The heat today was extreme, possibly the highest it's been since our arrival. Although recorded at 45ºc, it was much more than that in direct sunlight. We could only walk in it for 20 minutes before having to take cover in the shade. After a rest from the heat back at the hotel, we headed off to the Kingdom Tower. This time we went up to the top of the tower and to the observation deck, the curved walkway that you can see in the photographs, so that we could watch the sun go down. The view was stunning, although the skies were very hazy and dusty, so the photos are not as clear as I would have liked. We stayed until darkness (just after 7pm) but agreed to return on a clearer day.

Friday 13th June
Well it was Friday 13th for me, as I was unwell and stayed in my hotel room all day. Tan ventured back into the old town for further exploration and lived to tell the tale, as well as bringing the car back unscathed!!  Have I mentioned Tan's driving before? No, then all I'll say is hold on tight ;-)

Saturday 14th June
Although still not feeling well, it was back to work for two more assessment interviews. Again we were first in and last out - this is becoming a regular occurrence now! The breaking news story that never was, happened in our office building when we almost managed to get into the lift with two Arab women who had their faces uncovered - unfortunately an Arab man was (intentionally?) blocking our path and we never made it. Geez, that was close!!

After a trip to the Carrefour hypermarket it was back to the hotel for dinner, alfresco style by the side of the hotel pool. Very pleasant it was too, as they had portable air conditioners on the go (remember, this is outside!) and those mist sprayers that spray fine water droplets above your head to help you keep cool. Not seen those since I was in Palm Springs.

Sunday 15th
Four assessment interviews were scheduled for today, but things don't always go to plan with customers so we only ended doing two of them. The winds had returned today and so outside dining by the pool was not available. The affect of the winds was extremely poor air quality, with the dust and sand clearly visible in the air and even the locals taking measures against it with the petrol pump attendants all wearing face masks. (By the way drivers don't fill up their cars, the attendants 'recruited from other countries' do it for you).

Monday 16th - Wednesday 18th
The next few days followed the same as Sunday. The high winds and dust/sand storms continued, so the less time spent outside the better, so our schedule looks like this for Sunday through Wednesday:
1. 08:00 Meet up with Tan in the hotel foyer and get a taxi
2. 08:10 After getting past two sets of security we arrive in our office
3. 18:00 Anytime between 17:30 - 18:15 leave work and get a taxi back to the hotel (we usually walk back to the hotel but current weather conditions mean this is not advisable)
4. 19:00 Meet up with Tan for a buffet dinner in the hotel restaurant
5. 20:00 Return back to our rooms for the rest of the evening
Repeat these steps until the weekend comes around!!

The glamorous life of a consultant in Riyadh, eh? Remember, there are no bars, pubs, cinemas, etc. in the very strict Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Although saying that..... our hotel is on the doorstep of the Riyadh equivalent of Tottenham Court Road. All around us we are surrounded by high tech stores selling anything and everything to do with PCs, laptops, servers, networks (heaven for me I know!) but outside on the pavement are these street vendors selling counterfeit copies of DVDs, software, perfume, sunglasses, etc. All in view of the security forces permanently stationed in their two jeeps outside the hotel (by the way, did I mention the concrete barriers outside the hotel entrance to prevent terrorist activities...don't worry mum, I'm ok really!). Anyway, I won't say that I've bought any counterfeit goods, but at 10 Riyals each - approx £1.43 - some of them look a good bargain ;-) Indeed, after a spot of haggling you could potentially get 7 for 50 Riyals which works out at £1.02 each. Anyway, all that's hypothetical if you don't buy any (cough, splutter...).