A Saudi Celebration

I've never written much about my work here, and I'm not going to now other than to say my workplace includes some amazing individuals, and I have been fortunate to work directly with several. I have gained a valued colleague, a trusted friend, and a patient mentor all within one person. He is a geophysicist, which is someone who understands and can visualize the structure of the rock layers thousands of feet below the surface.

He is one of the smartest men I've ever known and worked with, and no matter how dense I have been while struggling to comprehend concepts and techniques way over my head, he has always been able to find a way to rephrase, redraw, or re-present the idea so I could understand, and then I could capture it within the training he and I were building together.

 I have been blessed to work with this Arab gentleman, my friend Saeed hilal Al Tommi.  A month ago Saeed did me the great honor of inviting me to the engagement party of his daughter. I don't know all the particulars of the social structure here around weddings, but this was the first of three celebrations; the final one will be the wedding in Jeddah, in the western side of Saudi Arabia, in March next year. In Saudi society men and women do not mix in public, so there were two parties going on - the men having a quiet, relaxed, visit then dinner, while on the other side of the building the ladies were having a much more lively time (said a friend who was on that side of the wall) with music, dancing, and ball gowns the equal of a Hollywood party!

I asked Saeed if I could bring my camera and he encouraged me to. The engagement announcement must be publicized in the community, so there were already two photographers  there, one from a magazine and one from a newspaper. I was, umm, somewhat better equipped than they were, and another colleague suggested they were a little intimidated. But soon whenever I saw a good shot one of them was quickly at my elbow. I'm used to that at weddings, but it is usually a relative who is the appointed family photographer!

So here are some of my shots from the party, with a little description below each. It was a fascinating event and we had a great time being there!

My friend Saeed hilal Al Tommi, the bride's father (left), the groom, Faisal Bin Abdulaziz Al Barakat (center), and his father, Abdulaziz Abdulla Al Barakat (right). The room had about 150 chairs aligned in rows, and a row at the front of the room for these gentlemen, family, and special guests. It was interesting that all these men, smiling, laughing, and happy to see each other, and eager to have photos made, became very straight-faced when the camera came up. Privacy is treasured, and five years ago I probably couldn't have taken these shots.

 Arabic coffee - strong, not the same as what you drink at the office in the morning! Served hot in lovely small glass cups, as soon as you finish one you are offered another. To be polite you must have at least three!

After chatting for an hour and a half, an incense brazier is carried around to all the guests so they may waft the smoke on themselves if they wish - some do, some don't. It was actually a very pleasant incense, even to me with sensitive sinuses, so when in Rome. . .

 The group from work who attended, and we were seated at the front of the room right next to the groom! (L-R) me; Bryan (a member of my group); Wilson, another geophysicist; the groom; Saeed; David, our acting administrator; and Saeed's relative Abdullah, who works in the building next to ours.

Saudi chat room! Friends, family members, neighbors, and more. This event was held, of course, at the Holiday Inn of al Khobar. I believe the temperature was 102F (39C), but the humidity coming off the Arabian Gulf sent the humidity soaring, and the heat index was around 118F (48C). Steamy.

Saeed flagged me down to take this shot with the oldest member of his village, who had just arrived. This society honors their elders, and shows them great respect. Quite nice.

These boys were typical boys - they ran, they yelled, they were shushed and told to sit down, etc. But they were smiling and happy and pleased for me to take their picture.
 

 Endless refills of coffee until you hold out your hand to signal "stop."

Saeed caught in a smile with a guest.

Dinner setup.  I believe this was the hotel catering manager. Note the size of the tray he is carrying.

Saeed made sure I saw and captured images of the different presentation of roast lamb on a bed of rice, a traditional Saudi feast. This was a table for honored guests, with a large portion. But I'm certain no one went hungry tonight.

The chef, proud of his work, and rightfully so - it was a delicious meal.

Entering the banquet hall for dinner, which is traditionally served and eaten with fingers. Our tables for this party were set with forks, knives, and typical western plate. I was tempted to dive in with my hands as did the Arabs at our table - hey, I was a boy scout, I know how to eat with my fingers! - but since I was in my nice clothes, I thought I'd try to stay clean.

After dinner treats - amazing chocolates, and cashew-filled dates. These were all delicious. I didn't have any after dinner, but they were generously served before dinner, and it would have been rude to not try them. :)

Mark and Saeed.  I am blessed to know you and work with you, my friend. Thank you for inviting me to this family celebration!

(Note: If anyone is interested, here is a link to one of the publications that attended and photographed the party - don't ask me what it says, it is all in Arabic!
http://www.ham-24.com/news.php?action=show&id=58825)

Mosque at Sunrise in Saudi Arabia

The al Khobar Corniche runs north and south along the Arabian Gulf in the town of al Khobar, near where I work. On bus trips returning from town, I've many times seen a lovely small mosque, and always wondered if I could get good images of it.

I've learned that there are many small mosques like this, built to honor a family member, teacher, or Imam. So, me being me, I figured the best time to try getting some shots would be at sunrise. There are good reasons for this - the air here is always thick with dust and sand and stuff, so there is always haze.  And this time of year, and especially right by the water, the humidity takes your breathe (right now, at 10 p.m., it is 95F (35C) with 65% humidity for a heat index of 116F (47C). It will get worse overnight. So sunrise should be a good time to minimize all that haze and get some pretty light.

Pretty light, you ask?? Daytime light here is the harshest, brightest, most glaring and brilliant I've ever seen. It is unforgiving and unrelenting. The sun comes up in the summer before 5 a.m. and by 5:30 it is full-on brilliant. It stays that way til late afternoon, then softens a bit before the sun disappears into the haze layer well above the horizon. So yes, pretty light at dawn.

I talked a friend, Jose, into getting up early (0315) and driving me to town. He's a good sport, so I bought him breakfast afterward!  We got there well before sunrise, which gave me time to scout out angles and locations to maximize the trip. Then over the next 45 minutes as the light increased, then the sun rose, I got what I came for.

This was a few weeks ago, during the last weekend of Ramadan this year, which is a month-long time for fasting, giving, and reflection, so it seemed like a fair time to go shoot a mosque.

Below is a shot looking south along the Corniche. Off in the distance is a restaurant complex. At this point there are very few shops, but to the north is a very busy business section.

Below, dawn approaches!

Sun finally peeking out of the haze about 15 minutes after official sunrise!

Sunrise at the mosque. Sadly I didn't find the name of the place, but it is very pretty on its little island!

It was a weird day, starting so early, but I'm pleased with the images. Come back soon and I'll have something else to share! Best to all, Mark