I've recently posted several updates to Jon of Arabia.
Due to the intermittent nature of internet connections here in the KSA, combined with a heavy schedule of hospital orientation and camel riding, I haven't been able to keep up with things here at DKos. But I thought I\d pop in to give anyone who is interested an update.
It turns out that Saudi Arabia is way more relaxed than I had been led to believe. And way more Westernized, too. Sure, there are still plenty of men in the thobe (long white shirt) and ghutra (red-checked headdress), but many more, especially those younger than 40, dress in fashionable Western clothes. Even the women driving situation may be changing -- many people here believe strongly that the ban will be lifted in the next few years.
It's turned out to be amazing and wonderful and interesting, and I hope anyone who has the chance will take a few moments to check out Jon of Arabia, and maybe post a comment or two! (OK, that's two shameless plugs. I guess that's enough.)