Q&A Portion 1

Hi dear readers! Some of you asked us questions via our formspring account and we're happy to answer them here in our blog. Here's the first batch:

1.Totoo ba (na) sa Saudi eh wala kang outlet bukod sa malling at sports sa dami ng (mga) bawal? [Is it true that in Saudi Arabia there are no outlets aside from malling and sports because of so many prohibitions?]

I guess we all know who asked this. But since it's a pretty much a decent question, here's our answer: Malling for women and sports (basketball) for men on weekends are the biggest leisure activities in the Kingdom but there are others depending on your interest. There are clubs that cater to photography, public speaking, etc. There are events that happen once in a while like family gatherings, swimming, and parties in isterahas (private compounds). There are trips and travels that expats can go to like desert camping in Red Sand or weekend getaways to Al-Khobar and Dammam. There are a lot of things to do in Saudi Arabia but let us not forget that most Filipinos came here to work and at the end of the day, we're all too tired to go out and play. So yes... the flats, villas, and housing where the laptops and Internet are are where most activities take place.

2. If you were given the choice of staying in Saudi Arabia or working in another country (USA, UK, etc...), would you leave? Or are there aspects of living in KSA that you couldn't/wouldn't want to give up?

The Pink Tarha ladies love our lives here in Saudi Arabia but we're not hypocrites to say that we won't leave if given better opportunities outside of the Kingdom. But right now, we are fine living and working in Saudi Arabia. Our families tie us to this place and we're not complaining.

3. When is the grand EB of Saudi Bloggers?

We cannot volunteer to organize this because of our schedule but tell us where and when it will be and the Pink Tarha ladies will be there! We can't wait to meet fellow Filipino bloggers in Saudi Arabia personally!

4. What do you love most about living in Saudi Arabia?

Our families.

5. Are there any particular sites/events/etc. that Saudi Arabia offers that you're convinced people need to see/experience?

Truth be told, we do not want to convince people to go to Saudi Arabia just to visit any sites here because they are not as awe-inspiring or jaw-dropping as the other tourist places in the world. (Also, tourist visas are hard to get.) All you'll see here are pretty much sand and rock mountains. It's a huge desert after all. But if you're already here in Saudi Arabia, then check our Travel category (see sidebar) for places that might pique your interest. We'll also be posting an entry on the Janadriyah Festival. It's the largest fiesta of Saudi Arabia. It's a fun, colorful, and very unique event.

5. How can i check for new sales in Riyadh?

There are no official sites that announce sales in Riyadh. The Pink Tarha ladies rely on what we read from the Arab News and our 'connections.' Lol. We pretty much know the sales schedules already. We save up for the mid-year sale (happening this June-August) and end-of-the-year sale (on December-February). There are few sales that happen in between the changes of season collections too. A tip is to befriend (not flirt with, haha!) your fave stores' salesmen so that they'll text you once their store hangs the red sign (some can even reserve items for you). Visit the Pink Tarha blog or become our fan in Facebook and we'll give you sale updates.

6. Hello ladies! If it's not too much to ask, do you know if Thalia street (where Localizer Mall is located) is somewhere near Olaya street? Many thanks... =) jeel

Hi Jeel! Thalia St. is perpendicular to Olaya St. If you're in a car and Localizer Mall is to your right, make a U-turn at the stop light (since Localizer is in a corner spot) and drive straight until you reach Centria Mall, which is located at the corner of Thalia and Olaya streets.

We're thrilled to read and answer your questions. If you have a question on anything under the sun, click here! (You can also click the ? Ask the Pink Tarha button on our sidebar for future Qs.)