Desert Diaries

October 12, 2009

Word List

Filed under: 'Arabic, FYI, Life in Jeddah, Uncategorized — Tags: , , , — Desert Diaries @ 5:09 pm

Just thought I’d share a few words with you. The list consists of both Fushaa and ‘Aammiyyah. I am not a fan of ‘Arabic slang, however, not knowing it will make things a little difficult on you, especially if you are a new comer. Allaahu Aa’lam. I can’t tell you how many people started their conversation off with “ihna” and I was standing there with the “duh” look on my face trying to figure out what they were talking about. So….here you go.

Ashan – Li-anna: Because

Ihna – Nahnu: We

Badri – Mubakhkhir: Early

Baseet – Easy

*Baseet is used more than sahl.*

Bazoora – Katheer: A lot, many, etc.

Boofiyah – A strange little sandwich (egg, shrimp, falafel, etc.) often stuffed with french fries topped with cucumbers, mayo, ketchup and tomatoes.

Ta-akhkhir – Muta-akhkhir: Late

Hurmah – Imra-ah: Woman

Khalli – Leave

  • Ex: Khallihaa – Leave her/it alone.

*The locals use “seebi” just as much as “khalli.”

Dubb/Dubbah – Sameen/sameenah: Fat

*Dubb actually means “bear.” I cracked up when I first learned this one…lol.

Raahat – Dhahabat: She went

Shaatir/Shaatirah – Good boy/girl

Shantah – Haqeebah: Handbag

I am not an expert, so send corrections here and I’ll update the list, In Shaa Allaah.

Hijrah Humor: Undecided

Filed under: Hijrah Humor!, Peep a Pic, Photos, Uncategorized — Tags: — Desert Diaries @ 2:25 pm

I’ve ridden by this construction site many times over the past year. Undecided much? Lol.

Shall they go with the first blue one, or with the other blue one?

How about this one?

I like the blue one.

I can’t wait to see which one they choose in the end. Lol. My camera is so ready.

October 9, 2009

Before You Relocate – An Important FYI: Living Near Gas Stations

Filed under: FYI, Health, Uncategorized — Tags: — Desert Diaries @ 1:54 am

Find out all you can about where you’re going to live before you relocate!

Saudi Gazette – Residents near gas stations live with danger around the clock, said Najim Al-Sulami. “Nobody seems to worry about this deadly ghost that should not be allowed to haunt residential areas,” he said. “It is a serious threat to innocent people who have done nothing wrong except to be unfortunate enough to end up living near danger; a danger that should not have been there in the first place,” he added.

*Click the SG link to read the whole article.*

Markaz Raahah: General Cleaning Service

Filed under: FYI, Miscellaneous Services, Uncategorized — Tags: — Desert Diaries @ 1:51 am

This is an FYI, not an endorsement….

Markaz Raahah General Cleaning Service
(air conditioners included)
Tele: 659 2422
Jeddah

October 7, 2009

The Grrrrr Factor: Epson Stylus CX4300 Ink Jet Printer

Grrrrr!

Grrrrr!

The Epson Stylus CX4300 Ink Jet Laser Printer has been on sale for 73 SAR for quite some time now at Extra – over three years to be exact. Why is this multi-functional printer/scanner/copier selling at such a low rate and for so long?

I’ll tell you why….it’s outdated. And because of this you can not find black refill ink anywhere, believe me, I’ve tried. After scouring the city for months, I humbly gave up. Several salesmen at different stores informed me that this particular model is – and I quote - “finished.”

Besides the enticing, inexpensive price, what drew me to this machine? Well, the features are actually great and awesome creativity software is included in the package.

So, why the rant?

Here’s the kicker… Most printers that I’ve used in the past were set up to automatically switch from Black ink to Blue ink once it (the Black ink) runs out. You still have the ability to print and make use of your machine until you refill. Hey, business as usual right? Not so with the Epson Stylus CX4300! It will NOT print a thing until you refill that one little cartridge despite the fact that the other cartridges are full and ready to go. (Thumbs up Epson…nice way to guarantee ink cartridge sales and anger consumers at the same time.)

The icing on the cake….You can find Pink, Blue, and even Yellow ink for this model, however, the individual cartridges cost – get this – 10 SAR less than the actual printer itself! Does that make any sense? Am I wrong for such a rant? After ripping and running all over Jeddah to find Black ink, I realized that it would be cheaper to simply purchase a new printer. Grrrrr!

Yes, the world of technology is ever changing. Upgrades are always being made. So, how can non-techies like me and you make sure that we’re not about to purchase a product that is quickly going out of style? (And don’t hold you breath waiting for the salesman to tell you that you’re eyeing an outdated piece – most are all about the commi$$ion anyway and could care less that you are about to waste your hard earned money.) Their objective is to sell, sell, sell and get rid of all over-stock. So where does that leave us consumers? What are our options? Knowledge is our weapon. Before making a purchase, check web sites such as ConsumerReports.org which states: “A new series, Artisan, will replace the Stylus models.”

I guess that I have to get over it and purchase refill ink from an on-line store :)

Haneefah

Older Posts »

Blog at WordPress.com.