Day 10 - Reflections Jan 21

Today was a day of reflection for both Kelly and I. Tomorrow we leave KAUST to return home. Changed, for the better. To start, I'll quote King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

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The Holy Quran states, "Say thou how would those who know would be equal to those who do not know?" This sound principle exalts the place of knowledge as the ultimate tool for enlightenment and exhorts all human beings to gain knowledge.

The Prophet also said, "The most righteous of people is the one who brings the greater good to the community." Because of this, the most beneficial of all deeds is one that continues to bear fruit for generations to come. Waqf (endowment) has been an essential component in the building of Islamic civilization.

Wishing to rekindle and spread the great and noble virtue of learning that has marked the Arab and Muslim worlds in earlier times, I am establishing King Abdullah University of Science and Technology on the Red Sea in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

As a new "House of Wisdom," the University shall be a beacon for peace, hope, and reconciliation and shall serve the people of the Kingdom and benefit all the peoples of the world in keeping with the teachings of the Holy Quran, which explains that God created mankind in order for us to come to know each other.
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I also found KAUST's values statement insightful:

Members of the University community are committed to the values of achievement, passion, inspiration, diversity, openness and integrity. At all times, KAUST community members need to behave in ways that uphold these values, both as individuals and as representatives of the University.

• Achievement: Determination to advance science and engineering for the welfare of all mankind.
• Passion: Pursuit of the KAUST mission with enthusiasm and confidence and seeking individuals who share that passion.
• Inspiration: Commitment to stimulate inspiration and celebrate those with the ability to inspire others.
• Diversity: Collaboration among scientists, researchers, and students from different disciplines, nationalities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Openness: Openness which allows students and faculty to think clearly, study freely, and examine complex problems though the clear light of reason
• Integrity: Commitment to uphold the highest standards of moral, ethical, and professional conduct.
• Citizenship: Be a good neighbor and strive to make a positive impact on the University’s surroundings.

Thus the Beacon plays an important role.

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This morning Kelly and I had a chance to reflect with Kyle before he headed off to work. He and Bridgette have many decisions to make in the next six months. Where to live? Continue with his studies in a Phd program? Where to study? Where to work? What field to persue? How to make if work? How to balance his faith, family, education, money, etc.?
We of course had all the answers. Not! But we did encourage him knowing that after thoughtful prayer and discussion he and Bridgette will flourish.

The King's message from the Holy Quran was that God created mankind in order for us to come to know each other. That surely has been accomplished at KAUST. There are more places at KAUST to congregate and discuss life, science, politics, etc. than any place I've ever seen or heard of.

Later, after a little (lot) of AHC prep for classes next week, Kelly and I walked a different part of campus (Safaa Island neighborhood along the Red Sea coast) where we encountered very large homes (like the one below) reserved for faculty and administrators.

Faculty Housing

We then headed over to the main dining area to enjoy our last "meal deal" sitting at the base of the Sea Steps overlooking the Beacon, Yacht Club, Red Sea, and the library.

Sea Steps to the Beacon to the Red Sea

Over lunch and a casual walk our conversation ranged from the cultures which we experienced, the hospitality we were provided, the educational opportunities available at KAUST, and the food we tasted. I recalled a chat we had with a friend and fellow student of Kyle's from Tunisia. He was so excited about his opportunities at KAUST and the hopes he had for his country. In his words he described how the Arab spring began with his country and how the people rose up to expel their dictator. However, democracy had led to elections where a majority of the country's new leaders (and their people) chose a more Islamic and traditional way of life. Women who for years went without Abayas now were told to cover up. Along with other limitations on their choices the Tunisians got their freedoms but lost some as well.
In the end, and after this great experience, I came away with a better appreciation of our life in America and, while it is not perfect, does seem to provide opportunities for all and a life I'm glad I can live. I encourage you all to travel and experience different ways of life and different cultures. We had not really done this before but will be doing much more over the coming years.

Later today, Osama, Kyle's fellow ME student, is taking us on a tour of the Grand Mosque at KAUST. See additional post.

Thanks for listening (reading).

Glenn

Day 10 - Grand Mosque Jan 21

Kyle's friend Osama from Eqypt graciously offered to take us through the Grand Mosque at KAUST. He escorted Kelly and Bridgette to the women's section and Kyle and I were off to the main section. Here are some pictures Kyle and I were able to take.

 



 

Kyle and Osama

Day 9 - Beach Day Jan 20



Kelly SUP

Today was a beach day sponsored by KAUST WEP (Winter Enrichment Program). This is the same group that has sponsored all other activities including last night's concert, art programs, and classes (like Kyle's violin class last year).


Beach Camp

The beach was quite windy. So what do you do with a nice warm wind? Go sailing of course. Kyle headed out for some wind surfing but not until after he took Kelly out for a SUP (Stand Up Paddle-Board) lesson. They I joined them in a single kayak. Such fun!

SUP Lesson

Kyle Instruction

SUP professionals

Directions?

Race is on!

Success!

Kyle showed off his skills as a speedy wind surfer looking very fast.

Textbook Start

Looking good

Kyle fighting the wind

Babe on the dock

After our water sports we had a very unique bbq hamburger experience. The KAUST group did their very best at serving up chicken and beef burgers with a small salad, potato wedges and drinks. Quite a scene. Then we were back in the water trying to tackle the Iceberg and other blow up challenges:

Climbing the Iceberg

Jumping off the Iceberg

Riding the Bull

Falling off the Bull

After a fun day at the beach it was off to Friday church. We enjoyed a great service on campus in a room controlled by the museum (mentioned the other day) which emphasized Islam's role in science and technology. The church was attended by faculty, staff, and students including lots of kids. Very interesting people from all over world professing their faith in Jesus inside an Islamic facility. Great music and a great message about choosing a path.
Our last event for the day was dinner and the golf course. I had steak and lobster, while Kelly had spicy shrimp and Kyle enjoyed some Sri Lanka chicken, and Bridgette had a chicken sandwich. Great food for around $60 (including Saudi Champagne!).

Only one more day in paradise as the weekend ends here in Saudi Arabia, and Kyle and Bridgette return to work.

Day 8 - Snorkeling etc. Jan 19

Today was a busy day with snorkeling, watching a film on Arabia, dinner at an Indian restaurant, and a concert of classical music presented by KAUST and visiting German musicians.
"The BEST snorkeling ever" says Kelly. The boat, the food, the people, the water temperature, the water clarity, the sunning. Put it all together and you have one more unforgettable day in Saudi Arabia.

We left the harbor promptly at 9 (an 8 minute walk from Kyle and Bridgette's apartment). Once on board we enjoyed coffee, tea, and pastries while we navigated the channels around KAUST past the coast guard sentry and over the Thuwal to register. Then out on the Red Sea to one of a thousand unspoiled reefs.

Leaving Saafa Harbor

Arriving at the reef

Diving in

Exploring the reef

Taking pictures

Taking in the sights

Awesome coral and clams

The four of us ventured out for about and hour or so taking in the sights and shooting lots of video and pictures.

Lots of bright coral

More coral

We then move to another close by reef where Kyle and I headed out while the girls stripped down to their two piece suits to soak up the sun. Something they could not do on land. Our trip ended with a leisure return to KAUST enjoying drinks, sandwiches, and the sun. What a day.

Nice foursome

Happy couple

Day 7 - Museum, Bowling, and BBQ Jan 18

After a good nights sleep from our trip to Jeddah at night Kelly was off to help Bridgette in her preschool class while I worked a bit on Hancock classes which begin next week and managed the blog and photos.
Later we headed to lunch at Discovery Plaza and then off to the Museum of Science and Technology in Islam (http://museum.kaust.edu.sa/). The Museum's presence on campus is to expose researchers to the rich historical foundation on which KAUST was built. To quote their literature...

"The Museum celebrates the contributions of Muslim scholars to science and technology during the first Golden Age of Islam from the 650 to 1650. These Muslim scholars include amongst them the great scientists, inventors, engineers, mathematicians and teachers of that time, such as Jabir ibn Hayyan, Abbas bin Firnas, al-Kindi, al-Razi, al-Jazari and Taqi al-Din.

The Museum demonstrates how their contributions shaped the world as we know it today and how their pioneering work laid the foundation for modern civilization. The benefits of their work are all around us today."

The first thing we encounterd was a bunch of colorful pyramids suspended from the ceiling.

Entrance

Cool entry

Next up a cool mechanical elephant water clock.

Clock

"The Elephant Water Clock is an iconic example of one of al-Jazari’s pieces of fine technology. In addition to telling the time, it celebrates the universality of Islam by incorporating elements from Spain, Phoenicia, Egypt, Iraq, India and China."



Paddlewheel

"This dynamic scale model display depicts five famous water-raising devices made by Muslim engineers. These devices include al-Jazari’s Reciprocating Pump, One-Scoop Pump, Chain-of-Pots and Four-Scoop Pump, and Taqi al-Din’s Six-Cylinder Pump."

We then met Brigette for some family bowling. Here's Kelly bowling a strike!

We wrapped up the day barbequing some vegis and marinated beef and enjoyed a spirited conversation with two of Kyle's fellow engineers Karim and Osama both from Egypt. Their insights into their culture and the differences between Egyptians, Jordanians, and Saudis were very helpful in better understanding this Arabian world in which Kyle and Bridgette currently live.