GreatLaker
American expat in Saudi Arabia
Forum posts
74
Contacts
2
About me
American
Lives in Riyadh
Speaks English
Registration: 09 April 2010
want to buy 2nd hand cheap car by champychamp
hello! ive been browsing for almost a week, searching for 2nd hand cars likely to be concept car but not the kind of car that was driven on a sci-fi movies. i need something like Mr. Bean car if you happen to know him. lol well does anyone know if ...
You're wife is right. That's a good indication she loves you! I've had motorcycles for 3 decades, yet I refuse to ride one in KSA. Too many unskilled, reckless, and inconsiderate drivers. Read More
want to buy 2nd hand cheap car by champychamp
hello! ive been browsing for almost a week, searching for 2nd hand cars likely to be concept car but not the kind of car that was driven on a sci-fi movies. i need something like Mr. Bean car if you happen to know him. lol well does anyone know if ...
One of my Syrian employees in Riyadh is moving to Sweden, and selling his little Beemer. It's old, and not too pretty, but I'm sure he'll part with it for super cheap. If interested, PM me and I'll let him know. Read More
Libraries in Riyadh by Allons-y
Are there public (or even private) libraries in Riyadh? If so, are there any that have English, Spanish, and French books? I am still waiting for my iqama but hope to have it soon. What are the regulations for non-Saudis? Could I get a library card ...
Has anyone physically, been inside either of these libraries? If yes, have you actually checked out an English-language title, taken it home, read it, and returned it? (You know...like a library?) If so, I'd be interested in any details you can ... Read More
Re; Japanese food by Ruby Sterling
Looking for a great place to have Japanese food. Any suggestions?
I've been to Sushi Yoshi and Furosato's on Tahlia. Furosato's is my fav'. Fresh salmon shipped in every 2-3 days. Friendly Filipino staff working behind the sushi bar. I take my managers there every month, or so. Read More
Riyadh international bookfair by ibrahim1407
hi good morning Today is the opning day of Riyadh book Fair which extends to the middle of the current month.. but today just for people they have invitation... for me i'll be there on Thursday morning... anyone want to join me... send a ...
riyadhbookfair.org.sa/sites/english/Pages/Home.aspx (I know, "...the lowest form of wit.") Read More
Dirab Motorsports park open drifting day by Freshlikesushi
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=479247525464847&set=a.295532770502991.69061.100001388111959&type=1 DIRAB Park announces the kick off the weekly Drifting activities in the Drifting Track under the supervision of Saudi Champion Captain ...
Good! Maybe it'll keep those newly postpubescent little princesses from drifting down Tahlia Street at 3 a.m., for the love of Wotan. (Hopefully, changes to the Dirab Golf & CC commute is nada. It's always something..."but the beat goes on dada ... Read More
Anyone know of someone looking for an Administrative job?
Roger. Wilco. Thx Aur茅lie! Read More
Anyone know of someone looking for an Administrative job?
I'm looking to immediately fill a position for a receptionist and general office administrator. It is an engineering and design company--a Saudi and American joint venture. Qualifications: PC literate; speaks native Arabic and excellent English. ... Read More
Any Bikers Here
I'm bikeless, and haven't been riding in many, many years. I would be interested, however, in renting bikes. Some shops in the U.S.A. will rent motorcycles by the day or by the week. A two to three day road trip through the desert to a coast, or ... Read More
Leather/Shoe Repair by GreatLaker
This is a dying industry in the U.S., thanks to [i]Made in China's[/i] disposable footwear. That said, and although it's a longshot, I'm [b]looking for a shoe repair shop in Riyadh[/b]. I have a nice Tommy Bahama belt and some perfectly broken-in ...
For expat posterity, and future denizens of this website who will use its search function, there is a small leather repair shop in front of Al Jazeera grocery store: http://goo.gl/maps/oPp2j It's a small shop along the storefront fa莽ade, near the ... Read More
Leather/Shoe Repair by GreatLaker
This is a dying industry in the U.S., thanks to [i]Made in China's[/i] disposable footwear. That said, and although it's a longshot, I'm [b]looking for a shoe repair shop in Riyadh[/b]. I have a nice Tommy Bahama belt and some perfectly broken-in ...
Thanks, AC. Is this the place: http://goo.gl/maps/kaG05 ? (8028 At Takhassusi Street, Al Ma'thar Alshamali, Riyadh) Read More
Leather/Shoe Repair
This is a dying industry in the U.S., thanks to Made in China's disposable footwear. That said, and although it's a longshot, I'm looking for a shoe repair shop in Riyadh. I have a nice Tommy Bahama belt and some perfectly broken-in pairs of Ecco ... Read More
Global Food Festival by GreatLaker
Starting tomorrow: http://www.riyadhfoodfestival.com/en/Default.aspx Int'l cuisine staggered across a dozen sites. Starts January 16th. Ends January 31st. Could be a tasty little diversion for those daring souls willing to venture out into ...
"These pretzels are making me thirsty!" (And Mabella26's picture is making me hungry.) Read More
Harley Davidson by Enricoa65
I' m looking for friends who has The passion for harleys here in Riyadh
Some of us Americans refer to Harley-Davidson's deep, throaty, rumbling obligato as "the sound of Freedom." I submit that it may also be called "the sound of Inefficiency." ;-) I've loved my time aboard my Harleys, but I really loves me some ... Read More
Global Food Festival by GreatLaker
Starting tomorrow: http://www.riyadhfoodfestival.com/en/Default.aspx Int'l cuisine staggered across a dozen sites. Starts January 16th. Ends January 31st. Could be a tasty little diversion for those daring souls willing to venture out into ...
Janadriyah festival.Thanks, AC. I will. When/where is it? Read More
Global Food Festival by GreatLaker
Starting tomorrow: http://www.riyadhfoodfestival.com/en/Default.aspx Int'l cuisine staggered across a dozen sites. Starts January 16th. Ends January 31st. Could be a tasty little diversion for those daring souls willing to venture out into ...
Yike!!! The page just opened and I noticed it says "2012"Upper left graphic says 2013, but, yes, the text does say "2012." Not a very good website--surprise, surprise. Anyway, I attended the opening ceremony at the Riyadh Golf Course (not Dirab, ... Read More
Global Food Festival
Starting tomorrow: http://www.riyadhfoodfestival.com/en/Default.aspx Int'l cuisine staggered across a dozen sites. Starts January 16th. Ends January 31st. Could be a tasty little diversion for those daring souls willing to venture out into ... Read More
Book Studies by anaexpat
Guys, who reads a book a week? I'd like to meet heavy readers (men only, no offense lovely ladies) and discuss books. Insights and thoughs are welcomed T
the one about not being greatHaha! I love the irony of our paranoia, considering the subject. Yes. That book is excellent. In fact, it was the first book of his that I bought/read. It was my intro to Hitch, peace be upon him. Read More
Book Studies by anaexpat
Guys, who reads a book a week? I'd like to meet heavy readers (men only, no offense lovely ladies) and discuss books. Insights and thoughs are welcomed T
guys i hate to do this, i might be a bit late, last min changes. I'll do my best to be on time thoYou bailed on us, man! It's copacetic though. Good conversation--intriguing, but without excessive erudition or pomp. Cheers. P.S., That Starbucks ... Read More
Book Studies by anaexpat
Guys, who reads a book a week? I'd like to meet heavy readers (men only, no offense lovely ladies) and discuss books. Insights and thoughs are welcomed T
I am reading one of Christopher Hitchens' books now. :)Which one? How is/was it? Read More
Book Studies by anaexpat
Guys, who reads a book a week? I'd like to meet heavy readers (men only, no offense lovely ladies) and discuss books. Insights and thoughs are welcomed T
I'll be the young looking irish guy with glasses :)I'll be the old Cuban woman with disheveled hair, smoking a cigar. Read More
Book Studies by anaexpat
Guys, who reads a book a week? I'd like to meet heavy readers (men only, no offense lovely ladies) and discuss books. Insights and thoughs are welcomed T
I am in Fri afternoon after Asr prayer. TDitto. Read More
Looking forward to buy an HR Sysytem by write2smunir
Hi All, Can anyone guide me for buying a good HR system in Riyadh, which includes employee data, payroll, leave management system (LMS) etc....something which is user friendly and economical. Thanking you all in advance for your help ...
Can anyone guide me for buying a good HR system in RiyadhI, too, am looking at HR systems. Right now I'm researching Aviva, a cloud-based system, among others. Do you need Arabic language and/or Hijri calendar(AH)support? I'm a U.S.-based ... Read More
Book Studies by anaexpat
Guys, who reads a book a week? I'd like to meet heavy readers (men only, no offense lovely ladies) and discuss books. Insights and thoughs are welcomed T
yes, friday is good for me. let the hitch-slapping commence!I'm slightly wary about getting too heavy into his politics--we may end up getting deported. ;) Morning or afternoon? They close for a 2-1/2 hour window in between. Viva la Hitch! Read More
Book Studies by anaexpat
Guys, who reads a book a week? I'd like to meet heavy readers (men only, no offense lovely ladies) and discuss books. Insights and thoughs are welcomed T
big fan of Christopher Hitchens myself :) guys let's set a day/time over a Starbucks ?Well, what the hell...why not? Early Friday, or Friday afternoon? I'm flexible ("That's what she said") on both time and location. Below is just a ... Read More
Book Studies by anaexpat
Guys, who reads a book a week? I'd like to meet heavy readers (men only, no offense lovely ladies) and discuss books. Insights and thoughs are welcomed T
compromiseI too share Hitch's love for irony...and language...and Scotch! Thomas Jefferson: Author of America or Why Orwell Matters might be nice compromises. I've not read them, but fully intend to. Read More
Book Studies by anaexpat
Guys, who reads a book a week? I'd like to meet heavy readers (men only, no offense lovely ladies) and discuss books. Insights and thoughs are welcomed T
Most books I read are somehow related to History, Biographies and EconomicsJust noticed your earlier response. I like those too--sans the Economics; too much of that in college. Any particular titles in mind for those genres? I read 3 by Sarah ... Read More
Book Studies by anaexpat
Guys, who reads a book a week? I'd like to meet heavy readers (men only, no offense lovely ladies) and discuss books. Insights and thoughs are welcomed T
a book a week?What stuff do you typically read? What do you plan on reading in the near future? I usually go for the "heavies." Maybe one book every 3 wks. And books like Moby Dick almost require discussion to digest what the he11 just ... Read More
Rugs / Carpets by ahmedf
Where to buy good quality rugs / carpets in Riyadh? Any advice on type/quality of rugs would be appreciated.
Haraj Souq really having all type of varieties and in reasonable pricesThanks for the lead, Aali786--I think I've been to that souq. It isn't necessarily a market or store, however, that I'm most interested in finding. I'm looking for an honest ... Read More
Rugs / Carpets by ahmedf
Where to buy good quality rugs / carpets in Riyadh? Any advice on type/quality of rugs would be appreciated.
@cdcooper99- you should post an ad in the Riyadh classifieds > buy and sell section.EB might want to program a feature that posts an alert to the Riyadh Forum whenever a new classified ad is created in the Riyadh Classifieds (ditto for all cities, ... Read More
Rugs / Carpets by ahmedf
Where to buy good quality rugs / carpets in Riyadh? Any advice on type/quality of rugs would be appreciated.
I too am looking for very high (investment) quality rugs: Turkeman (preferably Bukhara/Tekke); Isfahan; Tabriz; Qum; Nain; et al. My preferences are these: natural dyes, select wool from New Zealand, quality silk, and very high knot density ... Read More
Chess pains...
Anyone aware of chess clubs or chess tournaments in Riyadh? Once or twice a month I start jonesin' for a game. OTB beats computer chess, hands-down. I live near Centralia Mall at Tahlia & Olaya. Scores of coffee shops and outdoor tables, but ... Read More
Bahrain hotel?
So as to make it more visible, your post has been moved to the Manama forumHmmm...greater visibility, eh? I found what I needed. You can close the thread if you like. Read More
Planning to buy Dodge Durango 2012...Will it be a wise decision? by Upal
I'm worried about the spare cost price...any idea whether is it very expensive?
I'm a Ford man. My trucks and SUVs are always dependable, resalable, and easy to repair...which is seldom necessary. thecarconnection.com/overview/ford_explorer_2012 Trivia: Dearborn, Michigan (Ford headquarters) has the highest Arab population ... Read More
Bahrain hotel?
Can anyone recommend a cheap/clean/quiet hotel in Manama, Bahrain. It doesn't need to be "on the beach" or "family friendly" or anything else--just cheap/clean/quiet. And, maybe near some fun nightlife activity. I'm going there for the first time ... Read More
NFL streaming?
hey there, watch it on this website... thefirstrow.eu(Worked great, thanks. I've got a streamtorrent working on my Mac OS now...even better! Excellent bitrate quality. Enjoy the game! Read More
NFL streaming?
Any good or arcane website recommendations for streaming today's Detroit vs. Houston game? The faster and cheaper (read: 'free'), the better. I don't want to pay $$$ to watch my beloved Lions lose their 9th straight Thanksgiving Day game. Read More
would like to meet americans by lulita-me
I'm Syrian living in Riyadh and i would like to meet new Americans :)
If humans evolved from monkeys, why do monkeys still exist? If evolution is real, why aren't monkeys still evolving into humans today?Oxford evolutionary biologist, Dr. Richard Dawkins, explains our development more elegantly than I can: ... Read More
Argentina vs Saudi Arabia by ASHRAF 1
Dear Friends, The legendary & best football player in the world Lionel Messi has arrived with his team to play the match against Saudi Arabia by tommorow ( 14th November ). You don't want to miss what this incredible player can do with the ball.
wow typical american wild cat behavior , you think you know it all here women don,t care about football ,or sport so no need for Alice Morgan for saudi women plus most of our women are so fine and sexy and smell like flowers ,, not like most ... Read More
Libraries in Riyadh by Allons-y
Are there public (or even private) libraries in Riyadh? If so, are there any that have English, Spanish, and French books? I am still waiting for my iqama but hope to have it soon. What are the regulations for non-Saudis? Could I get a library card ...
The King Abdul Aziz public library near exit 13 is very good: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?hl=en&safe=active&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=library+riyadh&fb=1&gl=uk&hq=library&hnear=Riyadh+Saudi+Arabia&cid=17539520731785916789Well, that takes care of ... Read More
Libraries in Riyadh by Allons-y
Are there public (or even private) libraries in Riyadh? If so, are there any that have English, Spanish, and French books? I am still waiting for my iqama but hope to have it soon. What are the regulations for non-Saudis? Could I get a library card ...
The King Abdul Aziz public library near exit 13 is very good: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?hl=en&safe=active&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=library+riyadh&fb=1&gl=uk&hq=library&hnear=Riyadh+Saudi+Arabia&cid=17539520731785916789 ...they have abt half a ... Read More
Newly Converts to Muslim union by cami_fa
Hi there, Any one can suggest how can i contact some people who converts in to Islam newly in saudi arab? thnx shaheen
I know a few guys that might impart some ideas: Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and Daniel Dennett, to name a few. Christopher Hitchens would've been a great one to confer with too, but I don't think he's here any longer. Unfortunately, I don't ... Read More
Golf in Riyadh by Golf30
Hi, I am new to Riyadh and wandering if there are any golfers here who can guide me to the local playing facilities.......... I am not a beginner but can not classify myself as someone with below 20 handicap. Cheers, Shoaib
Sounds good, Alex. I'm shooting for a day or two between Nov. 13-20 for my next outing. Any of those days good for you? (I don't think we'll have to worry about rain!) I think we can submit a tee time here: ... Read More
Golf in Riyadh by Golf30
Hi, I am new to Riyadh and wandering if there are any golfers here who can guide me to the local playing facilities.......... I am not a beginner but can not classify myself as someone with below 20 handicap. Cheers, Shoaib
try out the dirab golf course.. I don't play golf myself but have heard from friends who do that it is by faaaar the best one in town..I became a member this week(SAR 16,000/yr). 4 things appealed to me: 1. Green fees included(SAR ... Read More
Is it possible Iqaama tansfer without permission of existing Employer by mr_r_adnan
Assalaam , Friends , I am working in Riyadh for 2 years now however I have got an offer from other company with better position & salary. BUT I AM NOT SURE WHETHER MY EXISTING COMPANY WOULD ALLOW MY IQAAMA TRANSFER to new employer. Please advise ...
Good question. I've heard that your current sponsor must agree to the transfer. I'm in the process of hiring some engineers already working in Riyadh. A few got permission to transfer at the end of their contract, but the majority have to fly to ... Read More
I thought I'd *lose* weight in KSA. Whale searching for a lap pool... by GreatLaker
I've been here two months, and I've gained 8 lbs. despite giving up my favorite libations: Scotch and IPAs. I blame it on shawarmas, fatteh, bread, and my Herman Miller Aeron chair. My favorite exercise is swimming laps, but I'm finding it ...
I found one: http://goo.gl/maps/smvS Though a slightly ersatz substitute, it'll do fine for now. Thanks again for all the info! Read More
I thought I'd *lose* weight in KSA. Whale searching for a lap pool... by GreatLaker
I've been here two months, and I've gained 8 lbs. despite giving up my favorite libations: Scotch and IPAs. I blame it on shawarmas, fatteh, bread, and my Herman Miller Aeron chair. My favorite exercise is swimming laps, but I'm finding it ...
Lol same here! 10 Kgs for 3 years hahaha! :D King Faisal Hospital has a pool olympic size.Thanks, Mabella26. Do you know if it's available for non-patients and non-staff to use? I'm willing to pay for access. PS, Happy birthday! Read More
I thought I'd *lose* weight in KSA. Whale searching for a lap pool... by GreatLaker
I've been here two months, and I've gained 8 lbs. despite giving up my favorite libations: Scotch and IPAs. I blame it on shawarmas, fatteh, bread, and my Herman Miller Aeron chair. My favorite exercise is swimming laps, but I'm finding it ...
@Legend & Juangcr: Thanks! I'll check out Fitness Time this week. BTW, which great lake? I grew up in the windy city ;)@Alliecat: The Second City? The City of Broad Shoulders? Chi-town? I grew up on the shore of Lake Huron in the Wolverine ... Read More
I thought I'd *lose* weight in KSA. Whale searching for a lap pool...
I've been here two months, and I've gained 8 lbs. despite giving up my favorite libations: Scotch and IPAs. I blame it on shawarmas, fatteh, bread, and my Herman Miller Aeron chair. My favorite exercise is swimming laps, but I'm finding it ... Read More
Place for jogging by mykingdom
Hello everybody. Does anyone know a nice place for runner near tahlia and holaya. or any suggestions for sport activity
Thanks for the anwers, everyone. Very helpful. I've got my lightweight garb now: below the knees, short sleeves...all I miss are hardwood trees. ;) Read More
Place for jogging by mykingdom
Hello everybody. Does anyone know a nice place for runner near tahlia and holaya. or any suggestions for sport activity
I'll be moving to Riyadh (near Olaya/Tahlia) in a few weeks. Is it permissable to wear shorts when running--either outdoors or in a fitness center like FirstFitness in the Localizer Mall? An old 80s-expat told me "No." I just wanted to confirm. ... Read More