pre-departure thoughts

"I set out alone, finding no companion to cheer the way with friendly intercourse, and no party of travellers with whom to associate myself...Swayed by an overmastering impulse within me, and a long-cherished desire to visit [and travel]..." -Ibn Battuta 1325-1354

I am sitting here on the eve of my departure to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, feeling wildly excited and slightly nervous at the prospect of living in a vastly unfamiliar landscape for an extended period of time.

I am excited for several reasons. Primarily, it is because of the difference culture of Saudi Arabia, as a whole. Jeddah, the city, where I will be living in, is situated on the Red Sea and is the primary port for pilgrims going to Mecca. As such, the local inhabitants are 70% non-Saudis, which, has resulted in a less restrictive and more cosmopolitan feel to the place. Despite that, Saudi laws do still exist and are very evident.

I look forward to this ‘challenge’ because I believe that people, in order grow or become more self-actualized need to be pushed outside their comfort zone and expand their boundaries. Otherwise, people will get stuck in a rut. I have tried to live my life with this philosophy but I have noticed that the last few years in Canada, I have gotten very comfortable. I’ve notice I’ve become more judgemental and less open-minded. I am hoping being in Jeddah will change me for the better. Lesser reasons for my move are being to practice my Arabic, able to cultivate my interest in calligraphy and having the opportunity to travel around that region.          

At the same time, I am realistic enough to realize that this 'challenge' would manifest itself negatively. It would be at times, trying and frustrating not only because of the obvious restrictions imposed, such as women being unable to drive, unable to venture outside without being dressed a certain way, etc. but in how others, especially Saudis would see me. As a woman. As a foreigner. As someone raised Muslim. As a Somali. Canadian. Young person. With piercings. Along with all my other identities.  And how that would affect me, for better or worse. Will I have space to negotiate between how others view me and who I think I am? Probably not. In a country where conformity is expected, or to be more specific, demanded, have I prepared myself enough, mentally, to deal with that? These are concerns that I have.

With that in mind, I am trying to view this optimistically, as an adventure. So here I am spiritually channelling Ibn Battuta, who was a global citizen, hoping that I too, will have fascinating stories to tell.