STORIES, STORIES

It's common for expatriates here in Malaysia to live in condominiums that provide residents access to a swimming pool, and living in one and being able to just hang out by the pool and go for a swim on the weekends always puts me on that constantly-on-holiday vibe. I don't take advantage of this quite as often as I can or should. I remember growing up in Jeddah, how we'd have family pool parties with other expat family friends, or go rent an istira7a  (a private villa enclosed in high walls with a swimming pool), or have cookouts in the pool area of Saudi friends' homes. None of these involve alcohol – at least 90% of the time it didn't! – and they mostly happened during the day within the private confines of someone's residence. Coming from a conservative, religious family meant that when these happened, it was rare to have a mixed group. Often, we'd have two pools – one for men, another for women – or if there was one pool, there'd be separate set...

I recently renewed my contract to work in Malaysia for another 2 years, which means I get a second stab at this, which means yet another clean slate. The universe has always been generous with me when it comes to clean slates, so salud , universe! My second wind was off to a great start, with not one, not two, but three chances to (re)connect with some very important people. Since I moved here to Malaysia in 2013, I've been fortunate enough to have so many Saudi friends drop by, keep me grounded, and remind me that I'm worth something – at least worth a visit from thousands of miles away. It's a lovely feeling, and I am not without gratitude! Hning's Asia Obviously when the fantastic oddball and Saudi cewebrity Alia (and long-time friend of this blog!) showed up at my Malaysian doorstep, I went nuts. I hadn't seen this woman in years , and on my way to the airport to pick her up, I felt the same way I would whenever I get to see my own sister or my brothe...