Converse in Saudi Arabia and Interesting Conversations

Today was our last university visit.  :(  We went to Dar Al-Hekma College.  I swear it was Saudi Converse.  It was a small women's college that pushed the liberal arts.  Their graduates may not be as grand in number as the public institutions, but their accomplishments certainly are.  This felt oddly familiar.  We had a great time with their students.  I was able to have some great conversations when we had some time to just mingle with the students.  We were extended fantastic hospitality, as usual.  We even were able to participate in their relaxation week.  Such a treat!

After that, it was off to the home of the Editor-in-Chief of the Arab News.  He hosted us for lunch and great conversation.  We had a frank conversation about highly controversial topics.  It was nice to have a productive, no beating around the bush kind of talk.  He was open to recognizing both Saudi and American flaws.  Our conversation was critical, comparative, and complimentary at times.  Both nations are accomplished, driven, challenged, and at interesting points in their histories.

After that, we did our favorite thing in Jeddah-shop.  I found some really great things, so get excited!  I'm trying to start to pack my bags and it is tough.  Not only am I deeply upset to be leaving this country (and lifestyle) that I've really come to enjoy, but I have to leave my new friends.  Plus, packing is really hard.  I have a lot of stuff to get back and you have to be very careful and calculating in packing.  So much to think about!  But, in the wise words of Scarlett O'Hara, "I can't think about that right now.  If I do, I'll go crazy.  I'll think about that tomorrow."