Before I came to the Middle East my opinion of the place was not all that flattering. To be perfectly honest I thought it was full of strife, violence, and fanatics.
I guess the media on both sides of the fence wants to portray their side of the fence as better, nicer, friendlier.
I actually think it is all a sophisticated version of fear of the unknown.
Anyway, when I moved over 6 years ago the truth was far from my preconceptions.
I learned that the best way to understand a region and its peoples and cultures is to visit or, at the very least, talk to people who have visited or lived there.
The media focuses on shock and awe. Why show the life of the " average Joe" or "average Abdullah" when you can show bullets flying around? Prety sad actually.
I am gladdened to see the Saudi authorities making giant efforts to increase tourism in the Kingdom. Their efforts will pay off handsomely for the Kingdom as well as the visitors.
Come to the Middle East. Come to Saudi. The other side of the fence is fascinating, safe, and provides an insight into a lifestyle a lot of us would otherwise never have to opportunity to experience.
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