When someone asks me where I'm from, I silently panic but then I find myself saying "I'm from Cebu, Philippines." But when they start interrogating me about life "back home", I have to interrupt them and say that I currently don't live there, but instead I live in Saudi Arabia.
The look on people's faces when I say where I live varies from a wild spectrum. From confused to shocked, each person brings a plate of questions to the table.
"What do you mean Saudi Arabia?"
"Where is that exactly..?"
And my favorite: "What's life like there?"
I cannot begin to describe the how's and what's of this country I consider home. There are so many aspects I'd like to cover. Instead, I'll share some of my experiences and struggles of life in "the Desert".
Firstly, watch this video. It may help illustrate the city that I live in.
Life in the Desert may sound fancy to you with bedouins, camels, and tents but in reality there are some dark sides too. Here are some key highlights and lowlights on living in Saudi Arabia.
1. The adjustment is hard.
I moved to Saudi when I was just 5 years old. On top of a new country, I've met people from all over the world and adjusted to the weather. Summers are extremely hot—over 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius— like going into a sauna. Imagine a five-year-old Andrea balancing everything new around her. Yup, that's me.
2. My lifestyle is a privilege.
I can't speak for all of the oversea workers who come to Saudi Arabia for greener pastures, but my life here in Saudi was a breeze. It may seem unlikely but living under a gated compound made it possible. My dad works under a company called Saudi Aramco. There are privileges we receive making my lifestyle easier unlike in the Philippines. I live in a compound with 24/7 security roaming around to make sure the residents are safe. It takes about three security gates to get to my house. I have access to a small grocery store 24/7 that I call the "commissary". I can walk to my school in less than five minutes. The houses are similar in structure to a sub-division. The air conditioning is centralized. The water and electricity bills are all cared for by the company. Did I mention we have a complex filled with recreational activities? (Dining Hall, Library, Recreational Center, Tennis Courts, Golf Course, Theater and more.) Yes, my lifestyle is a privilege.
3. Going outside of the compound can be difficult.
Some of you may know that women can't drive in Saudi Arabia. Fortunately, the compound where I live in (Udhailiyah), women can. Imagine a white circle drawn by a chalk. You can live freely inside the circle, but once you step out of it you don't. This is similar to life outside the compound I live in. There are rules we strictly abide to unlike living inside the compound. Women aren't allowed to drive. Women have to wear an abaya which is a full-body-length, long-sleeved garment. Any alcoholic beverages, any food containing pork, and drug substances are prohibited in the country. Now, you can see how life in Saudi can also be difficult compared to the rest of the world.
4. Homesickness is real.
Whether you are on your own or with your family, it's still different back home. My grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and relatives are all back in the Philippines. Some are around the world, too. Despite growing up in Udhailiyah, I still consider both Philippines and Saudi to be my home. Soon, I'll be able to call Austin my new home.
5. Lastly, the experience is worth the move.
If I had a quarter every time I've thought about how lucky and fortunate I am, I could be a millionaire! (jokes...)
I just want to say how lucky I am to have been given the opportunity to live in such a diverse community. Udhailiyah, Saudi Arabia is really a place like no other.
