Over 10,000 residents call the DQ home. Meet Your Neighbor profiles interesting people in our international DQ Community. Learn about the diverse experience, interests, and backgrounds of DQ dwellers. Read on, and Meet Your Neighbor.
Describe your personality in 3-5 words/adjectives and expound.
Curious/interested – My parents really sparked a zest for learning, perhaps that’s why I’m a teacher and a travel junkie! Social—Meeting people is something I adore, and perhaps what drove me to being a restaurateur, writer—and teacher. I not only enjoy networking—but also helping people meet each other. This was also, by the way, totally inspired by my very social parents; they constantly entertained. Energetic – I like getting things done—whether it’s work, writing, exercise, cooking—all of the above! Energy is a hugely important com-ponent in my life and one I strive to maintain.
What hobbies are you into? Why do you love doing it/them?
I love hosting– cooking for my husband, two grown-up kids, other family and friends. Additionally, I take great pleasure in reading, writing, listening to music, running, and dancing.
From which country are you from?
The United States–I was born on Fifth Avenue in NYC. I’ve lived in NYC and outside NYC for years, as well as in Barcelona, Spain, and Lima, Peru. And though I haven’t lived in other places, I’ve had the wonderful chance to travel through a lot of Latin America, and feel a strong affinity to many elements of Latin culture. Though, after two years of spending substantial time in Saudi Arabia, I’m feeling more and more that my Saudi soul is growing, too.
What brought you to Riyadh?
I had a consulting job with the Institute of International Education and the Saudi Ministry of Education. After that, I had a short-term education-related writing job, and then started working last June as Learning and Development Director for Turquoise Mountain, which is a non-profit dedicated to the work of Saudi artisans and the preservation of Saudi heritage crafts. I have the honor of meeting a large and diverse group of artists, learning about their work—ranging from palm weaving and zari gold embroidery, to traditional wood and plaster work—and writing about it. It’s been an amazing experience. I am lucky to have had this privilege of meeting so many, many, many talented people.
What changes have you seen/experienced in Riyadh since you first came here up to now/today?
Wow—so many! From women driving, to live music, —to a myriad of new venues, restaurants, and so many different opportunities. I primarily see changes in women; the young women I have the pleasure of working with are so inspiringly smart and ambitious; I see them more infused with possibility than ever before.
What’s your day like in the DQ? Kindly walk us through it.
Well, now that I think about it, it’s not too different from life at home in NY. If I work “at home,” I get up, walk either inside (treadmill) or outside, eat, write for a few hours, walk again, and eat again! I guess that’s not too exciting, but I do really enjoy it all!
What do you like most about the DQ?
I like the security I feel, as well as the freedom to walk around. Walking around is huge. As a New Yorker, it’s one of my fundamental “musts” in life! And add people watching to that list! When I first came back and found Oud Square, I was mesmerized—so much so, that I could hardly focus on my colleagues’ conversation; there was so much crowd watching to take in! Love that! Now we’ve also got the farmer’s market—not to mention block festivals—so the people-watching opportunities have, thankfully, increased!
What is something you wish the DQ had, but currently doesn’t?
I wish we had some local dance classes! Ah—and Arabic conversation classes, though maybe those exist and I haven’t found them yet?
Any tips for your DQ neighbors?
Take advantage of where we are…walk around and look. There’s so much to see!
