When my family and I embarked on our journey from the bustling streets of London to the expansive sands of Riyadh, we were faced with a decision that seemed as daunting as the move itself: choosing the right home. Historically, expats have lived in compounds in Riyadh because it allows for Western lifestyles (think swimsuits by the pool rather than completely covered up, men and women mixing freely) and has top security (not so long ago Westerners were bombing and stabbing targets) and living in a stand-alone villa or apartment was reserved for the very confident. These days finding accommodation outside of compounds has become the norm as Saudi has opened up and become safer. It is so much cheaper and it is a different story than what I will tell here.
We rationalised that for our first year we would take the easy option, an identical British curriculum school and a Western compound within walking (ish) distance of each other... no brainer - we have children and we had heard that compound life is great for freedom and family. We weren't going to win any awards for being the most adventurous or saving the most money but we wanted to make it as soft a landing as we could for the kids.
Let me walk you through our story, a personal tale of finding our new home away from home.
Life before...
From London's Anonymity to Riyadh's Community
Living in London, a city of 13 million souls, we had mastered the art of the polite nod to neighbours - a skill honed over 20 years. Our London lifestyle was one of anonymity amidst a sea of faces, where interactions were polite yet distant with the majority but deep rewarding long-time friendships with a select few. So, the thought of moving into a Riyadh compound, where community life is more pronounced, initially sent shivers down my spine. Would we be able to adapt to this new way of living?
The Search Begins
Our compound hunt in Riyadh was akin to setting off on an expedition. It wasn't just about finding a place to live; it was about finding a community where we could thrive. Armed with a spreadsheet (because let's face it, when isn't a spreadsheet helpful?), we set about categorising, comparing, and crossing off options. It was a process that taught us more about what we wanted and, importantly, what we didn't. Our initial list was long – 20 compounds, each with its unique flavour. We encountered websites that seemed to have time-travelled from the 90s and sales teams that ranged from ghost-like to exceptionally helpful.
Mr SmithneeGreen has been out in Riyadh since May and urged me to come out before we committed full heartedly to family life in the new city. A real visceral experience - heat, dryness and mad driving. What was he talking about? I agreed and booked the flight and came out early July. And woah the heat! WOAH the crazy driving. But I liked the city. I could see us living here. Out of a list of 20 we only managed to see 3 and only 1 of the ones we had highlighted - it's that difficult to arrange compound viewings.
Having got on the waiting list for our chosen school, we planned to move the family over at the end of August... visiting in July gave us less than two months to find a home.
First impressions of Riyadh....
The Perfect Fit
After much deliberation, we chose a compound that struck a balance between our past and our future. It wasn't the newest, nor did it have the sheen of a flashy resort. What it had was a sense of quiet dignity – medium-sized, established, and unpretentious. It echoed the familiar feel of our old London neighbourhood but promised a new and exciting communal experience. It was in an area where we could go for a walk to the supermarket, there was a nearby park, and most importantly the compound had a school bus and daily buses to a different supermarket every day. Little did I realise that actually, most people don't walk in this city - we walk as much as we can; some people never leave the compound other than in a vehicle. Once a Londoner always a Londoner.
For me, an outgoing and gregarious soul, finding a space where I could meet like-minded individuals without feeling overwhelmed was crucial. I yearned for interactions that felt genuine and not like living in a real-life sitcom set – yes, 'The Truman Show' comes to mind (and if you haven't seen it, it's a must-watch).
Life after....
Three Key Lessons
Reflecting on our journey, three key lessons stand out:
Embrace the Community Spirit: A compound in Riyadh is more than just a residence; it's a community. It's where friendships are forged over shared experiences.
Find Your Comfort Zone: Choose a compound that aligns with your lifestyle and personality. For us, a medium-sized, quieter compound was our happy place.
Think Long-Term: Consider how the compound will fit into your daily life. Proximity to work, school bus services, and amenities – these factors shape your day-to-day living.
Our journey to find the right compound was an adventure in itself. It taught us to balance our preferences with the realities of life in Riyadh. And as we settled into our new home, we realised that this was more than just a move; it was a step into a new chapter of our lives, filled with unexpected joys and a sense of belonging in our new community.
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