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Papabear37:

Good luck on your assignment. I'm sure you are wise enough
to avoid any alcohol-fueled indiscretions while you are there. :-)

ELB:
Thanks for the little travelogue.

Some years ago, while living in Atlanta, GA, I had the opportunity
to go downtown and see an exhibit about KSA.

KSA was travelling around the US in a fleet of 18 wheelers that contained
a huge amount of material about their country. They were able to fill up
convention centers with dioramas and other materials about their country.

Most countries' federal govts exist to handle the usual things you expect:
National legislatures, military forces, passport office, education, etc.

But KSA sees it's main mission as: Protecting the holy places of Islam.
Since KSA contains the holiest places in Islam, the KSA rulers spend a large
amount of their time on hosting the hajj (sp?).

The hajj is the pilgrimage by Muslims to the holy places. Muslims from all
over the world are expected to complete the hajj at least once, if there is any
way at all that they can afford it.

The logistics of processing millions of visitors to KSA for the hajj are immense,
and the photographs of these people are awe-inspiring.

Unfortunately there are many instances of mass deaths due to stampedes,
structure failures, etc.

FYI. SIA.

Thanks for the kind words, Papabear and Surprised. I enjoyed my time in the KSA and tried to make the most of it.

Yes, KSA's self-perception as the guardian of Islam shapes a lot of things in the Kingdom. Some effects are interesting, some are not so nice. But this is a thread to wish Papabear Godspeed and safe return, so I'll save that for another thread some time.

Best wishes again PB.

ELB,
Thanks for the good wishes. I'll fill you in on how it is today in the KSA when I get back.
Vern