Saudis in the USA

An experience was shared with me about 6 Saudi Air Force OIIicers who traveled
to the United States in the late 1970`s where among other things they were to receive
some English language training. None oI the six oIIicers had traveled to the USA
beIore. Their only perceptions and images oI the USA were what they saw in the news
or via American movies. Considering the 1970`s had some radical times with images oI
Woodstock, Iree love, sex and drugs, these traditional Saudis were a little apprehensive
about traveling to this unknown destination.

On arrival and aIter clearing customs, they Iound this guy who appeared to be in
his mid-twenties with an earring and long hair tied back in a ponytail Iollowing them and
attempting to speak to them. They were convinced that anyone who looked like that
must be a drug dealer and that these Ioreigners were his earmarked target. As a group,
they decided to simply ignore the man. However the man was persistent to get their
attention. The group oI Saudis convened in Arabic about what should they do with this
pesky and suspicious looking individual. They decided iI he made any attempt to touch
them, they would jump him. They continued to ignore the man who, shaking his head,
hurriedly walked away.

Now the Saudis Ielt relieI on being on their own but at the same time they were
not sure who was to meet them and take them to the Iacility where they were to receive
their training. They collected their bags and proceeded to the airport exit. Wouldn`t you
know it, right outside the exit was again the suspicious looking man. But at least this
time he was beside a bus and pointing to the logo on the side oI the small bus. Yes; it
was the name oI the institute.

While the Saudis were still not sure about the character oI this suspicious looking
American they recognized the institute name and logo so they did get into the bus
willingly. The American smiled and made every attempt to put the group oI Saudis at
ease but it was diIIicult given the language barriers. So the Saudis sat in the back oI the
bus and sat and sat as the driver drove and drove. The trip to the Iacility seemed to be
taking a long time and the Saudis talked among themselves wondering just how Iar it
was to reach the Iacility. Were they right in placing trust in this unknown American?

AIter another consultation it was decided among the group oI Saudis that the one
Saudi who had a Iew words oI English would try and determine how much Iarther they
needed to travel beIore arriving at their destination. This Saudi made his way up to
beside the driver, shyly saying 'hello in his heavily accented English. The driver`s Iace
lit up in a big wide smile and readily responded back 'HI!

The Saudi allowed a shy smile to cross his Iace and in his broken English asked
'How many meals? The driver looked at him with curiosity then responded while
holding up three Iingers, 'three breakIast, lunch and dinner.

The Saudi sheepishly said thank you and made his way back to his seat where his
colleagues greeted him with laughter as they realized he was not successIul with his
limited English. Shortly thereaIter the Saudis arrived at their destination where a
translator was present and they were then properly introduced to the amiable driver who
had only wanted them to Ieel welcomed. All oI the Saudis did indeed learn very good
English aIter that and each oI them take relish in recounting this initial experience to
America in the 1970`s.