Life on the Compound

Many of my friends at home have asked me what it's like living on a compound. I can only describe it by using one word "different". They have done everything imaginable to make life comfortable for Westerners and to keep some of Saudi Arabia's core beliefs intact.  When you enter into the compound you must show a identification badge, this has been hard for me to get use to. No matter where you travel in the kingdom, even on the interstate there are checkpoints that you have to stop at and show your identification to be able to move along. Losing my identification means that until the matter is settled I would not be able to enter into the compound to get to my home. Armed guards stand at the entrance with machine guns checking every automobile and bus that enters.  It may be a hassle but it makes me feel secure.

The compound has all the amenities of home that are easily accessible. Ironically, most people use golf carts to navigate around the compound.I will list a few facilities here so that you can get a real glimpse of the ammenties here:

Commissary
Beauty Salon/Barber/Massages
Coffee House
Restraunants
Florist
Private Owned Day Cares
Hospital-with specialists-Free Healthcare
Game Room, one just for kids,one shared by kids and adults
Bowling Alley
Theater( Only on American/Amarco Compounds, Theatres are banned from the kingdom)
Post Office
Travel Office
Golf Course and Mintaure Golf
Yacht Club
Horse Farm
Tennis Courts
Squash Courts
Running Tracks
Workout Facilities
Self Directed Groups

Coffee House

Commissary