What an interesting time to live in Saudi. In the less than two years we've lived here, we've personally witnessed and experienced the major transformations the country is going through: from the not-so-good such as the Saudization (depends on your point of view) and the imposition of expat levies, to the wonderful such as the lifting of the ban on cinemas and the much-anticipated women driving. MOVIE DATES ARE BACK, BABY! One of my and my husband's favorite bonding activities in Manila is watching movies. That's why we felt so anxious when we learned Von would be posted in Riyadh, where there are no cinemas. Gah! But last April, the government finally lifted its 35-year ban on cinemas. Whereas before, Saudis and expats usually would have to drive to Bahrain during the weekend, Saudis can now enjoy watching movies in the cinema with the opening of two major theatres in Riyadh. "Black Panther" had the honor of being the first Hollywood film to be screened in Riyadh after 35 years. Unfortunately, we were in the Philippines for our vacation then so we weren't able to catch it. Nevertheless, when Avengers Infinity War came out, we finally experienced watching a movie in Riyadh in the beautiful AMC Cinema Theatre located in the King Abdullah Financial District. A few observations:
Overall, our first cinema experience was great. Since the lifting of the ban, another cinema, VoX Cinemas has also opened. We have yet to try their iMax cinema. Can't wait for more cinemas to open within the city for more options on screening times and movies. #SaudiWomenCanDrive September 26 last year, King Salman issued the royal decree to lift the driving ban on women. On June 24 this year, Saudi women were finally allowed to hit the road. Initially, the issuance of licenses were opened only to Saudi nationals and working women (or those with sponsored visas). A great source of annoyance for me as I fall into the category of expat dependents and their registration system has not been designed yet to accommodate us. The first time I went to the muroor (similar to our LTO), the chief of police told me to come back in a few days' time when they have fixed the system. (I was so depressed that night, Von took me to TGIFriday's to stress-eat, hehe.) But after a couple of weeks of chilling, last July 30, the same day as Mira's 1st birthday, I got an exciting gift as well. Finally, I received my Saudi license! So many words to describe how I felt when I finally received my license: Relief. Freedom. Convenience. Empowerment. All the wonderful things I can think of. Left: With Madame Jo Alonto, spouse of Ambassador Alonto, as we got our driver's licenses; Right: No escape. That's me taking the driver's license test. My diplomatic status did not exempt me from taking the test. Hehe. In the five years that I drove in Pinas, I only parallel parked about two times, so I was a bit nervous doing it here. But hey, I passed! Happy that now I can relieve my husband from having to fetch Elise from school during his lunch break. Happy that I will be sharing in his stress. Happy that on days when he's on travel or business trip, the girls and I don't have to confine ourselves in the house. Happy to be doing *some* things on my own now, like grocery-shopping, which I used to do before in Manila. I absolutely love driving and happy to be back to my old self. As for the Saudi way of driving, oh my. Let me just say I'm thankful I learned how to be a defensive driver in Manila! Can't wait to explore the country more, especially during wintertime when I can bring the kids to the parks even while the husband is at work. This issue on Saudi women being allowed to drive remains highly political thus I would like to refrain from posting any more comments on this. For now, let me say I am grateful to the Kingdom, and to those who paved the way, for making this happen. >wink< * * * Read: My other articles about our diplomatic life here in Riyadh: Gorgeous and Modern: Princess Nourah University Pinoy Fiesta in the Kingdom Welcome to the Kingdom The Start of our Diplomatic Journey Also, do check out our Saudi Arabia Gallery for more pictures from around the country. Thank you!
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