Ever hear of a “Saudi Haircut?”
Well, obviously. Selling gas for under a dollar a gallon, they’re probably running far, far in the red.
Heh. I’m pretty sure this isn’t what you’re talking about, but since I hadn’t heard the term before (my base speculation is that you’re talking about beheadings), I googled it–and found out that a Saudi governor has been rounding up men who flirt with women and forcing them to get a haircut. Um, gov, not exactly sure that punishment fits that crime.
Daniel
What, you’ve never heard of Samson?
Shades of The Mikado.
Ok, so there’s the flirtatious men getting their hair cut, yeah… but I suspect Paul meant something more along the lines of what carnivorousplant alluded to. Meaning, the haircut being a beheading.
Okay. So that might not be such a good idea, after all.
Hmm… any chance the CIA types do any State Dept. work while maintaining their cover?
Boy, are you in for a shock.
Heh! I have always heard complaints from my American friends here about the uselessness of the embassy when it comes to helping their fellow countrymen. European Embassies (the Italian and Spanish seemingly excluded for the reasons explained further below*) seem to be much, much better at it.
An example: To get a Dominican drivers license, which you must have if you are spending more than 15 days here, you need your embassy to give you a letter stating that your current license is valid in your home country. That, and some other documents, fast tracks your application, no tests required. The US embassy stopped issuing such letters.
*And here is the problem, as I understand it: There are too damn many of you. Everywhere. Some of you even are up to no good, so what the hell, they can afford losing a few. 
And the US embassy employing their military might to help a regular Joe out of a tight spot in TheMiddleOfNowhere only happens in movies. Sometimes being a citizen of a smaller country pays out.
Just for kicks, I converted the 6,600 riyals Paul mentioned that this could cost him earlier - that’s $1788.85 CAD or $1761.96 USD. Shee-yit. Fingers crossed for you here, too, Paul.
When I left Costa Rica in January, they accepted my payment in colones.
But I had the feeling, while in Costa Rica, that just about everyone around there preferred Dollars.
It’s not easy to get in, either. From this site:
I thought they did not issue tourist visas at all but I see that they do and there are tour operators who offer packages. But I am assuming that the itinerary is tightly controlled by the government.
What? as in an act of war?
As in the case of the Great Canadian Boatlift, during which every registered Canadian in Lebanon was evacuated in 2006.
Detaining a citizen of one’s country could be considered an act of war, under the “you mess with one of us, you mess with all of us!” clause.
Anyway, I suggest that Paul grab a couple of camels and head for Aqaba. Hey, it worked for T.E. Lawrence! Just bring water.
I guess I wasn’t clear enough. I was referring to many Americans I’ve known who have threatened “to call their embassy” for really minor inconveniences. I have no idea what they think the embassy will do.
Paul, I’m sorry you’re stuck! It’s terrible. I’m also sorry to hear that the US Embassy is less than useful. What’s the point of having an Embassy if it won’t help out citiznes?! :mad:
Let us know if there is anything we can do to help you through this Kafkaesque nightmare. I can’t wait for you to become PaulOutOfSaudi.
I presume they are busy sucking up to the Saudis about oil.
Funny story about an Indian trying to leave the kingdom: http://www.rediff.com/news/2006/may/31bsp.htm
You can always try to get arrested and deported as an illegal.
How about a very long hose?