Wow! The abaya’s were all black. Did they not believe in color or was black cooling after a while. I was under the impression that black attracted heat instead of repelling it.
In Saudi they are black and cannot be decorative! This is a new thing, fun!!! Mine were all black and no bling, no way!Other countries ladies wear all colors, long shirts etc.
thanks lynn…..I love the thought of never worrying about what your wearing but the long and they look heaviness of them seems a bit much….just another way to keep the women suppressed I am guessing…kat
It is tiring to be honest and you cannot chose. If you chose to wear an abaya I think that is fine, your choice, if you are forced then no!! So, all about freedom for me
you have to pretty much. Visitors as well! If you live in Al-Khobar it is more western so you(a visitor) can get away with wearing a long shirt but still most women wear them. Saudi women of course all wear them!
When I left school, I loved that I would never have to wear a uniform again. Of course we all conform to some extent with what society expects. And I guess an abaya really takes the worry out of what to wear today.
Oh my all those black robes hanging up remind me of a scene from ‘Harry Potter’ with all the black wizards capes.
I could say that I would find all that black depressing, but the truth is almost everyone wears black here through choice and you wouldn’t have to say ‘does my bum look big in this!!!’
I would be craving something girlie and lacy though – could you dress how you wanted behind closed doors?
Fascinating insight as always – and I am not behind for once …….xx
xxx Hi Lyndy, You can dress any way you like when you are behind closed doors. Abayas for me for not bad at all! When you cover you are always trying to find something to wear but I just threw on my abaya so it was fine honestly, no worrying on a busy day!When you go to Saudi you know that is the way it will be so you make that choice going in! :)Yes everyone does wear black so true!
Marc once went to meet Tasia at the airport, I told her he was wearing a black coat, she replied ‘mum we are in Paris – everyone is wearing a black coat’ lol xxx
A Muslim friend of me came from Dubai to India in a night dress, thanks to this abhaya 😁 she says she doesnt have to worry about clothes as long as she has this!
Yes women must wear it in saudi. other countries are different. Men wear a thobe a long white dress and a had dress as well. That is not obligatory just tradition
Were those uncomfortable to wear in the hot climate? It’s definitely the opposite of our own culture where women walk around in bikinis during warm weather….mostly on the west coast though lol
Thanks so much! So sweet of you but I really don’t do awards as I follow tons of people and have a huge household! I am so honored that you thought of me Lisa!
Interesting – I would hate to wear one, especially if I had to, the full body coverage is one thing but the face – with almost no vision through the little slit, I’d hate that. Even more so the full face coverage ones with the beak nose – I saw a lady in Paris she had to lift her veil to eat in a restaurant, tricky. While on a trip in Dubai our group tried them on, and some women loved the idea, because of the freedom to leave the house without makeup, even if you had a rough day before etc. as you say, by choice, ok, by force, not ok. Topic goes way beyond the dress code though doesn’t it. I am amazed you managed to do it for 26 years. That said, we have terrible peer pressure in our society – if you look at the womens mags, the voluntary uniforms etc. A friend of mine went to school in the US, she was told she wasn’t dressed well enough by the kids, and they flushed her jacket down the loo.
Well she has several and so at the lake in the summer she wears one I bought her years ago. It was purchased at a Western type of store and has a hood and looks summery. she also wears them around the house sometimes for fun! Weird huh? Like a robe or house dress type thing! But not so much any more now that she is older. She thought they were different and fun!
Good for her! I am sure they were comfy. My Nana used to wear house dresses, and I don’t know that they would be much different. Have a great day Lynz!
I felt panicked when I first moved there! It was soooo hot and the heat just does not end! It is day and night and constant. So, you are sweating and hot all the time!! He hated a/c and so we had to turn it offfffffff! sorry phew now I am in the cold where I belong Marisa, lol
Hi Lynn, I only just recently started following you, but I see a Rav4 in the Western grocery store photo that looks just like mine. When did you come back to the states and separate yourself from your situation? Sorry if that is too personal, but I was curious. 🙂
no problem you can ask anything. I also have my older stories up at the top of the page. We came to see my son graduate from college in 2009 and then I stayed!
yes except the youngest two. They remember little things and our family life there like me and the kids doing silly things etc. but not the society and culture!
You all are amazing! You have managed to accomplish what many families with two parents cannot in raising your children, and you did it against such incredible odds. It is so meaningful all that you share of your life Lynz!
I can’t imagine being covered in black when it’s that hot! Interesting that the men get to wear much-cooler white clothing. Did you have to cover your face at all?
I didn’t have to but the first place we lived, the villa, was out in the saudi streets. The owner of the house was a saudi family that lived downstairs. So she told me I needed to, being different would attract unwanted attention. So I did for about 2 years off and on. It was hard!!!people stared at me anyway! Many Saudi women wear black gloves so people still knew I was different seeing my hands and my eyes and they saw my kids! So it didn’t help really
I went on a trip to Morocco this fall and this looks very similar to the djelleba that women wear there. I was surprised to see how fashionable many women make their dress with different types of accessories!
Hi Lynn, when I think how hot it can get here in South Africa, I shudder to think how you managed there with that heat. I guess it is something one gets used to ! x
I caught a little of one of your comments above about not having to worry about what to wear when wearing an abaya. It sounds a little like the reason why many schools in the UK insist on uniforms for students. No fussing at home over what to wear for school, and everyone looks the same, wealthy or poor. I know that’s not why women wear abayas in Islamic countries, but it just made me think. Was it good to get back to western clothes, once you got home, or did you find it strange going out without an abaya on after all those years?
I wore something like an abaya a longer coat still. I then wore long shirts etc. But always covered until about 5 years ago. And yes the first time I had a hair cut in 28 years(in a salon, he always chopped my hair off)it was very strange and weird!
I have but mostly just after last visit I finally feel knocked down so trying to get that happiness back! The blog has helped me allot and friends like you! you are a near and dear one to me Millie!
Oh Lynn. You have come to mean so much y to us all, and you are very dear to me. I do worry that you’re fretting over what he’s going to do next and just hope you’ve told your lawyer exactly what he’s threatening. He can’t get away with that in America. I hope you never have to see him again. He really took all your self confidence away I can understand how you find it difficult to stand up to him. I’m sure your lawyer will help you now. Lots of hugs to you.
well you could not take pictures, everyone did! But they would take your camera away! Cell phones were not allowed, no satellite tv. but they easily became normal! I took many when I was coming for my sons to go to college, thought it would be fun to show people life in saudi. then my kids went back in 2012 and 2013 so they took pictures of stuff they thought was interesting.
Were those terribly hot?
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Well haha it was around 115 degrees and higher so really it was hot no matter what 🙂
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I thought the same, but it kind does provide protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
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it does for sure!
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I do like the bits of flair on the front seam and sleeves. 🙂 But I am sure I would have melted in 115 degree heat. I don’t do heat well! 🙂
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hahaha yes it was not fun. I am happy to have the deep freeze
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Wow! The abaya’s were all black. Did they not believe in color or was black cooling after a while. I was under the impression that black attracted heat instead of repelling it.
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In Saudi they are black and cannot be decorative! This is a new thing, fun!!! Mine were all black and no bling, no way!Other countries ladies wear all colors, long shirts etc.
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So bland
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yes that is the idea 🙂 but now a few bling types like in the photo!
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Haha, i actually have a few colored Abayas but those are from dubai. I love how free it feels putting on an Abaya 😄
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well you don’t have to worry about what you are wearing for sure!
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It is easier to throw one on and not worry! I had a busy life and so just tossing on my abaya was easier! Thanks for your view point Ameena!! peace!
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Such a different culture…I would not be able to conform. I guess it is what you know or what you have to get used to. Glad you are back here. 😀
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yes so true! 🙂
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thanks lynn…..I love the thought of never worrying about what your wearing but the long and they look heaviness of them seems a bit much….just another way to keep the women suppressed I am guessing…kat
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It is tiring to be honest and you cannot chose. If you chose to wear an abaya I think that is fine, your choice, if you are forced then no!! So, all about freedom for me
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doesn’t all women over there have to wear them?? I know that some of the visitors do not, but if you live there aren’t you suppose to???
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you have to pretty much. Visitors as well! If you live in Al-Khobar it is more western so you(a visitor) can get away with wearing a long shirt but still most women wear them. Saudi women of course all wear them!
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the men are free to wear what they want???
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yes but they wear a thobe, that white dress you see a man in the bottom picture wearing!
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I see…nothing as drab and heavy as the womens…..
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yes for sure!!
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When I left school, I loved that I would never have to wear a uniform again. Of course we all conform to some extent with what society expects. And I guess an abaya really takes the worry out of what to wear today.
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that is how I chose to look at it for sure!
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Oh my all those black robes hanging up remind me of a scene from ‘Harry Potter’ with all the black wizards capes.
I could say that I would find all that black depressing, but the truth is almost everyone wears black here through choice and you wouldn’t have to say ‘does my bum look big in this!!!’
I would be craving something girlie and lacy though – could you dress how you wanted behind closed doors?
Fascinating insight as always – and I am not behind for once …….xx
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xxx Hi Lyndy, You can dress any way you like when you are behind closed doors. Abayas for me for not bad at all! When you cover you are always trying to find something to wear but I just threw on my abaya so it was fine honestly, no worrying on a busy day!When you go to Saudi you know that is the way it will be so you make that choice going in! :)Yes everyone does wear black so true!
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Marc once went to meet Tasia at the airport, I told her he was wearing a black coat, she replied ‘mum we are in Paris – everyone is wearing a black coat’ lol xxx
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hahaha that is funny! xoxo
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A Muslim friend of me came from Dubai to India in a night dress, thanks to this abhaya 😁 she says she doesnt have to worry about clothes as long as she has this!
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yes it is true but should be a choice for each person.
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Wow, read that about the temperature. And that is really obliged to wear outside? But only by woman? Do men have something similar to wear outside?
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Yes women must wear it in saudi. other countries are different. Men wear a thobe a long white dress and a had dress as well. That is not obligatory just tradition
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I see, Lynz!
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🙂
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Were those uncomfortable to wear in the hot climate? It’s definitely the opposite of our own culture where women walk around in bikinis during warm weather….mostly on the west coast though lol
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They were pretty comfy because they are big and flow! It is so hot nothing helps to be honest! haha
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Oh gosh!! I can’t imagine!! 😀
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🙂 it is very hot and nothing helped me to cool off
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Hi Lynz, I just wanted to let you know I nominated your blog for the Epically Awesome Award! Read more here https://rebirthoflisa.wordpress.com/2015/12/07/the-epically-awesome-award/. I hope you accept.
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Thanks so much! So sweet of you but I really don’t do awards as I follow tons of people and have a huge household! I am so honored that you thought of me Lisa!
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You are very welcome.
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🙂
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Looks like there are some very nice stores there!
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yes there really are some fancy stores Spear
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Interesting – I would hate to wear one, especially if I had to, the full body coverage is one thing but the face – with almost no vision through the little slit, I’d hate that. Even more so the full face coverage ones with the beak nose – I saw a lady in Paris she had to lift her veil to eat in a restaurant, tricky. While on a trip in Dubai our group tried them on, and some women loved the idea, because of the freedom to leave the house without makeup, even if you had a rough day before etc. as you say, by choice, ok, by force, not ok. Topic goes way beyond the dress code though doesn’t it. I am amazed you managed to do it for 26 years. That said, we have terrible peer pressure in our society – if you look at the womens mags, the voluntary uniforms etc. A friend of mine went to school in the US, she was told she wasn’t dressed well enough by the kids, and they flushed her jacket down the loo.
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Very good points that you make! Yes it should be a choice for sure!
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Interesting as usual Lynn. It should be free by choice.
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yes I agree
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Wow, it must have been difficult to adapt to such a different culture!
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It was interesting!
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I’m not sure if it is right to say this but it all looks very Stepford Wives and institutionalised.
Any colour you want as long as its black… etc
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yes hahaha any color, just black! you crack me up and always give me a laugh Cameron! yes it is very strict in Saudi, all black and no bling!
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No good for me then…. 😉
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no I don’t think so:)
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Thanks for the short tour 🙂
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sure! glad you came along:)
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Pleasure is mine ☺️
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My mom visited Egypt when we were younger. She brought us all gallibayas that we wore as nightgowns. They were beige with a light blue stripe. 🙂
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That is so cool! My mom has many jellabiyas or however it is spelled, and she wears some of them around in the summer. They are so pretty!
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Another great post Lynz! Love learning about the customs. Your mother wears jellabiyas?
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Well she has several and so at the lake in the summer she wears one I bought her years ago. It was purchased at a Western type of store and has a hood and looks summery. she also wears them around the house sometimes for fun! Weird huh? Like a robe or house dress type thing! But not so much any more now that she is older. She thought they were different and fun!
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Good for her! I am sure they were comfy. My Nana used to wear house dresses, and I don’t know that they would be much different. Have a great day Lynz!
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yes I agree! you too!
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I think I would have found it too restricting……can’t imagine going through hot flashes in those heavy coats!
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I felt panicked when I first moved there! It was soooo hot and the heat just does not end! It is day and night and constant. So, you are sweating and hot all the time!! He hated a/c and so we had to turn it offfffffff! sorry phew now I am in the cold where I belong Marisa, lol
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I must say I prefer cooler temperatures as well! 😊
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yes!
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Hi Lynn, I only just recently started following you, but I see a Rav4 in the Western grocery store photo that looks just like mine. When did you come back to the states and separate yourself from your situation? Sorry if that is too personal, but I was curious. 🙂
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no problem you can ask anything. I also have my older stories up at the top of the page. We came to see my son graduate from college in 2009 and then I stayed!
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YAY for you! xoxo
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It has been a crazy and long road. But things are pretty good now.
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Wow, Lynz, what a different lifestyle! Thank you for giving us a glimpse. Do all of your children remember living there?
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yes except the youngest two. They remember little things and our family life there like me and the kids doing silly things etc. but not the society and culture!
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You all are amazing! You have managed to accomplish what many families with two parents cannot in raising your children, and you did it against such incredible odds. It is so meaningful all that you share of your life Lynz!
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Thank you so much! That means allot. I am working on another story today!
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You are an authentic and precious soul! I look forward to reading your story!
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Thank you so much dear!
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That circle sofa sure is interesting!
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yes lot of European shops
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Oh, ok. I knew I had never seen one of those! lol
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🙂
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I can’t imagine being covered in black when it’s that hot! Interesting that the men get to wear much-cooler white clothing. Did you have to cover your face at all?
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I didn’t have to but the first place we lived, the villa, was out in the saudi streets. The owner of the house was a saudi family that lived downstairs. So she told me I needed to, being different would attract unwanted attention. So I did for about 2 years off and on. It was hard!!!people stared at me anyway! Many Saudi women wear black gloves so people still knew I was different seeing my hands and my eyes and they saw my kids! So it didn’t help really
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Totally different custom, so interesting, thank you!
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sure thanks for stopping by!
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I went on a trip to Morocco this fall and this looks very similar to the djelleba that women wear there. I was surprised to see how fashionable many women make their dress with different types of accessories!
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yes ladies love to make it fashionable but in Saudi not really allowed. In syria and other places they do add fashion to it and make it fun
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Hi Lynn, when I think how hot it can get here in South Africa, I shudder to think how you managed there with that heat. I guess it is something one gets used to ! x
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yes you have to xxx
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I caught a little of one of your comments above about not having to worry about what to wear when wearing an abaya. It sounds a little like the reason why many schools in the UK insist on uniforms for students. No fussing at home over what to wear for school, and everyone looks the same, wealthy or poor. I know that’s not why women wear abayas in Islamic countries, but it just made me think. Was it good to get back to western clothes, once you got home, or did you find it strange going out without an abaya on after all those years?
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I wore something like an abaya a longer coat still. I then wore long shirts etc. But always covered until about 5 years ago. And yes the first time I had a hair cut in 28 years(in a salon, he always chopped my hair off)it was very strange and weird!
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Habits of many years take time to fade. I wondered whether you had found it difficult to re-adapt to western life. Thank you for explaining.
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I have but mostly just after last visit I finally feel knocked down so trying to get that happiness back! The blog has helped me allot and friends like you! you are a near and dear one to me Millie!
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Oh Lynn. You have come to mean so much y to us all, and you are very dear to me. I do worry that you’re fretting over what he’s going to do next and just hope you’ve told your lawyer exactly what he’s threatening. He can’t get away with that in America. I hope you never have to see him again. He really took all your self confidence away I can understand how you find it difficult to stand up to him. I’m sure your lawyer will help you now. Lots of hugs to you.
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thanks dear Millie!:)
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You do such a great job with the pictures, Lynz. Such wonderful insight.
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Thanks!!
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What an experience for you.
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yes it was!
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Again, love the peek into your cultural experience! What made you think to take so many pictures at the time? Sure glad you did!
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well you could not take pictures, everyone did! But they would take your camera away! Cell phones were not allowed, no satellite tv. but they easily became normal! I took many when I was coming for my sons to go to college, thought it would be fun to show people life in saudi. then my kids went back in 2012 and 2013 so they took pictures of stuff they thought was interesting.
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Wow! You weren’t allowed? So different.
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no the police or mutawa would take cameras away and return them maybe later
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