Author: jpcwetzel

Celebrating time off school this week for the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday. During this time, it is customary to greet others with the Arabic phrase of “Eid Mubarak,” which essentially means, “Happy Eid.” I took advantage of the time off here by escaping to Bahrain, which is a small country about an hour’s drive across a causeway Southeast of Dhahran. Bahrain is a near get-a-way for many coworkers and Saudis in general, much due to their less restrictive laws on entertainment and beverage consumption.

A coworker friend of mine from California and I took recommendations to decide to stay at the Gulf Hotel, an amazing 5-star hotel:

Complete with a beautiful pool:

There were walkways leading to near a dozen different country cuisine restaurants.

Of course I found the Mexican restaurant. 🙂

We enjoyed a trip to the Grand Mosque, which was closed, but we walked around the outside:

Also the Bahrain National Museum:

I got in a run in the 104 degree heat along the water front. Later we’d walk the same route again en route to try and catch a folk performance at culture hall:

Which unfortunately we had to watch on a screen in the overflow room because they were packed. So we enjoyed a walk down the road to an Irish pub (in honor of not being able to attend Irish Fest in KC this weekend!)

Other than the trip, all is good, and I’m looking forward to hopping on NFL league pass and watching the condensed replay of the Chiefs game from this weekend (win or lose!) Ah, and I did run into a fellow Chiefs fan at a restaurant in Bahrain. Just goes to show we’re worldwide! And I guess I learned that Bahrain isn’t just a kingdom, its part of Chiefs Kingdom. Yes, bad joke.

Cheers!

Lots of good news in the past few days:

1. I'm in a new home! I moved out of temporary housing to my "permanent" housing. 500 sq. ft. to 700 sq. ft.
2. I'm now officially a Saudi Resident! My Iqama (proof of residency card) came through today (Photo is intentionally cropped for legal purposes, obviously).
3. I did some IKEA shopping for the new home. Unfortunately the stuff doesn't come in for a couple weeks, so it's just me and the mattress for now. 😕
4. I've got five days till school starts, and that's been stressful to take care of while also doing loads of running around for life-stuff: car, permit, Saudi driver's liscence, setting up a local Saudi bank account, medical appointments, MOVING, buying phones, internet, groceries, eating, running, swimming, etc. etc. etc.
5. Teachers have been super helpful at this school (which I can't label by name, and if you know, please don't mention it by name on this site either, thank you!), and that had made this process so much better.

Here's a shot of my "buddy"/experienced teacher who volunteered to come back to S.A. early from his repatriation back to Canada early this summer to show me around and get me acclimated. I owe him so much. This is IKEA shopping.

That's enough for now, but know that things are going well. Although, I couldn't be more ready for that day when I'm settled into my new home, I've checked all the things off my relocation to-do list, and I'm in full swing in my teaching. Then, I'll breathe a bit easier. Trying to enjoy the moment as well, and new friends here are making that possible with plenty of parties, mall trips, and meals spent talking about how we all wound up here in this amazing place.

Something that sets this international school apart from others is that this is a place families (of which almost everyone here has), stay here. Uncommon, and that just shows the quality of the life, ability to travel, and generally enjoyable experience people can have here. Very happy to get this experience as well, albeit sans-familia.

My best to you all!!

Oh! And if you're looking for me on WhatsApp, try adding my new Saudi phone number: +966-50-529-8378

Cheers!

Two things I've found in the last couple days. First off, my classroom: with a nice view out my classroom window of the common area:

Also found today…TACOS! Great restaurant also serving chips and salsa. Aaaaand now I feel at home. (I'm clearly a rookie at food blogging, cause I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to take a bite of the food before you take a picture. Hey, I was hungry.)

And yes, it's warm. Or according to Siri, "hot!" Although its 11 degrees cooler than yesterday, so I'll take it!
In other news, I'm moving Sunday to a new spot for single-status residents. Should give me a little more room, and it's in a newer part of the compound. However, it's a bit further from school. More to come.

Take Care Everyone!

Just letting you know I've made it over and have moved into my new place! I spent yesterday with a returning teacher, who has helped me attain a new SIM card for my phone (hence the reason it's taken me a while to post!), rent a car, and shop at the local commissary (mostly healthy stuff for now until I go on my own and take advantage of the Dunkin-donuts).

Here's a picture of my flat, and a couple of the school I'll be at: after getting some things done, my "experienced teaching buddy" took me over to his place to enjoy a taste of home (he's on family housing which is significantly bigger, and yes, yes that is the Royals game on attained through MLBtv).
After some steaks at his place, I headed out for a run at 7, at which time it was already dark. Wish I had my phone to capture a picture of a desert fox which crossed my path. Very nice path through the old golf course, which is lined with green bushes, palms, desert plants, and is well-lit.

I have orientation today and tomorrow, at which I'll learn more about what life here in Saudi will be like. I've been getting a good taste so far, and I'll try to keep you posted maybe with shorter posts through the day, I don't know. I'm new to this whole blogging thing, so you'll just have to be patient with me as I figure it out. 🙂

Also, this place is very private, so there will only be so much Im able to post and show pictures of, I'm sure. I may have to retract this very post, so we'll be in touch, and take this day-by-day!

Cheers, and much love to everyone!

9 Days and Counting!

In preparation for the move, I’ve been telling quite a few people about “MrWetzel.com” recently, so I wanted to create another post welcoming you to the site! Thanks for checking in, and I hope to stay in contact through this site. Also, I’ve been advised that the best phone app for conversing with friends and family abroad is “WhatsApp,” so if you don’t have it already, please download and connect with me via that. Once I get my Saudi number, I’ll re-add your contact info.

Departure is July 30, and I’ll head from KC – Newark – Frankfurt – Dammam, followed by a short car trip to Dhahran. Upon arrival, I’ll share some photos of the place and we’ll get this party started!

Thanks again for following, and be sure to drop a comment via the site or connect via WhatsApp. CHEERS!

Ever wonder where that youtube video went from that one time in that one place? Check out my youtube channel to enjoy all those classic videos from all those classic moments.

Hey everyone! Thanks for checking out the site. In travels around Scotland, I found the phrase to use when you want to know what’s happening in town that night is, “What’s on?” So my first post is just a shout out to see who’s checking out this site and see what’s on? Leave a note, keep me posted, and I’ll try and do the same. Cheers!