, most guys will benefit from this tip because they're the ones using these devices. The Pink Tarha are actually thrilled to receive questions from guys asking us for the GPS coordinates of a place (ex. Edge of the World, Red Sand, etc... sige na, kayo na ang may GPS device!) but sorry guys, we don't have a GPS device and we don't even know how to use it. Besides, where's the fun in using that in a city?! Lol.

Do you have your own tips and suggestions on how to find your way in Riyadh? We'd love to hear them. We'd like to read 'lost and found in the road' stories too so do share.

Hope our tips above can help you. If all things fail, ask and you shall be answered. :P

*Click on photo for photo sources and credit.  

§undrenched

Riyadh Living

We've been your lifestyle guide for 3 years now and we love doing this for all of you. Hopefully you get a lot of tips from us and we've made your life in Riyadh a little bit easier. Of course, we don't magically let information appear in our fingertips and blog about it. We have resources too for events, sales, restaurants, and happenings in Riyadh and we're sharing them with you today. We're not paid in making this list (we just wish, lol... just kidding). Here are some guides which can help you in living here in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

CITY GUIDES

ArRiyadh 

Everything about Riyadh... and KSA in general

It's all about Riyadh! Obviously... Lol. This website by the High Commission for the Development of ArRiyadh is very helpful in all aspects but it's mainly focused on tourism. They have the links to events and government ministries, information on tourism and sports and directory in their sidebar. And thank goodness, the website is in English! They have a pretty informative sidebar on the attractions found on the various regions in KSA. We usually visit this site just to get a glimpse of the tourist spots in other provinces... places which we can't visit as of now... like the Al-Wahba Crater in Makkah  or the Asir National Park  or the Relica of the Nabataean Empire in Tabuk.

Riyadh Events 

What are you doing for the weekend?

With that site name, you don't have to wonder what's in it for you when you visit. Riyadh Events lists down festivals and conferences in the city complete with their date, time, venue, and contact details... in English! Sometimes, we just visit the site to find out what festivals are celebrated in other places (because we're curious like that). Filipinos are not the only ones who celebrate feasts and festivals according to the region's products! For example, they're having a Honey Festival in Al-Baha and Summer Festivals in Najran, Al-Jawf, and Qassim. Who would've thought, right? If only we can visit each festival, then we're on our way! Now na!

Riyadhciti.com 

RiyadhCiti, a lifestyle magazine

This website is a lifestyle regional guide that delivers business and local events, courses, and lifestyle tips. They mostly focus on new happenings, launches, and news. Launched in 2009, this site is clean, sleek, and simple. We think that their main target readers are Saudis because most events featured are for them but it doesn't mean that expats cannot glean any info focused on them. There are a lot of tidbits for us too. So if you're interested in no-fuss reports on exhibits, conferences, and launchings of new products and services in Saudi Arabia, RiyadhCiti will point you to the right direction. They just don't update often but it's still worth bookmarking.

Riyadh Today 2011

We've featured Riyadh Today in this blog already. This handy book has everything too. So if you're not online most of the time but still wants to know every thing about Riyadh from directions, store contact numbers and basic information on Riyadh living, then this is the guide for you. Sundrenched likes to peruse the book once in a while. The directory and the shopping guide map prove valuable to her. For SR20, this book is sulit!

FOOD GUIDES

My Saudi Guides 

Yummy, yummy!

Indecisive on where to dine to next? Click on this site and you'll be lead to where you have to go. Though the site looks jumbled from all those letters and words in both English and Arabic, it has a good list of restaurants in the city with complete details and photos. They also have reviews and comments from diners so you'll have a grasp of how good (or bad) the resto is. We usually consult MSG when we want to eat in a new restaurant. They give first dibs on the newly-opened resto or bakeshop in the city. And if they do, we're there pronto! LOL. The Pink Tarha also contributes photos here. My Saudi Guides has a beauty guide called Oh La La Beauty but it's not as stocked as the Yummy Yummy Guide just yet.

Riyadh Eats 

An online restaurant guide

Still at its beta stage, Riyadh Eats is proving to be just as informative as its sister site Jeddahfood.com. We've been wishing for a Jeddahfood-like website for Riyadh and we're glad that the creators of Jeddahfood made our wish come true. They don't have many resto reviews yet but at full throttle, Riyadh Eats might just be as popular as its sister site. We love its simple yet elegant look. We like the concise yet substantial reviews and the photos used are eye-catching too. The site is giving away an iPad 2 at the end of the month. Click here for more details. 

DISCOUNT GUIDES

Cobone Riyadh 

Seal the deal!

Groupons have landed in Riyadh and Cobone is at the helm of this new deals phenomenon. Cobone features a daily market-focused deal on the best things to do, see, eat and buy in cities across the Middle East. We love the overall look of the site and everything is easy to understand. They have unleashed some really worthy deals from restaurants in Riyadh. Their first one was a lunch deal in Ketchup, which we think is worth it! There are current deals on Pane Piatto and Pizza Company. And if you're planning on having a vacation in Dammam and Jeddah or any major city in the Middle East then look for deals in their connecting sites too. Their Destinations deals are awesome and very tempting.

Balaash 

Deals, discounts, and freebies!

Balaash means FREE in Arabia so who wouldn't be amazed? No, they don't actually offer every thing for free but they make sure we get the best value for our money... and discounted at that! More sale coupons, woooot! Balaash provides specific sale alerts for specific items and brands in specific stores. So specific, right? Lol. So you don't even have to scout every newspaper or catalog in the city. You get to see them in Balaash's sites. Their discount deals and coupons are currently in their Facebook page but they also provide a link for to download coupons easier. Just print and present! We like their recent Al-Manahil Spa promo.

Burnt Deals KSA 

A gathering of deals and discounts in the city

This is somewhat new so we don't know what they're focused on. If our assessment is right, this site will gather all the best deals in the city daily and present them in the site. Let's stay tuned for more!

Okay, so that's it for now. We'll be coming up for a part two with Insider Guides this time. Hope you don't forget The Pink Tarha once you explore these sites, orayt? Happy living in Riyadh! :D

Q&A Portion 9

How was your Eid holiday? The Pink Tarha ladies went out a few times but spent most of our vacation at home. However, we completely ignored this blog because lounging around and doing almost nothing was easier. Hehe. Anyway, we're back! Hope you have your working and blogging mojo back too.

We received a few questions on where can you find certain products. Some of them we already have the answers (because we've encountered them in our mall detours) but some, we're clueless. We hope to get back to you on those.

1. Hi, my husband is now in Riyadh up to January. I am so desperate in finding size 11 flipflops here in Manila. Is there any store in Riyadh that sells this size? Thanks.

We usually see size 10/11 (that's what is written in their tags "10/11") in Ipanema and Havaianas here. Maybe this will fit you? Ask your husband to go and scour the shoe stores in Batha and Al-Akaria area. There are other flipflops/sandals brand out there. And tell him to do so asap. These particular size is hard to find. They're always the fastest to go OOS. Any chance of you joining him here? Do come! :)

2. Hi, I would like to appreciate you for a great job [in your blog]. Could you please tell me when does the next sale season or winter sale season start especially in Claire's and Centrepoint. Also, where can I find great, affordable handbags?

Thank you very much for liking our blog. The next huge sale is January 2011. A trickle of sale signs might be seen on the least week of December. You gotta save for this one! The Pink Tarha ladies love this particular sale season because discounts are huge! Also, you'll be able to scour autumn/winter items that you can use for the next seasons to come. Centrepoint, along with CityMax, usually has their sale earlier than the malls and you'll be seeing their sale ad in The Arab News. For affordable handbags, try New Look and Parfois (30% off now). If you're really on a stingy budget, try Souk Mubarak in Umalhamam and Haram Center in front of Kuwaiti souk.

3. Hi girls! I've been on the net for about an hour now just because I wanted to know if there's a place in Riyadh that carries Smashbox cosmetics. Then I figured, why not ask the Pink Tarha girls? So here I am. Btw, I love your blog.

Smashbox cosmetics can be found in Al-Sawani stores, particularly the one in Faisaliah Mall (S bought her Smashbox Photo Primer there). Enter at the gate in Olaya Street and to your right is the XOXO and United Colors of Benetton displays. Inside, you'll find a wide array of perfume and cosmetics counters. The Smashbox counter is towards the back near Benefit. Thank you for the blog lovin'. :)

4. Hi, maybe you girls can try and visit the ASEAN Bazaar at the Malaysian Embassy on the 9th of December? Entrance tickets is at SR5, which also entitles you to a raffle draw.

Thank you for the invite. We'd love to go! This is the first time we heard of a bazaar in Riyadh, and featuring ASEAN products at that. Very interesting.

5. Do you know where one can buy handmade things/clothes in Riyadh? Such as scarfs/shawls/pashminas, dresses...etc? Thanks.

We haven't heard of any indie/handmade businesses here. We get our scarfs and shawls from the usual commercial brands in the malls. Try Kuwaiti souk along King Fahd Road. And try going to the ASEAN bazaar at the Malaysian embassy (above). There might be unique finds there. :)

6. I'm just looking for some direction to "Eyes of Al-Seeh" when 'Mr.Google' topped your blog (which i should be thankful for). Thanks guyz/mare(s) for these very useful tips from you. Good luck mga kabayan... I love your blog ^__^V - Jeff

Wow, thanks for reading our blog, Jeff! We're not sure if we helped you with the directions to the Eyes of Al-Seeh because uh, S's entry on that one was about how they lost in going to it. Haha. She remembers though that you will have to take a right turn on a stoplight just after passing the tower (pictured in the entry) and before entering the town proper of Al-Kharj. That's how far she remembers it. After that is a mish-mash of U-turns and a dry water duct running through the middle of the road. Plus, the ice cream vans. :P (PS. The Pink Tarha are all girls. No doodz here.)

You know the drill, guys. If you have any questions, Ask The Pink Tarha!

Q&A Portion 8

Another round of questions and answers... We're on a roll here. :)

1. Hi there! I am from South Africa and would like to work in Riyadh. I can only speak English and is a qualified nail technician. Where do I start to search for work? Is it possible for a woman to go there alone?

We're not sure how they process it in South Africa, but in the Philippines, any one who wishes to work in Saudi Arabia for any position goes through an agency. The agency will be in charge of processing your employment papers and will guide you to the steps you need to do and undergo (interviews, medical exams, etc.). There's no problem for a woman to go here alone once your employment papers are already done. Just make sure that your agency and employers are legit, legal, and will compensate you well.

2. Where can I buy MAC lipsticks?

MAC branches are available in Sahara Mall (ground floor) and Kingdom Center (second floor). There's also a MAC counter inside the Harvey Nichols store in Faisaliah Mall.

3. Hi! I'll be flying to Riyadh soon. Can you tell me if I can bring a bunch or two of dried curry leaves in my luggage? It's the key ingredient to some of our dishes and I didn't find it the last time I came. I know poppy seeds and nutmeg are banned but I'm not sure about curry leaves. Thanks.

Poppy seeds and nutmeg are banned in the Kingdom because of their narcotics properties (a high dosage can make you 'high' so to speak). Saudi Arabia has very strict regulations on drugs and they impose heavy sanctions on those who violate this rule. On the other hand, curry leaves are widely-used in cooking in the Kingdom so we don't know know any reason why they should be banned. Curry powder are available in almost all groceries and stores. Just to be sure though, ask your embassy about it. There are cases that some produce are banned for certain reasons (like curry leaves imports were restricted in UAE in 2009 because of cancer-causing pesticides in some batches).

4. Will I be violating any company rule when I get a part-time job? Where can I look for part-time jobs in Riyadh?

It depends with the policies of your company. Technically, you cannot take any job if you are employed full-time in a company because your iqama is bound with them. But some people are allowed as long as the schedule will not interfere with your real work here. Restaurants who are short on staff and crew usually accept part-timers but they won't really announce openings publicly. Ask your waiter/cashier friends and acquaintances, they usually have more inside info than we do.

5. How to find a maid in Riyadh?

Find one through agencies. The process is long and tedious but that's the legal way of hiring one. Most maids here are under the sponsorship of other employers so it's upon their discretion to give permission to their maids to work outside (with other families).

Got more questions? Hit the ?Ask the Pink Tarha button right over there! ;P

Q&A Portion 7

Miss our question and answer portion? We've received questions over the weekend and two today that prompted us to publish our 7th compilation. Here yah go!

1. As a single female in Saudi with an iqama, if I want to fly to Riyadh, do I need to book transportation in advance? Will they let me out of the airport alone? Could you recommend a taxi driver? Great blog by the way.

Eyecandy traveled from Riyadh to Jeddah via Saudi Airlines before for a business trip and she did not have any problems so we're guessing you're allowed to do so. Only married women without their guardians (husbands) are probably questioned but if you're single and your iqama is that of an employee (not a dependent), then you're allowed to enter other KSA provinces and there's no interrogation counter in the airport to ask you. You will, however, go through a local customs stall for stuff you need to declare. There's a taxi service in the airport and you can just approach the concierge for your transpo needs. We also know of Hala, the taxi service used mostly by hospital employees but can also be used by visitors (or anyone in Riyadh). You can call them in advance at (01)442-7244. Thank you very much for reading our blog and we hope you enjoy your stay in Riyadh!

2. Hi! Mabrook! I love your blog. Keep it up! Anyway, I just want to ask you if you can suggest any affordable and nice flower shops in Riyadh. Thanks.

There are a lot of flower shops in Riyadh and most of them are found near hospitals (i.e. Military Hospital in Abu Bakr Ar Razi Street). A single long-stemmed rose from these flower shops go for SR5 each. A nice bouquet is SR50 and above. For imported and first class flowers, there's Gardenia (01-2166886). We happen to pass by the store in one of our forrays into Tahalia Street, the busiest, most popular cafe street in Riyadh. We got curious and went inside. The shop sells elegant black roses which go for SR60 a piece! (You also need to buy them in bulk.) The roses are so expensive but you get what you pay for. The roses are beautiful and exquisite. They also have tulips from Holland. For flower arrangements for events, try Unique Brothers (01-8101631). Thank you for reading our blog!

3. I am searching for Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion Kit. Can you help me where to purchase it. I'm from Al-Kharj. Thanks.

We've seen a lot of Olay products in groceries and hypermarkets in Riyadh, particularly in Hyper Panda. There are also some in the nearby bakala (stores). But we haven't seen the Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion Kit anywhere. Or maybe, we were not also looking hard enough because no one among us uses it. We also looked at the Olay Arabia site and the kit is not available there. To be sure, you may want to contact Olay Saudi Arabia's consumer service at 800-244-0039 or +966-2-657-4751 (Jeddah). Good luck! When we happen to not find in the Kingdom the beauty products or tools that work best on our skin, we ask friends who are going home to the Philippines to buy them for us and take the products with them back to Riyadh or... we just buy them in Ebay. Lol. Please keep reading our blog! :)

4. Hey, I love your blog. Do you know any tattoo artists in Riyadh? Good ones?

Hi there, thanks for liking our blog. Nope, sorry. We do not know of any tattoo artists in Riyadh. And we are not sure if tattoos are even permitted here. Most people who have them usually hide their tattoos because tattoos are frowned upon in this side of the world.

5. Hi Pink Tarha, I just moved to KSA from the land Down Under, Australia. I would like to get my acrylic nails done. Can you tell me where in Riyadh I can get this. Cheers! - Denise

Hi Denise! Hmn, we are not aware of any acrylic nails services but some beauty salons might offer them. Call Yibreen (01-4411115), Lavania (01-4429966), or Elle et Vous (01-2932002) beauty salons and ask if they offer this service. For nail products, visit Nazih Trading Co. along Olaya Road. It's beside Centria Mall and Habitat furniture store. They offer O.P.I nail polishes, hand and nail care sets, and beauty salon products like scrubs and facials.

6. Hello. I am staying in Jubail now. I am an Indian and looking for Indian beauty parlors in Jubail. Can you please help me out in this matter?

Hi, we really wish we can but the Pink Tarha ladies are living in Riyadh. We haven't been to Jubail (but we'd love to visit this industrial city soon). We'll be able to help if you're in Riyadh but since you're not, we can't vouch for any beauty salons there.To our readers in Jubail (if ever we have one), please recommend beauty salons you go to.

So that's it for our seventh installment of Q&As. We also answer questions from our readers in Facebook. Head on over to FB and like our The Pink Tarha page. Pretty please? Thank you very much! :)

Taxi Tales Addendum

Forget the commercial guide books and phrase books. They don't know what they're saying. Lol. What we mean is, when you are in Riyadh, you need to immerse yourself in the place. If you're out in the streets, you gotta talk their talk!

Here are some colloquial terms and phrases that will be handy when riding a cab in Riyadh, courtesy of Eyecandy, our official spokesperson when riding taxis:

ARABIC - ENGLISH

Inta aref (insert name of place)? or Inta ma'lloum (insert name of place)? - Do you know (insert name of place)?

COMMON PLACES

• Mushtashfa - Hospital
  Examples: Mushtashfa Askari - Military Hospital (also known as Riyadh-Al-Kharj Hospital or the Armed Forces Hospital), Mushtashfa Malik Faisal - King Faisal Hospital (KFSH&RC), Mushtashfa Malik Khaled - King Khaled Hospital, etc.
  

• Tariq - Street or road
  Examples: Tariq Malik Abdullah - King Abdullah Road, Tarik Malik Fahad - King Fahad Road, Tariq Olaya - Olaya Street, etc.
  

• Souk - Market
  Examples: Souk Azizia - Azizia Market, Souk Tamimi - Tamimi Market, Souk Euromarche - Euromarche Supermarket)
  

• Masjid - Mosque

HELPFUL PHRASES

Kam fulus? - How much money?
Aiwa - Yes
La - No
Mumkin - Possibly
Istanee Shaweya - A minute
Mafi Mushkila! - No problem!
Shukran Kateer! - Thank you!
Afwan - Welcome

DIRECTIONS

Yameen - Right
Yassar - Left
Sida'a - Straight
Alatoul - Go
Bas - Stop
Hina - Here
Thani - Next
Ba'd - After
Gareeb - Near
Bid - House
Ba'eed - Far

OTHERS

Mukhaib - Aircon
Sakr - Close
Ifta - Open
Sadik - Friend
Oku - Brother

Here are the numbers:


Some taxi drivers know how to speak English, but just the basic ones so don't expect to be understood when you launch into a litany of directions and places. Also, ask how much is the fare first before climbing into the cab. Near places (almost walking distance) go for SR 5 but the "basic" fare for other roads or streets is SR10. Surprisingly, even if gasoline prices here are rock bottom, taxi fares are steep. But because we're Filipinos, we're sure eveyone knows how to haggle so haggle! :)

Tales of the Taxi

aka How To Ride a Taxi in Riyadh
Disclaimer: This is not an entry to encourage ladies to ride a cab alone from hereon forward. Riding a taxi alone is only meant for those moments when you have nearly "no choice." (Shopping is not one of those moments.)

This guide is intended for the girls but guys can get a few hints too. You'll never know.

It's true and we won't deny it, taking a taxi here in Riyadh is dangerous for the ladies. Especially when taken alone. Unfortunately, taxis are the only means of transportation we have when our personal drivers are not around (personal drivers= husbands, fathers, and brothers, hehe!). We've heard that mini buses that ply the streets have ladies section at the back but we doubt ladies would want to ride on this:

Ladies and gentlemen, the public bus of Riyadh.
photo from Not From Here

For those who are not in Saudi Arabia, do know that there's no means of commuting for the ladies here. (Thank goodness because we are not riding that crap bus with reckless drivers!) Imagine, no other public transportation! No buses for short trips, no jeepneys to make 'para' everywhere, and no tricycles for short trips. There's only the service buses or coasters of the workplace and personal cars for those who have their families with them. We're literally at the mercy of men when it comes to transportation. And the lone public transpo is not even deemed safe!

How safe are you? A taxi in Saudi Arabia
photo from Susie of Arabia

There are a lot of stories of Filipinas who went missing when they rode taxis but we can't verify them. News, even rumors, here is censored. (We'll tackle this censorship some other time.) True or not, these reports never fail to send shivers down our spine. There are stories of Filipinas getting into taxis whose drivers raped them or sold them to other men. There are stories of being stopped by thugs and the passengers are taken to the desert never to be found. There are stories of being sexually assaulted and harassed. A lot of stories are out there but it's hard to get the actual facts because details went through a lot of people and somehow, they get tampered with and sensationalized. You'll get a few version of one story alone. We don't know for sure if those happened for real but the point is, there are scary stories and we couldn't take the risk.

The Pink Tarha ladies have our own share of riding the public cab, whether alone or with a group, but again, we are not saying you follow our lead in doing so. We are not experts on Riyadh-commuting but if you really must take that taxi alone or with friends, here are some tips we usually adhere to:

1. Never take a taxi alone unless it's utmost necessary. (And when we say necessary, BOGOs are included! hehe) Just like what we said earlier, there are other "private" means to go from one place to another. Make sure that you've found, tried, and exhausted all means. For example, if your father is not available, ride with friends though always make sure it's not inconvenient for them to accommodate you (and that you're with a 'legal couple' in the vehicle). For those who live in their housing, get the schedule of your company's shopping buses and be prepared with your list to avoid unnecessary trips to the mall or grocery. Always ask a friend to accompany you if you're going out.

For a lot of hospital employees (and other companies), there is a taxi company called "Hala" that employs private vehicles with certified drivers registered with the hospitals. It's a pretty safe option considering that they are registered under a company. Though they do charge around SR5 higher than a regular cab would, we'd say it's a small price to pay to ensure safety. We happen to have regular Hala drivers who we can call at our disposal if needed. It's a good thing to have a trusted Hala driver in handy so that if you'd ever need a ride, they can fetch you and bring you to wherever you need to be.

2. Pick Indian or Bangladeshi drivers. Okay, so this is discrimination to other nationalities but they can't blame us. Reports almost always involve Arab drivers (no offense meant, really). We'd like to think that since Indians and Bangladeshis are expats like us Filipinos, they're more conscious of their actions in the Kingdom because there's a lot of stake when they commit wrongdoings. We are in the same situation as far as being mere visitors and workers in the Middle East. Arab drivers like Pakistanis and Aghans look intimidating and there are some Saudi drivers who look like they're just out for a good time. Seriously, we've seen 'em. Again, hindi namin nilalahat. As a matter of fact, Eyecandy has Afghan driver friends and Sundrenched has a Pakistani driver. But these are the "seasoned" ones, drivers whom we (and our parents) know already.

3. Be paranoid. It helps you become more alert. All your senses will work overtime. You'll be more attentive to your driver's actions and your surroundings. Whenever you ride a taxi alone, play out scenariois in your head like what if the driver takes a wrong turn or guns the engine and takes a different route? What will you do?! Your mind will be forced to look for answers.

The first thing Eyecandy usually does when she gets into a cab alone is she texts the registration number of the cab, along with a physical description of the driver, even distinct decorations in a driver's vehicle, (and she can get very very descriptive... she notices everything, including moles and probably pimples of the driver! LOL) to a friend or relative when going out on her own in a regular taxi. That way, should anything happen to her, we can hope that the police will have enough information to catch the sunovabitch! :P

4. Go with your gut feel. If something doesn't feel right, it doesn't feel right! Don’t ignore the warning bells in your head. If something doesn’t feel right with the taxi or the taxi driver, then ask the driver to stop the car in a rather populated area, pay your fare and get out. You can always hail another one. For example, the taxi driver eyeing you on the miror with a menacing grin is a telltale sign. Or, the driver holding his crotch while looking at you in his peripheral vision (true story) should send alert signals in your brain. Get out of taxi while you still can.

Taxis in the Batha area
photo from grappalover

5. Know where you're going. As a general rule, only take a taxi alone when you know where you're going. You should know the directions to the place. You should be the one directing the driver. Not knowing what street to take gives the driver more chances to lead you away from your destination. Also, make sure that you're almost always in a highway or a major road/street where there are lot of cars, establishments, and people. Most popular places are reachable by using these major thoroughfares. Problem begins when he takes you in unknown streets in residential areas. This might disorient you. Remember that most houses here are surrounded by high walls so no one will hear you if you shout for help.

6. Know basic Arabic phrases. Asalam wa alaykum (hello) and Shukran (thank you) won't just cut it. You should know basic phrases and sentences that will get you to your destination. You don't have to be fluent in Arabic to speak to them. But of course being fluent is better. We're not fluent Arabic speakers too, but we'll publish right after this an entry of 'colloquial' terms that most taxi drivers should be able to comprehend.

Always greet your drivers with "Asalam wa alaykum" as a sign of mutual respect. Now, should the driver be an ass along the way, passing you dirty looks or inappropriately asking for your mobile number, we wish to teach you the bad words, but for the sake of being decent, just tell him "La Oku, hada HARAM!" -- which should translate to him as, "No Brother, that is forbidden!"

7. Speak up! Don't be afraid to tell your driver what you think. If the driver takes an unfamiliar turn, ask him why he's using that route. Or tell him to go back to the route that you know. Tell him to "slow down!" if he's going too fast. We've already told you how dangerous the roads drivers here are. They're the "Faster and More Furious" kind. A little chit chat is okay but don't be too friendly. He might mistake it for "interest." You can always keep to yourself though.

8. Get the plate number. Vehicles have new plate numbers now which have numbers you can read (not in Arabic). Four numerals and 3 letters. Remember the plate number of your taxi and text it to someone, especially when you're taking a 15-minute or longer ride. Some taxis still have Arabic numbers so know how to read them too (this will also be helpful when shopping, lol). There is also a registration plate inside a taxi (usually hanging at the back of the driver's seat) so you can also take down the numbers in it.

9. Arm yourself with "some thing." Whether it be a ballpen or a black belt in Karate, these comes handy when the going gets tough. Going out on your own in Riyadh is a risk, and you need to protect yourself because you never know what can happen. You can carry a swiss army knife, a fork, a metal chain, or even pepper spray (if you are not as violent as Eyecandy is.) One thing that can easily protect you though when riding normal taxi cabs is to always seat behind the driver so as to prevent him from possibly grabbing you or even touching you. Also, once you enter the backseat, always keep the doors on both sides locked as a pre-caution so that 'bandits' won't be able to enter your car as easy as they think they can.

10. Mind your surroundings. It's not only the taxi driver who can harm you. Those who are on other vehicles around you can cause problems too. Some cars with rowdy youths follow, chase, and taunt taxis with women inside. At first, they just stop their vehicle beside you when waiting at a traffic light but when they notice you're all girls in the taxi, they start grinning and laughing and doing stuff that will divert your attention to them (blast music, dance in their seats, etc.). Ignore them. Wear your tarha to ward off unwanted attention and mind your actions inside the cab (especially when you're with your girl friends).

This guide is not only intended for ladies in Saudi Arabia though most situations are directly applicable to us. This is also for all ladies who are taking cabs everywhere. Remember that danger is lurking in every corner of the world and we have to be prepared all the time. Also, a sale, no matter how low prices become, is not worth your life. (*cough*)

Get tough, ladies!

Ramadan 1431

Here's a very interesting link: Boston.com's The Big Picture, shared by Susie's Big Adventure (we love her blog!). These are fascinating photographs of Ramadan 2010 from cities all over the world. Pick your favorite pic! These ones captured our attention:

Jerusalem

Cairo

Mecca

Quezon City

London

Jakarta

Damascus

Such beautiful pictures depicting Ramadan! We have yet to get a photo of Riyadh. :)

Q&A Portion 6

Oopsie, questions are piling up in our Formspring account. Sorry folks, the Ramadan fever is getting into us. Okay, so here goes:

1. Hi, I really appreciate your blog. I asked a question a month ago about beauty parlors in Riyadh but you told me about Filipino parlors. Actually, I am a Pakistani and looking for Pakistani parlors. Can you please help me out in this matter?

Hi there! Oh, amazing that we have another Pakistani reader. Yes, we did give you parlors that are manned by Filipinos but we're sure they are open to every nationality, whether you're a Saudi, a Pakistani, etc. Please don't hesitate to go to the salons we suggested. Some parlors have Arabic names but once you're inside, you'll find out that their hair cutters, nail technicians and beauty specialists are of different nationalities.We're sure they'll accommodate you nicely. But if you really want an opinion of a Pakistani, you may want to ask our beautiful and creative baker friend, Ms. Nadia (whose delicious pastries we feature here). We're sure she'll be happy to give you a concrete answer.

2. Hi Pink Tarha! Can you please tell me about any parks here in Riyadh? And do you know where is the dolphin show?

There are a lot of parks (theme, amusement, picnic, leisure, etc.) here in Riyadh though they're best enjoyed during the winter time. You may want to visit the Al-Khaima Recreational Park in the Al-Worood Disctrict. This is the oldest and largest entertainment park in Riyadh that boasts of gardens and waterfalls. The Fantasy Land in the Al Mu'anasia Disctrict is the largest tourist resort in the Kingdom. It has swimming pools, games area, and a performing arts center. It has also opened the most modern water entertainment section in the Kingdom. This is where you'll see the dolphin show. Other parks good for picnics are Saalam Park (with horses, greeneries, and a boating lake), Olaya Park (playground for kids), and Al-Foutah Park (picnic grounds). Make sure to check the schedules of the parks though because some days are open for men only and families only.

3. Hi there! I love your blog a lot!! ^_^ I'm in Riyadh for some bonding time with my parents and I'm wondering where I could buy some (a lotta) nail polish which isnt' so pricey. I like doing some nail art too so if you've a guide to help me out, please share!

Wow, perfect timing! Sundrenched is a nail polish addict, but she's just starting her collection. She loves O.P.I nail polishes because they glide smoothly and are long-lasting (and most nail polish lovers swear by this bran d). They're pretty expensive at SR30+ but they're worth it. They're available in Nazih Trading Co. beside Centria Mall in Olaya Street. Maybelline nail polishes, available in Debenhams at SR27 a piece, are also good. If you want to practice with more affordable polishes, go to Claire's (located in popular malls like Hayat). Their polishes are in cute bottles and they have a lot of bright colors. For DIY nail art, we recently discovered a Konad branch in Riyadh Gallery. Try it! Fabulous nail stamps that are too cute and fab for words. Thanks for reading our blog and we hope you enjoy your time here.

4. Hi! It's Jin again. Just wondering if you can give some tips on what to wear underneath the abaya, or even without it while in the compounds or in the ladies' floor in the kingdom tower. Do you guys know anyone who works at KAMC? Thank you!

Hi Jin, you can wear anything underneath the abaya! Any regular clothes that you want! Lol. (We even go out in our pajamas! Haha!) They can't see it anyway, unless of course, you're in the ladies floor of the Kingdom Center. You wear whatever outfit you want but try to be modest in your clothing choices. But if you're in a compound of foreigners/expats, you can be yourself and wear any fashion style you want.

For your second question, are you talking about the King Abdulaziz Medical City? It's also known as the "National Guard Hospital." We have friends working there as nurses and secretaries.

5. Hi. Do you know where King Saud University is located there in Riyadh? Are the research centers located inside the university? Such as their Obesity Chair?

The King Saud University is the oldest university in Saudi Arabia. It's near the Diplomatic Quarters. Their research centers are inside their huge campus but we're not sure if they have other branches outside. Here's the website to King Saud University for more information.

6. I'm moving to Jubail in a few months with my 1 yo daughter. Will it be difficult for me to find a live-in nanny for her? What are the processes and paperwork involved? I would prefer a Filipina nanny. Thanks! - Kala

Hi Ms. Kala! Acquiring live-in nannies (or even maids) should go through the procedure of employing one from the Philippines (go through an agency and POEA). They need to be sponsored (either by your husband or his company) and have legal documents and residence permits to be employed. When you're already in Jubail, beware of hiring maids/nannies who escaped from their (Saudi) employers. They do not have the legal papers to work for someone else. If the authorities find out that you're keeping a "takas" (as what most Filipinos call them) in your house, you'll be imprisoned too. A part-time babysitter is easier to find but this is for those parents who both work and are away from their homes most of the time. They leave their children in the house of some Filipina full-time moms who are working as babysitters. Good luck on your move! :)