saudi market and skiing in Dubai

Hello all,

I just wanted to take this time to thank everyone at FTR International Inc. for everything that they did for all of us. They were the best hosts anyone could have ever asked for and each of their employees was extremely kind and respectful to all of us. I was extremely impressed with how proffessional each and every one of their employees was. There is no way of putting how thankful I am into words.

On our last day in Saudi Arabia yesterday, we all got to do a bit of shopping at the local markets. It was great to see the culture one last time before we had to take off. It was also fun for all of us to test out our bargaining skills. We also had the pleasure of eating dinner with the KSU proffessors in the Civil Engineering department, as well as some of their students that we previously met during our visit to the university. They were all extremely kind and it was great to have the chance to hang out with some locals. Everybody that I got the chance to meet in Saudi Arabia was incredibly generous. For example, while at a photo shop, I was buying photo prints for some gifts for some gifts to some of the FTR employees. While in the shop, I got to converse with a local from Saudi Arabia and found out his brother lives in South Bend. After only a few minutes of talking, he insisted that he purchase our photos since we are guests in his country. This is just one of the many examples of how generous and hospitable the Saudi locals are.

Today, we got the chance to tour Dubai with our wonderful host Ron. It was a spectacular sight to see all of the towers and incredible hotels throughout the city. In one day, we went to the top of the tallest building in the world (Burj Khalifa), walked around the biggest mall in the world (Dubai Mall), saw the worlds largest aquarium and largest candystore. It was one amazing day but fortunately we also got the chance to see Dubai's indoor ski park called Ski Dubai. Unfortunately, only JD and myself got to go. This was one heck of an experience, especially since it was JD's first time ever skiing. Not many people can say their first time skiing was in the middle of the desert. I have never seen someone pick up skiing as fast as he did, so props to you JD. That is all for today, tomorrow we get to tour Abu Dhabi before we head back to Chicago.

Ski Dubai

Thanks,

Logan

King Saud University Girls Campus - Group Shots

KAPSARC Team Pic

Picture of us today at the KAPSARC project with Parikshit Jawale, the HSE Manager for Drake & Scull, who was just one of the numerous individuals who worked with us today on site.         

Changing Views

From Logan,

Today we got to visit the KAPSARC site here in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, we did not get to take any pictures since it is a government site. The logistics of the building and the workforce and safety involved were extremely impressive. We learned tons about different construction topics including advice on interviewing that you cannot put a price on.

In only two full days of being in Saudi Arabia, I have already learned more than I could have imagined. Coming into this trip, my views on the Middle East were a bit skeptical. After being here in person, my views have changed dramatically. The people here are extremely hospitable and have been nothing but generous to all of us. I feel like the news in America skews people’s views of this region in a negative way. I feel that the one major thing that I can do when I get back to America is to promote that the Middle East is a great place to be.

I also did not expect Saudi to be so similar to life back home. There are American chain restaurants such as Fridays and Applebees throughout the town of Riyadh. Before coming here, I would have never expected to see everyday life be so similar to that in America.

That’s all for now.

Sooo much food...

We are finishing up our first full day in Saudi Arabia and the amount of hospitality FTR provided has been awesome! We heard presentation on two of their projects and also learned a little about the safety program. Thanks Bruce, David, and Jamie (hope I spelled your name right) the presentations were great.

I believe the guys would agree with me that a food has not been a problem for us. We eat like kings for every meal and a standing joke has been that we will all gain 5lb. by the end of the trip. I wouldn't mind it.

Thanks to all who have subscribed and stay tuned for more!

One of the traditional breakfast platers.  The dish includes hummus, tomatoes, cucumber, egg, lettuce/green things, yogurt, black olives, and cheese (which is wonderful)

JD

Sleep much?

Logan here:

Well the first day of activities is in the books. Here in Saudi Arabia, all of us are going to get a bit more sleep in before we head to dinner at TGIF. The time difference is definitely taking its toll on all of us. It’s definitely going to be exciting to go on a site visit to KAPSARC tomorrow. Day one was definitely an experience already. We got to experience some Saudi breakfast and bbq for lunch. More updates to come after we get to visit some sites.