KAUST recently joined the photo-sharing site Flickr and now has an extensive array of pictures from within the compound walls. It has some great pictures that will give you a feel for our community including academic/professional interests and also living at KAUST. >> Here is a list of all of the KAUST photo galleries on Flickr
Every year KAUST hosts a talent show for community members to show off their skills. This year, there were all sorts of talents – some musical performances, dancers, actors, and there was even a baton twirler! The winner this year, Brit Jenkins, blew away the crowd with her KAUST-themed original performance. She started with some classical vocals,… Read More »
Recently, KAUST President Jean-Lou Chameau invited community members to join a task force to help make recommendations towards improving our community. Specifically: The President’s Task Force is your opportunity to be part of shaping future community, arts and cultural programs, events and activities at KAUST. My hope is that we can build upon our success by… Read More »
A few days ago, I posted about being a non-working KAUST spouse. As I was information gathering for the post, I connected with my friend Patricia Ahicart-Vargas to ask her for feedback for my post. Her feedback was superb so I invited her to write a guest blog post describing a typical day for a stay-at-home… Read More »
One of my first impressions of KAUST was being totally insulted on my first day here. I got my ID card and in big bold letters at the top it said “DEPENDENT”. As someone who considers herself quite IN-dependent, this label made me feel like I’d been slighted. I soon realized there is a (somewhat)… Read More »
News of possibly the strongest storm ever to make landfall has been dominating the news for the last week or so. Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda smashed into the Philippines on November 7 causing widespread devastation. And this, just a few weeks after a major earthquake hit the same area. I have been deeply affected by the images… Read More »
Located in the heart of the KAUST compound is its magnificent and ornate mosque, the King Abdullah Grand Mosque. It’s a large and beautiful building which I pass by every day but I had never had the good fortune to see from the inside. Until the other day! A friend arranged a tour and I… Read More »
A few days ago, on July 11, a friend of ours proudly proclaimed “Happy Kaustiversary” to us. Kevin and I looked at one another and back at her with embarrassment – we had completely forgotten it was the second anniversary of our move to KAUST. I must admit, it is one awesome friend who… Read More »
When we moved to Saudi in 2011, one of the fundamental adjustments we needed to make was shifting the rhythm of the week. When we lived in the US and the UK, the weekend was always Saturday and Sunday. In Saudi however, the weekend is observed on Thursday and Friday. This constantly leads to confusion and even… Read More »
As the end of the school year closes, it’s a time of change at KAUST. Many people are departing this time of year and the classifieds listings are going mad with people selling household items. And, just as these people leave, their spots are filled by bright-eyed and enthusiastic new people. This is one… Read More »