I remember when the internet got big and people talked about having on-line friends. I thought, whatever, I will NEVER have those. That is so dumb. Well, I eat my words. I've met some super cool ladies through Facebook and blogging, and one's name is Tiffany. She lives in Saudi Arabia and has 5 kids.
I used to be the type to gawk at people who had 5 kids and wonder, what were they thinking? Well, Tiffany experienced that attitude from people like me when she lived in the states; however, since living in Saudi Arabia, she hasn't gotten it at all (at least from the locals). Not only does she feel respected for having a family, and a larger one, but she also feels safer if she has at least one of her children with her when she's out! She feels that people respect her for being a mother, and I suppose you could say don't persecute her for being a woman. This is a country where in some places, like the one where Tiffany lives, women are required to wear black abayas to cover themselves when they go out. The women also aren't even allowed to drive!
Anyway, Tiffany put up a nice post about an experience she had at the mall today. She saw a mother from a distance with a pretty baby and motioned to the mother how pretty the baby was. The mother and baby left after a while, but later came back, and the mother motioned for Tiffany to hold the baby. Tiffany was pretty surprised as she just couldn't imagine anyone sharing their baby with a complete stranger in the U.S.!
Anyway, if you like reading about foreign experiences, pop on over to In a maze of beige. You can learn a little bit about life for women and families in Saudi Arabia (and more).
