We spent the last two months in the Al-Khobar compound sleeping and living in the tiny room on the top floor just inside the roof area. We were all packed up and ready to move to the new Riyadh compound, but first a much needed trip to Damascus would be made. It had been 9 long years since my first trip to Syria where I secured my father- in- law’s blessing for our marriage. I was a young mother to an 8 month old and 2 months pregnant with my second child. Morning sickness crept over me but I held my own and vowed to obtain the much needed approval from his family. I gained much more on the 5 week stay, a second family who loved me and whom I adored. Now 9 years later here I stood once again preparing to enter Syria. The first trip many years before had been difficult and entering through customs took 3 hours. When I tried to pass through the gate, holding my baby and nervously stumbling through the process with my kindergarten Arabic, they looked me over and asked repeatedly, “American? Muslim? where husband?” Hands waived me back and so I sat looking through my form again trying to make sense of this delay. I checked boxes, looked over names and dates and proceeded once again to the counter. Stern men rambled off orders in Arabic and gestured for me to go back and try again. As hours passed I was not sure what to do until a kindly older gentlemen entered the customs terminal. He walked towards me with a gentle look on his face unlike the men at the counter who seemed to grimace when they spoke. “Madam Lynn?” he looked at me with inquiring eyes as comforting English words came from his curved up mouth. I recognized him as an older cousin who had visited briefly in Seattle while attending a seminar. He handed me two more forms and asked me to quickly fill them out and then exited the room. We were finally allowed to pass through and onto the main airport, holding my baby on my hip and dragging my luggage I made my way out to family. Brothers, aunts, uncles and cousins all crowded around to get a look at the American lady and her baby. They hugged, kissed my cheeks, grabbed my screaming baby, carted my luggage and took my possessions. Now, many years later I stood once again, but this time with 6 children all under the age of 9. It seemed as if nothing had changed in those years, the same faces and happenings, utter and beautiful chaos.
This time going through customs was easy and we walked those same steps to the main terminal where relatives stood waiting. They grabbed each child, hugs and kisses, blessings in Arabic and dua (asking God to protect someone) made for their good health and future life. It was as if time had not moved in 9 years, the airport and the people were all the same. The children were stunned and overwhelmed, confused and dazed they stood grabbing my stained and wrinkled abaya as they hid behind me. Aunts, uncles, brothers and cousins all stood before us arguing over who would go in each car. We piled into cars and made our way through the streets and freeways to the apartment of my father- in-law. The children had never seen a city like Damascus, honking , hands waving, 5 cars crowding into the one lane, carts pulled by donkeys with watermelon stacked in the back, tall apartment buildings stood unfinished shells, dotted with fully furnished residences, people sitting sipping tea while the whole building around them stood disheveled. The sites and sounds of Damascus were a world away from the modern streets of Saudi, lined with large Suv’s, and new vehicles, ladies sitting in the back looking out through tinted windows. In other middle eastern countries women can drive but few do because money is hard to come by and cars are a luxury. Damascus was literally alive and bustling with people, a contrast to the slow moving, sleepy life of Riyadh. We approached the apartment building and the cars that followed lined up and parked. It was a pleasant blur of people, sights and sounds. All of the kids had piled into one car with me, except the 2 older boys who went with their Amu (uncle).
We walked up the 6 flights of cement stairs not able to use the elevator because electricity was off, as it was 2 hours each and every day throughout the year in Damascus. As we rounded the last stairwell we heard people talking and laughing and I knew it was time to start our visit. I saw my mother- in- law’s teary face as she reached forward to grab the baby and cradled her. My father- in -law was sitting in the guest room waiting. I walked in and gave him my “salams” (greeting) and showed him due respect. He laughed and looked at all of the children naming them off one by one asking them to come and sit with him. The two older boys walked forward, hand extended to shake and give their proper greetings. The little ones sat crouched next to me still dazed and frightened. Jido (Grandfather) owned a dry cleaning business in the most upscale part of Damascus which was near the Western embassies. English speaking people came to his shop daily and he had learned to speak fairly well in order to help customers. We sat around him as he asked me how each person in my family was, their health, jobs and life. Relatives soon filled the room, people sat in chairs and pads on the floor. They could not imagine me, “Madam Lynn” sitting on the floor, abaya scrunched up behind me with a baby, 2 and 3 year old clinging to me. This new environment was something the children had not experienced. We sat at home in Saudi isolated from the outside world, except for school and neighbors. I was not accustomed to sitting with men and had no male friends, and here among his family it seemed some how strange, men mixing with women and people laughing, joking. We spent the next month there with a set routine. We woke up to speak with Jido (grandfather) while he took his breakfast before leaving for the shop. After 10 a.m. aunts and closer relatives would come to sit, visit, help with the meal and stay the whole day. The next wave of people were cousins who would come several times a week and distant cousins who might make this one and only trip. The house was full of people from morning until night. By afternoon it was empty and we would retreat to our room to unwind. In the evening the stream of visitors would start up again and last until at least midnight. Long time family friends came, neighbors and friends that he had know many years before. Each and every day was filled with visiting, this is the heart of Arab life.
When family comes it is relaxed, a tray with tea, some fruit, everyone sits on the floor in the family room. When people who are not immediate family make the visit it is much different. Everyone sits in the “sitting room” lined with the best furniture the family can afford, couches, glass tables, decor that ladies buy and place around to make a home. The visitors are served Arabic coffee, pastries, then fruit, tea and finally water. It is a big production and each person much be served, tea poured for them into tiny glass cups.
The month came to an end and we got ready to head back to Riyadh and our new life in the company compound. The last day was filled with tears, promises to return soon and blessings once again placed on our heads. We made the same drive back to the airport and said our goodbyes.
street where in-laws live
Damascus
That sounds like a really beautiful memory. What an amazingly loving hospitality! I am glad you experienced this!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Erika
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
The inlaws sound like wonderful people, welcoming and accepting and loving. A very nice trip.
LikeLiked by 3 people
It was and they are lovely!
LikeLike
They do sound like lovely people. Are they safe from the civil war in Syria?
LikeLiked by 2 people
They live in damascus and i only see my brother in law on fb we say hi. I hope they are ok!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the way you painted a picture for us. I felt the fear, chaos, confusion, wonder, love and excitement as if I were there too!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks so glad you liked it!:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful insight into a different world. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks
LikeLike
What a beautiful memory to share. I have heard that Damascus is/was a beautiful city full of history. The inflow and outflow of visitors and warm reception reminds me of what life is like when I stay with my relatives in India. Thanks, Lynn, and happy weekend to you! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes I wondered if it would be the same Anita! Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds so similar! When I visit India, I find that there’s a natural flow to how connected people are and boundaries seem a bit more fluid, especially when it comes to personal space and privacy. It makes me miss my family overseas, actually. I hope to go back with my parents next year! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh that is so lovely and yes a flow! Lovely and close
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is interesting getting a peek into another culture. I must say your are great raconteuse (french for storyteller) as always having me in the picture reliving those moments. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are too kind!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
The in laws sound great….Must have been tiring but fun to experience this : )
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was tiring for sure
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing, it sounds like the in-laws were good people. From the pictures, it seems Damascus is not very modern. Always enjoy reading these posts! Thanks Lynn. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
No not modern at all 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always enjoy your posts about your ‘other’ life, Lynn. Must have been fun for you and the kids to be surrounded by friends and family late into the night. A month long holiday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it was fun different and tiring. Thanks for reading 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds great to me. Great affection and hospitality. I can relate with the situation as in India we have mostly same kind of hospitality
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I figured that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like HE is nothing like his father. The two hours w/out electricity…is that a conservation thing or religious?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think conservation but dont know. But first visit popped into shower, lights out ooops. Thanks Tasha am on the road so will pop over to visit when home.,for some reason cant access your site from my phone! Need my fun friday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol @ shower!!!!! Too funny Lynz…guess you learned the hard way, huh? Have a safe trip and a wonderful weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing in such detail what your visit and daily life was like! What a great read 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Cynthia!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely, heartwarming visit! I’m sure it was nice to reflect on this moment in time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It wAs!
LikeLike
So fascinating, Lynn! Such a difference being surrounded with friends and family coming to visit often! You tell your story so beautifully — I feel as if I’m walking right into the home with you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks dear friend:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful to have such welcoming family! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes it was:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
A beautiful section of your story, Lynn, Your in-laws sound like loving and hospitable people, You obviously treasure your memories of that wonderful visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I do! they are wonderful people! thanks Millie
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad to hear his family treated you well. It’s been many years since I was in Damascus, so I was curious to read this. So well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really did not change much through the years I went. I first time in 88 last time in 2008
LikeLike
Loved reading it..guess u had a amazing time..
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was nice and a big contrast to our sheltered life
LikeLike
thanks for reading!
LikeLike
Lynn, I’m so glad his family was warm and welcoming! I have an award for you.
https://purpleslobinrecovery.wordpress.com/2015/11/12/roopams-rules/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for honoring me dear Melinda!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure!
LikeLike
Damascus was one of my favourite cities and Syria was one of my favourite countries. It’s heartbreaking that so much has changed there. I’ve enjoyed reading your memory of this last visit and hope that your husband’s family remains safe and well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so too! We went in 2008 that was the last time. I talk to my brother in law on fb and see pictures but no more than that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Lynn! I really felt your bravery, again, trying to get through customs – and then the male cousin came to help. I you just kept persevering until it worked OUT! Your Syrian in-laws sound really amazing. I wonder how HE became so different…kind of sad, with so much apparent close family. Hugs to you, and thanks for your wonderful writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have to admit it was scary at the airport and even the trip!
LikeLike
Hi Lynn! I really felt your bravery, again, trying to get through customs – and then the male cousin came to help. You just kept persevering until it worked OUT! Your Syrian in-laws sound really amazing. I wonder how HE became so different…kind of sad, with so much apparent close family. Hugs to you, and thanks for your wonderful writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Cathy so much for reading! You are such a good friend to me, I hope soon we will see each other!
LikeLike
It is very nice to read about your loving in-laws and their kind treatment of you and your kids. Strange that He didn’t have same kind of acting like a loving father.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes weird I know!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful memory… beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks JC
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great memories 🙂 so funny how much more of a show is put on for the more distant family members and other visitors! And always, so much food!!! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh yes!! It was nerve wracking to be honest but I tried to write the positive and the love they gave me! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
And you achieved that x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks dear Elaine! you are a sweet lady!
LikeLiked by 1 person
xxxx
LikeLike
xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very well narrated and thanx for sharing with us. ..:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
most welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sitting at my table in France the morning after the dreadful events in Paris last night, it is quite comforting to read of the normal people in Syria. I am unswerving in my belief that we must not demonise a people but I fear that other’s will jump on the anti-Arabic, anti-muslim bandwagon that inevitably accompanies the actions, disgraceful, unspeakable actions of the extremists. Your words, your story has never been more needed 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What hideous and awful attacks on the whole world. Hearing of this makes it an attack on all of us, horrifying and sick!! I hope you are ok! I feel so sad. The sad thing is people like my in laws and the average person pay dearly for these nasty crimes as you have said in your comment! You are a kind and lovely soul!! The average people live in fear daily, I am not a political person but when I went to syria they were afraid of everything! When I left they were fearful and all gathered, a family meeting just fearful of me leaving at the airport!!! no reason just worried. So it was not a fun trip but I tried to put it in the light of what it was, a wonderful family loving me. Entering their airport was scary and that is one reason I did not go back for years! Thanks so much
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love experiencing the heart of family life at your in laws and the culture of the people of Damascus. Thanks for your lively and loving description. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks so much for reading!
LikeLike
What a frustrating experience, the first time round for you Lynn. Fortunately the second time went smoother. I have to admit, as much as it was a lovely visit and your in-laws sound lovely and hospitable, it seemed so tiring, with constant family and friends visiting. It is a very different culture, and I am sure was quite overwhelming for the kids.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well I wrote this in a totally positive light, when he did different things which I wont say what ugh they supported and loved me and were against him! They were mad and would not speak to him so I feel a love for them although major differences and issues, because they have always stuck up for me and my kids! It was scary and i dreaded going! a bathroom with a hole in the floor in a tiny closet like room. a second bathroom with a toilet that was always plugged, dark and the kids were afraid to go in alone, people around all the time, I only have 1 sibling, so for me and the kids very overwhelming! ha ha but they are lovely and so i wanted to portray it in the best light. So yes you are right:) When i moved here he cut me off, threatened me, I called my mother in law who FIXED it and got him to buy a home etc.!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow your life is quite interesting! I am glad the memories are fond.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is really a way to say thanks to my in laws who accepted me! So I didn’t want to say anything negative and never do. Nothing is perfect but many ladies that I knew had a family who did not want them and it never changed! Thanks for reading
LikeLiked by 2 people
Fascinating Lynn, just a completely different way of life; including the contrast of your own! Do your children have a preference of lifestyle from all they have been exposed to?
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh yes, life for them was not fun, not accepted at school or treated nicely. Great prejudice towards them being “Palestinian” because in the middle east you are what your father is, and kids said they were poor refugees, they know nothing about that life at all and didnt identify as being palestinian, then being American also came with negatives. So, here in America they can be who they are! so they all like it better here! people here say oh hmm interesting and that is it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They sound like a very lovely and loving family! I hope they are safe where they are in Syria. Thanks for giving us a peek of this family life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so too! I do worry about them! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I can see why!
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes I see my youngest brother in law on facebook, he likes my posts! he says he is proud of me!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s wonderful! I’m surprised that Syrians are allowed to be on social media.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes he pops on not often but here and there we see a holiday picture of the family, my nieces and nephews.
LikeLike
That’s wonderful that you can keep in touch through Facebook!
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes it is!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your in-laws sound quite lovely. Thanks for sharing this.
Marcey
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your stories.
Marcey
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Marcey! Your so sweet!
LikeLiked by 1 person
When was this trip? Wonder if it is recent and how the current unrest is impacting the family?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I first traveled there in 1987 and that trip in the story was in 96. My last trip was in 2008 and things seemed the same as always.
LikeLike
I am not sure since he and I are not together i don’t hear much any more. But back 2 years ago they were ok, of course times are tough and scary!
LikeLike
Such a great experience , Lynn ! That sure is a beautiful memory , your in laws sounds really amazing 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are wonderful and have stuck by me through allot! they have stood up for me always!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s very sweet of them 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes they quit speaking to him at one point because of a choice he made!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s great and really nice of them to stand by you Lynn 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes they are awesome!:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for ahnother great story, Lynz! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading Bette
LikeLiked by 1 person
It must have been difficult for you to leave? Not knowing exactly what you would be returning to, after being surrounded by the love and acceptance they showed you? I am grateful for them, that you have people on your side Lynn. 😊 Thank you for the positivity 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks they have always stood in my corner:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an amazing trip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you had a good day. It was wonderful “talking” with you today and getting to know you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks it was very nice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very heartwarming recount. I am glad that they were good to you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
They were very lovely
LikeLiked by 2 people
They do sound like warm and inviting people:) Glad that you and your children were able to experience that and have some warm memories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks Nena!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“…utter and beautiful chaos.” My favorite line from this chapter of your story Lynn! Damascus was your oasis! Lovely memories and joy filled times! ❤️😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kat!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A month-long visit, with nine children. I can’t imagine a house absorbing that many new people! How warm and friendly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
well ha ha they have a house or small apartment full of 7 kids, grandkids,aunt uncles, everyone and some people just sleep over!! so for them it was nothing, for us it was quite overwhelming haha
LikeLike
Lynz…you really do know how to bring into sharp focus the details of your life. I am so glad you write so well because it gives me, and many others, an opportunity to learn and see different places and cultures. I am happy for you because you will have in written form this record of a wonderful loving experience. May your family be safe. Thank you so much for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much JoHanna!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pleasure all mine , dear Lynz.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! What an experience Lynn! I bet it was wonderful being with so much family, even if you had little time to yourself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a lovely story!! And even lovelier in-laws!
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes they are wonderful!
LikeLike
*Starts praying for decent future in-laws.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes:)
LikeLiked by 1 person